This is not true. When seeking care from a chiropractor, we will perform an assessment including a medical history and physical examination to determine the cause of the pain or discomfort. From these observations, a diagnosis will be made and the treatment plan developed with the patient, taking into account their needs and goals.

The treatment plan will recommend a number of initial visits to see if the patient responds to care and scheduled re-evaluations. Depending on the patient and the condition, the recommended course of care may vary. Ultimately, the decision to continue care is yours.

As a patient, if you have questions or concerns about the treatments being offered/undertaken, you should feel comfortable to ask the chiropractor for more information on the recommendations made and address any concerns.

Chiropractors are regulated by the General Chiropractic Council in the United Kingdom, and are designated to use the title “doctor” similar to physicians, optometrists and dentists after completing the extensive Doctor of Chiropractic degree program.

Professions who are recognised to use the title “doctor” have had extensive training in their area of expertise that allows them to be to provide a diagnosis (diagnosticians).

Chiropractors are musculoskeletal experts and are trained in assessing, diagnosing, treating and preventing biomechanical disorders that originate from the muscular, skeletal and nervous system.

In addition to the evidence that supports chiropractic care in managing musculoskeletal complaints of the spine, there is also evidence that it supports chiropractic management of the extremities, including headaches and limited mobility complaints. Chiropractors are also able to provide lifestyle counselling about nutrition, fitness and ergonomics among others that may be useful in managing or preventing a variety of health conditions. The health of your musculoskeletal system doesn’t just start with a healthy spine, you need to be fully aware of your health to maintain a well-rounded healthy lifestyle.

In general, adjustments or joint manipulations do not hurt. In fact, many patients report immediate pain relief. Patients may be nervous about the ‘cracking’ or popping sound that may occur during an adjustment. The sound is believed to result from the release of gas bubbles from the joint – similar to cracking your knuckles!

Asking questions about your health and treatment options is very important. You are a partner in your care and your participation is critical to helping us provide the best care to meet your goal.

In all fairness, it’s hard to think that chiropractic care is actually good for your bones when you see videos of chiropractic adjustments that result in loud pops and cracks. But any noises you do hear in a chiropractic adjustment are actually just the sounds of gas and fluid moving through your joints while you are stretched, like when you pop your knuckles.

Many chiropractors even avoid the specific movements that make loud cracks and pops, and opt for gentler stretches and movements that don’t emit any noises.

A self-adjustment may appear to work due to the short period of relief, but it is actually just a false sense of treatment that has not fixed the underlying problem. In some cases, it may lead to an arthritic condition.