A Helping Hand – Chiropractic & Acupuncture

A Helping Hand

By Philip Petts – Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Chiropractors primarily treat musculo skeletal conditions such as low back pain, sciatica, neck pain and sports injuries. The word chiropractic is derived from Greek and means ‘to perform with the hands’. This is because the most important component in a chiropractor’s treatment is the manual treatment of the joints and muscles of the body. Poor, inadequate or incorrect spinal function can cause irritation of the muscles that control our posture and movement, which can lead to discomfort and pain. Irritation of the nerve in one area can lead to pain (known as ‘referred pain’) in other parts of the body; these symptoms may include headache, chest or abdominal pain or pain in any of the joints or limbs.

At your first consultation your chiropractor will take a full case history and you will be given standard orthopaedic and neurological tests. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose the cause of your symptoms and treat them using manipulation, soft tissue therapy and other modalities such as ultrasound. The chiropractor manipulates the joint a little further than the patient would be able to do on their own, thereby normalising the function of the joints and muscles to ease, or remove pain. Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or use surgical procedures so if there were an underlying condition for which other treatment would be appropriate, the chiropractor will refer you to your GP or other specialist.

 

An essential part of chiropractic treatment is to teach patients how to take care of their own body. Once the problem has been relieved, it is important to prevent similar problems arising in the future and your chiropractor can help you by offering lifestyle advice and a programme of exercises to be done at home. Chiropractic treatment is suitable for everyone from pregnant women and babies to sports enthusiasts and the elderly. As of June 2001 the term ‘chiropractor’ is protected by law and anyone referring to him or herself as a chiropractor must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment, which can relieve symptoms of some physical and psychological conditions and may encourage the patient’s body to heal and repair itself, if it is able to do so. It stimulates the nerves in skin and muscle and can produce a variety of effects. The British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) states that acupuncture increases the body’s release of natural painkillers – endorphin and serotonin – in the pain pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain and that this modifies the way pain signals are received. However, it may also do more than reduce pain; it can have a beneficial effect on health and patients often notice an improved sense of well being after treatment.

Modern research shows that acupuncture may potentially affect most of the body’s systems – the nervous system, muscle tone, hormone outputs, circulation, antibody production and allergic responses, as well as the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Before commencing treatment, the practitioner should carry out all necessary tests, which might point to any serious or potentially serious condition that may require other forms of medical treatment. The practitioner will assess each patient’s case and treatment will be tailored to the individual, therefore it is impossible to give more than a general idea of what might be involved. Typically fine needles are inserted through the skin and left in position briefly, sometimes with manual or electrical stimulation; the number of needles varies but may be only two or three.

Acupuncture-like techniques have been used for over 5,000 years; a comprehensive system was developed initially in the Far East and first introduced into Europe during the 17th C. Over the past few years, acupuncture has become increasingly popular.

According to the BMAS, very large claims have been made for acupuncture in the past. However, not all of them can be substantiated and the BMAS are concerned that such claims may alienate many people – doctors among them – who might otherwise be sympathetic to the view that acupuncture can, in selected cases, be an effective method of treatment.

At the moment, anybody in the UK is allowed to call him or herself an acupuncturist and can practice acupuncture regardless of qualifications or experience. Acupuncture is a potent therapy and the BMAS recommends that patients check the credentials of their practitioner, as acupuncture should only be used by trained practitioners who can adequately assess the risks and benefits of applying the therapy. BMAS members are subject to a Code of Practice and Complaints Procedure in addition to meeting the requirements of the statutory regulatory body for their profession.

Philip Petts DC, MBCA, SRC, SRMLSO, FIMLS has 18 years post-graduation clinical experience and is one of the few chiropractors in the country to be employed by the NHS (NHS by GP referral only). He has clinics in Ashford and Charing, Kent for private consultations. He is a registered chiropractor with the General Chiropractic Council and a registered acupuncturist with the British Medical Acupuncture Society.

For more information on private consultations potential patients are welcome to call Philip on 07973 560681 or visit his website www.ashfordchiropracticcentre.co.uk.