FAQ

Chiropractic is 'A health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the functions of the nervous system and general health.  There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft tissue manipulation.' World Federation of Chiropractic definition.

Your nervous system is the body's equivalent to the information superhighway.  Hundreds of trillions of pieces of information are going to and from the brain about your surrounding environment. The better the quantity and quality of information coming in, the better your nervous system can improve the response to that information.  Chiropractic tries to raise the quantity and enhance the quality of information you are getting.   

An adjustment is the term used to desrcibe Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy (CMT).  Adjustments usually involve a low amplitude high velocity thrust that helps to add motion to joints that aren't moving right.  Some methods use the chiropractor's hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity.  There are many ways to adjust most of the joints in the body.

Between each pair of spinal bones is a disc.  Its fibrous outer ring holds in a jelly-like material.  Because of the way it attaches to the spinal bone above and below it, a disc can't actually 'slip' and in cannot simply be 'put back in'.  However, a disc can bulge, it can tear, it can herniate, it can thin, and it can dry out, and it can collapse.  But, it can't slip.

A trapped nerve is rare.  If you have feelings of pain, or numbness, or tingling, or any other sensation this means the nerve is working and cannot be trapped! What those nerves are trying to tell you is that something isn't functioning right. The nervous system can detect a variety of sensations; however, you have to listen, it needs your help to get you better. 

The number of treatments varies with each patient and his or her individual health goals.  Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits.  Treatments become less frequent as you become better informed on how to maintain good posture and choose healthy lifestyle choices.  You WILL NOT have to committ to any lengthy treatment plans or pay for anything in advance; furthermore, your progress will constantly be monitored and reevaluated.

In the majority of cases the answer is simply yes.  A complete historical and physical exam must be completed first to rule out anything that requires immediate medical attention.  You will be given a report of findings from those examinations during the initial consultation and once you and the chiropractor have agreed to proceed your treatment begins then and there.

Dr. Dawson (DC) is registered with most major health insurance companies including BUPA and AXAPPP.  BUPA have recently launched a Chiropractic and Osteopathic network for their members which has developed a self referral program conducted through a telephone interview so you no longer have to get a referral from your GP.  Dr. Dawson (DC) has applied, been vetted, and accepted to this network and is presently the only chiropractor in the Isle of Man who is fee assured with BUPA.  For other providers however, it is important that you consult the provider first to find out necessary procedure and maximize your coverage.

If we are unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help.  Your health is our primary goal.