Feel better… move more… live a healthier life. How does that sound to you?
If you’re suffering in silence, these could be just a few of the welcome side effects of seeking some expert advice and treatment from a qualified chiropractor.
What’s more, a positive move in the right direction for you could also mean that you reduce the burden on a creaking NHS system. But you don’t need to take my word for it…
Chiropractic Awareness Week took place in April and the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) unveiled a UK-wide survey of 5,000 people to understand the impact NHS waiting lists are having on musculoskeletal (MSK) health – like the back and neck pain you see us for!
Data from this research shows that more than half (56%) of British people are put off seeing their GP because of NHS waiting lists. Well, at Cleve Chiropractic we are proud to provide face-to-face care in a way that is convenient for you.
According to the NHS, more than 20 million people in the UK have an MSK condition such, as arthritis or back pain. They account for up to 30% of GP consultations in England and we see these patients in our clinic each day with great outcomes.
My colleague Catherine Quinn is president of the BCA and I’m the vice-president – we want to show the positive impact chiropractic has on patients and the whole healthcare system, by supporting those facing long NHS waiting lists. We want to give people more choice, quicker appointments and treatment options to help manage pain and discomfort.
The research, conducted with OnePoll and the BCA, showed that 48% of British people are using over-the- counter (OTC) medication to treat their MSK issues. Whilst these remedies have a place in helping patients to resume physical activity, they are best used in the short term. They can have side effects and do little to address the potential functional issues which have led to the MSK condition.
To support our colleagues in the NHS, chiropractors can provide an alternative solution for those suffering with MSK conditions. We offer a wide-ranging package of care which is patient-centred and supported by solid evidence – with some great reported outcomes. More people are turning to chiropractors to manage poor mobility, pain and wider health concerns arising from MSK issues before they worsen.
Yes, chiropractors are an important part of UK healthcare, supporting the NHS as part of an integrated system. By giving patients proactive options and choice, we are well placed to help relieve the strain on the NHS. As BCA members, we are championing greater patient choice, improving their overall experience and helping them avoid MSK issues developing into chronic conditions due to a lack of physical activity – and further impacting our health services in the future.
To find out more about the chiropractic care and treatment we can offer, head over to our social media channels (@CleveChiro) or our website where you can also read all about our talented Physiotherapists, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitators, Acupuncturist and Nutritionist!
Chiropractic treatment often prompts questions and there are many common misconceptions. BCA members use a patient-centred, evidence-informed approach. An important part of care is making sure patients understand what chiropractic is and addressing any misconceptions head on.
So let’s talk about some of the most common myths we encounter:
Myth: Chiropractors are massage therapists with a different name.
Truth: Chiropractors are extensively trained to diagnose, treat, manage and prevent disorders of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and muscles), as well as the effects this can have on the nervous system and general health. Qualified individuals in this industry are working as fully regulated healthcare professionals with at least four years’, degree-level training.
Myth: Painkillers will speed up your recovery.
Truth: Most MSK pain is mechanical in nature so, even though painkillers can help to reduce pain in the short term, some sort of hands-on treatment, movement, or exercise is more likely to successfully manage the problem for longer. We recommend more conservative therapies, such as using a heat pack, manual therapy (massage, spinal manipulation, or acupuncture), gentle home stretching, short walks within your pain tolerance – activities that help you to relax and reduce pain, allowing you to return to higher levels of exercise.
Myth: Chiropractic is just about cracking backs.
Truth: The crack or popping sound that is produced from a spinal manipulation comes from a change of pressure occurring within joints and is generated by something called a cavitation. In the UK, chiropractic is a regulated profession and we give patients a wide range of treatment and care options – spinal adjustment being just one. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach and every patient’s needs are treated individually. This is reflected in their plan of care – many patients will never hear a crack or popping sounds.
So, if you are unsure whether you could feel better, move more, and live a healthier life by seeing one of the team then give us a call – let’s start the conversation.
Photo by julien Tromeur on Unsplash
