Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. Chiropractors are primary health care practitioners and you can make an appointment directly.
How long will I take to recover?
Recovery time is dependent on many factors. Factors may include length of time you have suffered from the condition, age and physical fitness, diet and lifestyle as well as details of any previous accidents and injuries. The sooner the condition is treated, the quicker it will respond to care.
How much does it cost?
The cost of each adjustment session/visit depends on the individual. We have discounts for students, children and concession card holders. When a series of adjustments is required, we offer a discount as well to make it more affordable.
If you yourself or the company is a member of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, we also offer a discount for those companies.
If you would like specific pricing and costs then please give our clinic a call on 0131 228 9099 and one of our chiropractic assistants will answer all your questions.
Are x-rays necessary?
Please refer to the section, 'why do chiropractors take X-Rays'
Are you recognised by insurance companies?
If your insurance company covers Chiropractic care then you will be able to use that at the Buchanan Clinic.
What's the difference between Chiropractic and osteopathy?
Training, skills, principles and philosophy vary between a chiropractor and an osteopath. Osteopaths are proficient in more general manipulative procedures, where as chiropractors receive extensive training in different areas, see "chiropractic training" for further details. Chiropractors focus their adjustments on specific areas of the spine and are also qualified to take, read and interpret X-Rays.
Can Chiropractic be used on babies and kids?
Absolutely yes! The Buchanan Clinic has numerous families that attend the practice who bring their babies and kids in to be adjusted.
For more information see the tab marked, "Kids Chiropractic"
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Yes extremely safe. There are very few reported cases of serious injury associated with Chiropractic care. Doctors of Chiropractic study and are taught thoroughly how to care for the spine safely. Chiropractors also undertake postgraduate courses, seminars and studies where they are kept up to date on the latest in safety research and practise. To put it into relative perspective, the chance of suffering a serious incident from a chiropractic adjustment is drastically less that taking an aspirin or an anti-inflammatory from the pharmacy.
Can you see a chiropractor if you have had back surgery?
Yes. Many people who have had various kinds of spinal surgery often discover a return to their same back problems months or years later. Patients can usually receive chiropractic care without undue worry. It is best to check with your chiropractor and he will advise you.
How often do I need to be adjusted?
While you are in pain and discomfort, you will be seen quite frequently, to eliminate your pain and stabilise your spine. Your doctor will then evaluate your progress and schedule any further appointments accordingly.
Who needs chiropractic care?
Babies & Children Spinal problems can often begin in infancy. The birth process itself can be very traumatic on a baby's spine, and if you consider what must happen if the delivery is breach or instruments like forceps are used, you begin to get an impression of why young people should be checked chiropractically. Research suggests that on average, children have two and a half thousand falls by the time they are five years old. The techniques chiropractors use to adjust children are highly modified and very unique to this age group. Babies and children are extremely safe to have chiropractic and they usually respond to chiropractic care quicker than adults.
The elderly: It's not age that would exclude you. Your chiropractor will examine you thoroughly before undertaking any care program to ensure you are safe to have chiropractic. This examination will determine if you have any age related condition that might preclude you from care. Indeed, older people with spine related conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, can often be helped by gentle and safe chiropractic care. It will usually give your energy levels a good boost too! Many patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the ageing process.
Athletes and Sports people: Most top athletes in the world these days, have chiropractic. In fact, the ones who make a lot of money take their personal chiropractors with them to keep them at their peak on and off the playing arena. Chiropractic helps athletes to be stronger, fitter, more co-ordinated, better balanced and faster at recovery. Ensuring your nervous system is functioning at its peak when you are training or competing, ensures your body has the maximum chance to perform exceptionally. Make sure you see us regularly for a spinal check-up and be your best!
What is a slipped disc?
Spinal discs do not physically 'slip'. They are anchored firmly to the bones above and below them. Discs can bulge and herniate through injury or the ongoing effects of osteoarthritis (degeneration). Spinal restrictions left unchecked, will contribute to this degeneration process.
Spinal misalignments can develop to the point where one day you may bend over, something 'gives way' or 'slips' in your back and you feel pain, locking and an inability to straighten properly. It feels like a slipped disc and this is why it gets its name. It is however locking of joints due to pinching of tissues, inflammation and muscle spasm.
How do you know if you have a pinched nerve?
You may have, but it's unlikely. A true pinched nerve at the spinal level is usually either extremely painful or very numbing. The most common pain people experience with nerve pinching in the lower back is 'sciatica' which is searing and burning pain in the thigh, calf or foot. Chiropractic can help with this.
How long will I need Chiropractic Care for?
This varies considerably from case to case. We will outline a recommended course of care with you once we have gained all the facts about your case. You must be happy with the program recommended before we commence your care. Long term, most of our patients make an educated and focused decision to continue regular maintenance chiropractic care to enjoy ongoing wellness and health. These patients decide to have chiropractic for life and it makes great sense. You too can have the life giving benefits of chiropractic for as long as you like. The choice is yours.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
No. Chiropractic techniques are always modified to suit the individual person and each chiropractor develops their own unique style and art of adjusting which they become highly skilled at.
How often will I have to visit the chiropractor?
The amount of damage to your spine and nervous system will determine the frequency of your visits. It may take longer to correct problems that have been present in the spine for many years.
How many adjustments will I need?
This will vary depending on the patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your spine stabilises.
