Are Chiropractors Safe?

Whether you are dealing with ongoing back pain, a sports related injury, regular headaches, a trapped nerve or a slipped disc, many more of us are turning to chiropractors for pain relief. With a rise in the number of people learning about the benefits of chiropractic treatment or being recommended by a family member or friend, interest in the area is growing.

Although we know the potential results we can achieve from visiting a Chiropractor in Worthing, there are still some doubts at the back of our mind. Are chiropractors safe? Does chiropractic treatment hurt? We delve into some of the most common questions and debunk any myths you may have heard to help you make an informed decision.

Are chiropractors safe to visit?

Particularly for people who have never visited a chiropractor, ‘are chiropractors safe?’ is a commonly asked question from those who are on the fence. The clips we have seen in movies of people having their neck and back cracked from all sorts of angles are far from the reality of chiropractic treatment – and understandably are enough to make us think twice!

Many patients prefer to opt for chiropractic treatment as they can achieve fast results and pain relief without the need to undergo surgical procedures or resort to ongoing anti-inflammatory medication. With the use of pressure angulated at a specific joint of the back from a chiropractor’s hands or using specialised tools such as an activator, the treatment not invasive and holistic. To become a registered chiropractor, 4-5 years fulltime training is required before a chiropractor is able to work with patients, meaning that visiting a reputable clinic will mean you are in the best possible hands.

As with any medical treatment, there are certain risks entailed which you will be made aware of prior to beginning any procedures. There are certain medical conditions which we would not treat, this will be discussed during your initial consultation and examination. Some contraindications to treatment are risks including nerve compression, cauda equina, severe disc compression due to osteoarthritis, or stage 4 disc herniation .

Does chiropractic treatment hurt?

When we are living with ongoing pain, the thought of any sudden movements, walking, dressing and even  bending to put socks on can leave us worrying as it causes pain. When asking ‘does chiropractic treatment hurt?’, always bear in mind that chiropractors are fully trained registered professionals and would not carry out any treatments that pose a risk of further damage being made. They are there to provide pain relief and improve your mobility.

There should be little to no discomfort during your treatment, in fact, the relief you feel straight away should outweigh any small discomfort. You may experience popping sensation but this should not cause you any pain and your chiropractor will ensure you are comfortable throughout. Following your appointment, you may experience some mild aching which can be compared to the soreness you feel following any intense exercise; this is nothing to worry about and should not impact your day to day activities.

How does chiropractic treatment work?

Now we know that the answer to ‘are chiropractors safe?’ is yes, what are the next steps? With so many types of treatment out there, knowing where to turn to achieve the best results for your condition can feel overwhelming.

Here at Richmond Clinic, we pride ourselves on offering tailored treatment plans to improve the quality of life for a range of chronic pain conditions and sports injuries to help our patients get back to normal in no time. With our youngest patient being 3 weeks old and our oldest coming up to 100, there truly is an approach for everyone! When you first get in touch with us, we will book you in for an initial consultation and examination which is an opportunity for us to get to know your needs, diagnose the source of your pain and recommend a treatment plan based on this.

As well as helping manage or conquer your pain, you will notice a whole range of other benefits following your chiropractic treatment. From increased mobility and higher energy levels to an improved posture and more comfortable sleep, it is no exaggeration to say that effective treatment can be truly life changing. If you would like to get any of your questions answered or speak to a professional to gain some advice on whether chiropractic treatment is the best approach for you, we’re here to help. Please contact us today to have a chat with a member of our team or request an appointment to have a more in depth chat about your individual condition, how long you have had this, what treatments you have tried and discuss your symptoms and possible treatment care for your needs.