Limerick Chiropractic Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find answers to some common questions patients have about chiropractic care. If you require any further information do not hesitate to contact us on 061-327716

Is chiropractic safe?

Yes, chiropractic treatment has been proven to be remarkably safe, much safer than taking painkillers or many other treatments for your problem. Chiropractic is a holistic, non-invasive approach to health. No surgery or drugs are involved, Chiropractic is the worlds third largest health care profession after medicine and dentistry and over the past 100 years millions of people have found help from chiropractic care, even after surgery. Your chiropractor will explain possible risks of treatment and discuss any concerns you may have prior to commencing with treatment.

Does it hurt?

No, chiropractic treatment is not painful, when performed by a qualified professional. If acute muscle spasm is present over the area to be treated, you may feel some short-term discomfort. If your problem has been untreated for a long time, you may experience some post-treatment soreness. This will soon pass as your body begins to adjust. Your chiropractor will be able to tell you if this is likely to happen and how to minimise any discomfort.

What happens at your first visit?

Your first visit starts with a consultation. The doctor will spend time discussing your past medical history with you, including questions about accidents, illnesses and family medical history. This information, together with physical examination, will help the doctor to arrive at a correct diagnosis for you and your condition. Initial consultation is followed by a thorough physical examination concentrating on the joints, nerves and muscles of your body. In most cases you will need to remove outer clothing for the duration of physical examination (an examination gown will be provided for you to wear). In some cases it may also be necessary to contact your GP. After reviewing all the information the chiropractor will explain everything to you in detail: what is the cause of your symptoms, what can be done about it, how long will it take, how much treatment is required and how much will it cost. A treatment plan will be tailored to suit your specific needs and any questions or concerns you may have will be answered.

How long does it take?

Usually, initial consultation takes about 45 mins. Subsequent treatment sessions thereafter take about 15 minutes. Times may vary according to your individual needs. Because only those areas of your body that need treatment will be treated, you may find that on one visit you only receive one adjustment and on another visit you receive several and, if required, soft tissue treatment may also given.

How soon will I feel better?

This will depend on the individual problem, how long you've had it, how bad it is and how many areas and tissues are affected. Whilst every patient reacts differently, your chiropractor will be able to advise you on your likely recovery time. In most cases you will feel a definite change for the better early on in your treatment plan. Most patients do express feeling "better" or "lighter" after just one or two treatments, but in general, the longer you've had it, the longer it will take to get it sorted. Your commitment to the recommended treatment plan, home exercises and any diet or lifestyle adjustments will also determine your treatment outcome and your long term benefits from chiropractic care.

How often do I need to go?

The number of treatments you require depends on several factors: Your specific health problem, how long you've had it, how severe it is, how many areas and tissues are affected. Your individual treatment needs will be determined during your initial consultation. Many patients opt for maintenance care once they feel better. Again, the frequency of your maintenance visits will depend on several factors, but most patients come back once a month to once every few months. However long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

Will I be given drugs or injections?

No, with chiropractic treatment no drugs or surgery is involved. Chiropractic care employs a holistic, natural approach to health. Chiropractic works by identifying the underlying cause of the problem and correcting it, rather than just masking it with painkillers. Chiropractors use their hands to manipulate the joints of your body. Instead of putting something in or taking something out of the body, the inborn power of the body to heal itself is restored. Painkillers may make you feel less pain, but they do not address the cause of the problem, and can have serious side effects. One of the first aims of chiropractic pain management is for the patient to be able to function normally without pain and without painkillers.

How about painkillers?

Today's lifestyle calls for an "instant fix" for every health problem. Too often we say we have no time to be ill or that we can't let an ache stop us. It's time to put your priorities right! Painkillers may help you feel less pain, but they do not address the underlying cause of the pain. If they did, they would probably be called "problemsolvers" rather than "painkillers". In fact, excessive use of painkillers for common ailments, such as headaches, can actually make your headaches worse. Painkillers may also have serious side effects -chiropractic is a much safer way of managing your pain and overall health! Furthermore, if you continue to ignore the cause of your pain, irreversible premature degenerative changes may result. Chiropractic care is aimed at resolving the underlying cause of the pain and then keeping you in better health.

