Chiropractic for back pain and posture problems

How does it work?
A chiropractor takes a detailed medical history, asks questions about lifestyle, observes your posture and gain and may carry out standard diagnostic tests, especially X-rays. Expect to undress to your underwear to be physically examined, though you can ask for a gown.

You are likely to be manoeuvred into various positions while the practitioner examines the functioning of your spinal column, joints and muscles. Treatment of stiff or ‘locked’ joints usually takes place at the second consultation on a specially adjustable chiropractic couch. Using precise, controlled techniques known as ‘adjustments’, the practitioner begins by moving joints as far as they will go (mobilisation), then gives a rapid, measured thrust to take it slightly further.

There may be an audible but painless ‘click’ in the joint when it is mobilised, which is caused by the collapse of a tiny gas bubble created by the change in pressure when the joint is suddenly stretched. It may sounds unpleasant but it doesn’t hurt.

What is it good for?
A substantial amount of scientific research now exists to show that chiropractic is an efficient and cost-effective treatment for acute lower back pain. The results of trials published in the British Medical Journal in 1990 and 1995 showed patients with lower back pain improved better with chiropractic than with hospital outpatient care, and it is now widely available on the NHS.

Chiropractic is also used to treat spine and neck disorders; muscle, joint and postural problems; sports injuries and repetitive strain injury; sciatica; headaches and migraine; digestive disorders; tinnitus; vertigo; menstrual pain; and asthma.