n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Feel better… move more… live a healthier life.

How does that sound to you?

IF you’re suffering in silence from back and neck pain, seeking some expert advice and treatment from a qualified chiropractor might not just be a positive move for you - it could also reduce the burden on a creaking NHS system.

During the recent Chiropractic Awareness Week, the British Chiropractic Association unveiled a UK-wide survey of 5,000 people to understand the impact NHS waiting lists are having on musculoskeletal (MSK) health.

The research found more than half of people are put off seeing their GP because of waiting lists. According to the NHS, more than 20 million people in the UK have an MSK condition like arthritis or back pain, accounting for up to

30% of GP consultations.

At Cleve Chiropractic we see these patients in our clinic each day, with great outcomes, and are proud to support those facing long NHS waiting lists.

We want to give people more choice, quicker appointments and treatment options to help manage pain and discomfort, providing face-to-face care in a way that is convenient.

The research also found 48% of British people are using overthe-counter medication to treat MSK issues. Whilst painkillers have a place, they are best used in the short term, can have side effects and do little to address issues which have led to the condition.

Chiropractors can provide an alternative solution: a wideranging package of patientcentred care, 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 into chronic conditions and further impact our health services in the future.

There are many misconceptions and myths about chiropractic treatment - let’s talk about some of the most common:

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 are 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, 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 stretching and short walks to 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 produced from a spinal manipulation comes from a change of pressure occurring within joints. 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 – many will never hear a single popping sound!

If you think 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.