Frequently asked questions.

What type of education do Avon chiropractors have?

Avon Chiropractic requires that all our chiropractors are registered with the General Chiropractic Council and are members of the British Chiropractic Association.
This means that they have achieved a minimum four-year full time first degree of over 4,500 college classroom hours of health sciences with special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques and related subjects.
Also, a chiropractor’s education never ends. Our chiropractors complete postgraduate instruction in the form of Continuous Professional Development to stay current on the latest research.

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Do I need a GP referral?


No. Chiropractic is a primary health care profession, which means you can get an appointment with your chiropractor simply by ringing them up.
The Royal College of General Practitioners has produced recommendations, which suggests referral of patients with acute or persistent low back pain to chiropractors for manipulation as a first port of call. As such, most GP's will be very happy to refer you to your chiropractor particularly if you need recommendation for insurance purposes. (More information is available on our Research page.)
If referred by your GP, your initial consultation fee will be reduced.

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Can I get chiropractic on the NHS?


Unfortunately not.

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Is chiropractic suitable for me? How can I find out?


Avon Chiropractic offers anybody who desires to find out whether a chiropractor will be able to help them a free consultation where they can discuss their condition with a chiropractor and obtain information.

Please do not hesitate to ring or e-mail any one of our clinics.

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What do I wear for treatment?


Patients are usually asked to undress to their underwear and given a gown to wear. For women, these gowns have a split down the back so that access to the spine is easy without having to remove the garment.

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Is McTimony Chiropractic different?


Yes. McTimony chiropractors have a distinct training, with an emphasis on a different technique. This technique is not used by the mainstream of the worldwide chiropractic profession. At the present time, McTimony Chiropractors are not eligible to join the British Chiropractic Association.

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What is the difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor?


Historically, both professions originated in America in the 1890s but diverged in their view as to how adjustments worked. However, as research grows, these differences are getting smaller.
Today osteopaths and chiropractors graduate with similar educational background. However, chiropractors are taught to take and read x-rays where as osteopaths are not.
There are also some differences in the approach of the two professions. Osteopaths focus usually more on muscular balance while chiropractors concentrate more on re-establishing the normal function of the nervous system.

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Will treatment hurt?


Manipulation, when carried out correctly by a qualified practitioner, is not painful. On the contrary, many patients feel instant relief immediately after their treatments and most look forward to their chiropractic treatments.
Obviously, if you have acute muscle spasm, when even the lightest touch hurts, there may be some discomfort.
Sometimes, if you have had a problem for some time, you may feel sore whilst your body starts to adjust. This usually settles down within twelve hours or so and your chiropractor will tell you if this is likely to happen.

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What is the popping noise of the adjustment?


When the two surfaces of a joint are moved apart rapidly, as happens in chiropractic adjustment, there is a change of pressure within the joint space. This may sometimes cause a bubble of gas to ‘pop’ – but this sound is not significant, and does not hurt.

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Is Chiropractic Care Safe?


Chiropractic spinal adjustments are extremely safe when performed by properly qualified chiropractors. It is the result of a conservative and natural approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs.
Chiropractic care is safer than back surgery and should be pursued in most cases before considering surgical intervention.
Your chiropractor is trained to recognise conditions which require referral elsewhere, and can treat you even after surgery.

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How often do I need to come for treatment?


Your recovery is dependent on many factors – the condition being treated, the length of time you have had it and your own commitment to any rehabilitation exercises which your chiropractor may recommend
However the average number of treatments for an uncomplicated condition will be 6 which is usually spread over 3-4 months. But every case is assessed individually, and it is important to keep your appointments. Discuss this with your chiropractor, who will explain your treatment programme to you.

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Will I have to continue to see a chiropractor for the rest of my life?


No! At Avon Chiropractic, we endeavour to treat your condition and the original underlying cause in the shortest time achievable.
However, just as it would be ludicrous to believe that visiting a dentist once per lifetime would ensure permanently healthy teeth and gums it's equally as silly to think that visiting a chiropractor a few times will ensure a lifelong healthy spine. Our spinal tissues undergo daily bombardment of stresses originating from bad postural habits, suboptimal work environments, psychological stress, and hectic lifestyles just to name a few.
For theses reasons, after the resolution of acute problems, some patients who have more chronic ailments are given the option to receive periodic spinal checkups (every three or four months) which act to minimize the likelihood of future recurrences or developments of new problems. This is only for a small percentage of our patient base.

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Am I Too Old For Chiropractic Care?


Regardless of your age, chiropractic care can help improve mobility and maintain vitality.
Arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments are often improved in many patients. Whatever your age and condition, your chiropractor will choose an adjusting technique for maximum safety, comfort and results.

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How much does it cost?


Avon Chiropractic offers anybody who desires to find out whether a chiropractor will be able to help them a free consultation where they can discuss their condition with a chiropractor and obtain information.

For a list of all our charges, please see our Fees page.

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