CHIROPRACTIC Chiropractors specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the joints, muscles and soft tissues, particularly those of the spine and their effect on the nervous system. The chiropractor is a specialist clinician. Five years of training mean highly developed diagnostic skills, and as a professional consultant he/she can determine whether manipulation is appropriate for the condition, or whether the patient should be referred for other types of treatment. HOW DO CHIROPRACTORS TREAT? Chiropractic manipulation is also known as an adjustment, and is a highly skilled technique which is aimed at gently unlocking stiff joints. Usually you will also receive some soft tissue work, normally in the form of massage, to relax tight musculature and to speed up healing in tendons and ligaments. You will also be given specific advice on exercise, changes in posture, seating and work practices, to speed up your recovery and to minimise the risk of a recurring condition. HOW EFFECTIVE IS CHIROPRACTIC? Research carried out by the British Medical Research Council and Published in the British Medical Journal in 1990 and 1995, showed that back pain patients who received chiropractic treatment had improved significantly more than those given hospital out-patient care. Official government guidelines as well as guidelines from the Royal College of General Practitioners suggest that early referral for manipulative treatment, such as chiropractic, is the most effective way of dealing with back pain. Next page