Typically, your first chiropractic session will involve an assessment of general health and medical history, and a physical examination.
The treatment that follows commonly involves hands-on manipulation techniques, which focus on the spine.
You may also be given other treatments, and advice on exercise, diet and lifestyle (see below for more).
Sessions typically last between 15 and 30 minutes.
You can learn more by reading the GCC leaflet 'What can I expect when I see a chiropractor?
The length of a course of treatment will depend on the type and severity of symptoms. In the case of persistent lower back pain, NICE recommends that treatment should include up to nine sessions over the course of 12 weeks.
Initial assessment
As part of this assessment, a chiropractor should:
- ask about your symptoms
- ask about your general state of health and previous health conditions
- carry out a physical examination that may involve an examination of your spine and posture, and where relevant an attempt to find the source of your discomfort or pain
They may also take X-rays of your spine.
If your chiropractor discovers or suspects that you have a serious health condition, they should advise you to see your GP. You should not use a visit to a chiropractor as a substitute for a visit to a GP.
Once this assessment has been carried out, you should be given a care plan. This describes the chiropractor’s diagnosis about the cause of your symptoms and outlines the suggested treatment.
Initial assessments typically last between 45 and 60 minutes.
Treatments
Your chiropractor will advise you on treatments intended to address your health condition, and help you to manage or avoid it in the future.
This may involve manipulation of your muscles, bones and joints, often in the spine. This kind of treatment is sometimes called “manual treatment”.
It may also involve massage or manipulation of soft tissue. And it may also involve advice on diet, exercise and lifesty,e, and a rehabilitation programme for you to follow in your own time.
Spinal manipulation
The main technique used in chiropractic is spinal manipulation. The chiropractor uses their hands to apply force to the muscles, bones and joints in and around your spine.
During the session, you will be asked to sit or lie down. You will usually be asked to remove upper body clothing so the chiropractor can access your spine. If you are asked to undress, you should be offered a gown.
Chiropractors use a wide range of manual techniques, including:
- short, sharp thrusts applied to the spine (intended to remove joint restrictions and improve the range of movement)
- gradually moving joints through a range of different positions (intended to reduce tension within a joint)
- pulling or stretching muscles in a certain direction (intended to strengthen the muscle and improve its range of movement)
Usually, chiropractic treatment is not painful. If the chiropractor is treating an injury that is painful or inflamed, there may be some minor pain or discomfort. If you experience any pain or significant discomfort while having chiropractic treatment, tell your chiropractor immediately.
During spinal manipulation, you may experience a popping sensation in your joints and hear a popping or cracking sound. It is thought this is caused by gas bubbles in the fluids that surround your joints. It is a normal part of spinal manipulation and other manual treatments.
Other elements of treatment
Chiropractors can offer additional treatments in addition to manual therapy.
These can include advice on exercise, diet and nutrition, intended to help improve, manage or avoid the recurrence of your health condition, and to improve general health
They can also include rehabilitation programmes in which you are taught exercises that are intended to help you recover from your health condition, and prevent it recurring.
Some chiropractors may also offer other complementary and alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