How is my chiropractor trained?

Chiropractors are very well trained professionals. On average five years full time university degree studies are required at an internationally recognised institution. The studies include anatomy, neurology, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, behavioural sciences, diagnosis and manipulative skills to mention but a few. Today chiropractors are the world's most qualified and skilled professionals in manipulative therapy.

What is the cost and is it covered by VHI and BUPA?

Here at our clinics your first visit will cost €50. This includes your initial consultation with the doctor, thorough physical examination, and a treatment. Subsequent treatment sessions cost €40 (All prices subject to change without prior notice). Your treatment plan and the cost will be explained to you before you start treatment and it is always up to you, how long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care. Many health insurance companies pay for chiropractic treatment. The policies between different companies and organizations may vary, so always check with your insurer.

Isn't good diet and exercise enough?

No, a good diet and regular exercise are definitely good for you, but they usually can't correct an existing problem. A good diet is especially important when your body is undergoing the healing process. Ensure your body is getting all the vital nutrients by eating a healthy, balanced diet. Try to drink eight glasses of water a day. This will help all your body systems to function at their full potential and will also help flush out waste products released from tissues during the healing process. Exercise is equally important. Most people do not take any regular exercise. If you are not currently exercising, maybe now is a good time to start. Start very slowly and gently, doing little but often. If you feel pain -stop! If you are in any doubt, check with a qualified health care provider.

Is chiropractic suitable during pregnancy?

Yes, chiropractic treatment is suitable and safe throughout the pregnancy, during labour and after giving birth. Chiropractic care can help with common problems associated with pregnancy such as pain in the back, pelvis and rib cage, and it can make labour easier through the balancing effect it has on the joints and ligaments.

Can babies and children be treated?

Yes, people of all ages can benefit from chiropractic care, although treatment techniques of the newborn obviously differ dramatically from those of adults. It is a good idea to have babies checked soon after birth. Any spinal or joint problems can then be dealt with early on before they cause further health problems. Chiropractors have also treated babies and children successfully for problems such as colic, feeding problems, sleep and feeding problems, hyperactivity, bedwetting, asthma and breathing difficulties. Talk to your chiropractor to find out more.

Is Chiropractic suitable after surgery?

Yes, chiropractic treatment is suitable after surgery in most cases. Your chiropractor will be able to advise according to your specific case. Post-surgical chiropractic treatment is aimed at balancing the weight bearing of the joints in order to minimise early degeneration of the areas adjacent to the site of the surgery. Many patients who find they suffer with pain after surgery have found help from chiropractic. Furthermore many patients have avoided unnecessary surgery and are enjoying life pain-free, thanks to chiropractic care. Talk to your chiropractor to find out more.

Can sport performance be improved?

Yes, chiropractic works by improving the mechanics of joints, muscles and ligaments as well as normalising the integrity of the nervous system. When the nerves are functioning without interference the body's functional potential is maximised. Many patients have found significant improvement in their sports performance through chiropractic. If you've had a sports injury, your chiropractor can help you recover quicker, with less pain and with minimal resultant dysfunction. More importantly a trained chiropractor can uncover underlying dysfunction, and by correcting it, stop your problem from recurring. Many sportsmen simply wish to maintain their good health and prevent any future problems with regular chiropractic treatments.

Can I hear the adjustment being made?

During chiropractic treatment you may experience clicking or popping sound coming from the joints. In the lower back, you may not be able to hear them, but you may be able to feel them. If you are having your neck treated, the clicking may sound much louder, simply because the area being treated is closer to the ears and the sound travels along the bones. The sound itself is insignificant. It is caused by the interaction of fluid and gas within the joint space and is not dissimilar to the sound of clicking ones knuckles.