Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help you understand better what’s involved with Chiropractic and our Body in Balance clinic. If you can’t find the answer to your question, please phone us or use the form at the bottom of the page and we will answer your question directly.

Does treatment hurt?

Treatment is usually painless, and most patients look forward to and enjoy the experience (children often laugh!).

Sometimes though, especially after the first one or two treatments there may be a temporary reaction to treatment such as soreness similar to that felt after a work out, or tiredness (usually resulting in a good night’s sleep)

I saw on Trevor MacDonalds Tonight programme on TV that back problems can be cured by taking fillings out it was reported by Jonathan Maitland – is this true?

The TV programme showed the opinion of one practitioner regarding one specific patient. As a Chiropractor, I am trained to take a full history and carry out a through examination of a patient – following on from this I will share my findings and recommend a treatment programme.

Chiropractors may refer a patient for other tests or to other healthcare professionals. Each patient is different and the approach that an individual chiropractor may take in each case can vary, but has the aim of treating the problem through chiropractic treatment and then seeking to prevent re-occurrence in the future through individual exercise programmes, diet and lifestyle advice.

We describe this as a patient focused package of care. Along with my fellow chiropractors in the UK, I am regulated by the government appointed regulator, the General Chiropractic Council and abide by their strict codes of practice.

As a BCA member I have completed a minimum four-year full-time degree level education in chiropractic and am required by the regulator to demonstrate continuous learning and professional development each year.

How long will a visit to the Pain Relief Centre take?

Please click the following link to our “What to Expect” section on the Start Here page. You will find all the relevant details as well as an overview of the treatments and therapies we offer.

What does a chiropractor do?

A chiropractor checks your spine, and often your limbs, jaw and cranial bones, to see if you have any misalignment’s, stiffness or instability. When you have a misalignment, your spinal bones (vertebrae) create havoc with your nervous system and cerebro-spinal fluid flow.

This interference disturbs the neurological impulses flowing from your brain to your body and from your body back to your brain. Your brain then can no longer keep the body healthy.

As a result this can cause a negative effect on the body, a weakened immune system, arthritis and other diseases.

Do I need to contact my GP?

Only if you want to, or if you need a referral letter for private medical cover. We may, with your permission send a report to your GP to keep your medical records up to date.

Are Chiropractors ‘real’ doctors?

In the sense that doctor means ‘educator’ then yes, most chiropractors spend time educating their patients about health and well-being. Something medical doctors ironically rarely have time for.

In the legal sense, yes again, chiropractors can call themselves doctors as long as they make it clear they are not medical doctors.

Chiropractors are trained similar to medical doctors for the first two years, but then spend much more time on neurology, orthopedics, physical assessment, radiology and radiography.

Medical doctors spend this time learning about drugs, surgery and disease.

Is there any parking at the clinics?

At Body In Balance in Brookmans Park, you will find free parking right by the clinic.

How long will it take to get better?

As every body is unique this is very difficult to answer until you have been examined. It also depends on what you mean by ‘better’. Most people mean ‘how long before I’m out of pain?’ Pain can start to reduce right from the very first treatment or may take several sessions.

At Body In Balance our initial objective is to relieve the pain. Once we achieve this we work with you to help to “fix” the underlying problem and help you to get ‘better’ from a medical point of view.

A rough guide can be given though, as most people feel relief within 6-8 treatments over a few weeks, whereas to be healed to prevent reoccurrences would usually take a minimum of 3 months of care for simple cases in healthy, active people.

The longer you have had a problem, and the poorer your general condition and health, the longer it will take. The longer you leave a problem the more attention will be required to rectify it.

Can I have Chiropractic care after surgery?

Yes. Some techniques can be used directly after surgery to help speed up the healing process. If you had surgery for a specific problem and you still have pain – do not give up hope, chiropractic, and the correct exercise, has helped many people recover.

Can people with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?

Of course. When developing a care plan the unique circumstances of each patient are considered. There are many ways to adjust the spine.

The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition. Also, we can give you up to date advice on how to combat osteoporosis including what exercise to do, what foods and drinks to avoid that weaken your bones, and what supplements and foods may be of benefit.

How can chiropractic treatment benefit you?

Alleviates pain and discomfort. Helps you return to normal activity. Prevents recurrence. Promotes good health and well-being – please see articles in download section for more details.

What do chiropractors treat?

The primary goal for a chiropractor is to remove interference from your body’s own capacity to heal. So in a medical sense chiropractors treat nothing in particular, but can help in almost all health conditions.

For a list of the main problems seen by chiropractors please go to our Get Started page.

What is the difference between Chiropractic and Osteopathy?

Well to be honest there can be more similarities than differences. Both try to improve health by mainly working on your spine.

What differs are the techniques learned at college. Some chiropractic and osteopathic techniques are very gentle, and some can seem very rough.

Very often it is the practitioner themselves that are the difference, rather than the profession. On the whole though osteopathic treatment tends to take longer to perform.

A final difference is that chiropractors learn to take and interpret X-rays.

Find Us and Contact Us

Address

9 Bradmore Green
Brookmans Park
Hertfordshire AL9 7QW

Phone

Use the form below to contact Body In Balance