Chiropractic

About service/who does it

Chiropractors are trained to diagnose, treat, manage and prevent disorders of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and muscles), as well as the effects these disorders can have on the nervous system and general health. They have a specialist interest in neck and back pain, but when they assess patients, they take their entire physical, emotional and social wellbeing into account. Our Chiropractors at North Down Chiropractic and Physiotherapy are Luke Neal and Mark Mullan.

How it can help 

Chiropractors use a range of techniques to reduce pain, improve function and increase mobility, including hands-on manipulation of the spine. As well as manual treatment, chiropractors are able to offer a package of care which includes advice on self-help, therapeutic exercises and lifestyle changes.

Chiropractic treatment mainly involves safe, often gentle, specific spinal manipulation to free joints in the spine or other areas of the body that are not moving properly. Apart from manipulation, our chiropractors may use a variety of techniques including Active Release Technique (advanced treatment for muscles), acupuncture, and a variety of exercise and rehabilitation techniques. Although most people know chiropractors for spinal manipulation, it is important to realise our chiropractors can adjust the treatment style to your preference and not every treatment requires manipulation. 

Conditions treated 

• Joint pains 
• General, acute & chronic backache, back pain 
• Generalised aches and pains
• Lumbago
• Mechanical neck pain 
• Migraine prevention
• Minor sports injuries
• Muscle spasms
• Plantar fasciitis 
• Rotator cuff injuries, disease or disorders
• Sciatica 
• Shoulder complaints 
• Soft tissue disorders of the shoulder
• Tension and inability to relax

Although chiropractors are best known for treating back and neck pain, which they do very well, patients also consult chiropractors regarding a range of other, related musculoskeletal conditions. Our chiropractors at North Down Chiropractic and Physiotherapy will often see any issues from the feet to the head which involve the bones, muscles and joints.

What to expect 

On your first session the chiropractor will spend a full hour with you in order to diagnose and formulate a plan to get you out of pain and back to every day life. Within this hour they will perform medical history, a full physical examination (wear something you are comfortable to move in) as well as special tests such as spinal palpation. Depending on your diagnosis and plan of management, your chiropractor may treat on the first visit, but this is up to the discretion of the chiropractor based on the presentation. 

Your follow up treatments will usually comprise of hands on treatment such as manipulation, soft tissue techniques such as massage and active release techniques as well as exercise and lifestyle advice.