Chiropractic Explained
Chiropractic care at our Prebend Street clinic focuses on the joints, muscles and nerves of the spine and limbs. Our chiropractors assess how your body is moving, identify what is driving your symptoms, and use hands-on treatment alongside advice and exercise to help you move more comfortably. Every chiropractor here is registered with the General Chiropractic Council, and you can find their individual registration numbers on their practitioner profiles.
What chiropractic involves
Chiropractic is a regulated healthcare profession focused on the assessment, diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal problems, including problems affecting the back, neck and joints.
Treatment is primarily manual, meaning your chiropractor uses their hands to mobilise and adjust joints, work on tight or sensitive soft tissues, and help restore movement where it has become restricted. The techniques used will depend on your symptoms, assessment and treatment goals.
The nervous system also plays an important role in how we move, feel and respond to changes in the body. Because musculoskeletal problems can affect pain, sensation, movement and coordination, your chiropractor will consider relevant neurological function as part of your assessment. This helps build a clearer picture of your symptoms and identify whether they are appropriate for chiropractic care or require further investigation or referral.
Your care will usually combine treatment in the clinic with things you can do between appointments. This might include a short exercise programme, advice on how you sit and work at your desk, or guidance on training, loading and recovery. The aim is to help you understand your symptoms, restore movement and support your body as you return to the activities that matter to you.
For low back pain and sciatica, our approach follows the principles set out in NICE guideline NG59, which covers the assessment and management of low back pain and sciatica in people aged 16 and over.
Techniques we use
Diversified technique. One of the most widely used chiropractic approaches, involving a controlled, specific manual thrust to a restricted joint. The aim is to improve joint movement and function and, where appropriate, help reduce pain and stiffness.
Your chiropractor will select techniques based on your symptoms, clinical assessment, movement and individual circumstances. Chiropractic care may involve a combination of joint mobilisation, manipulation and soft-tissue techniques, alongside exercise and advice to support your recovery and ongoing movement.
The most widely used chiropractic approach, applying a controlled, specific thrust to a restricted joint to improve its movement.
Flexion-distraction. Flexion-distraction chiropractic treatment is a gentle, non-surgical technique used to stretch and decompress the spine to relieve back, neck, leg, and arm pain. It is Performed on a specialised segmented table creating a gentle, rhythmic technique. It is commonly used for:
- Herniated or bulging discs: Reduces pressure on the disc and helps herniated material move away from compressed nerves.
- Sciatica: Relieves shooting pain, numbness, or tingling running down the leg from sciatic nerve compression.
- Spinal stenosis: Widens the narrowed spinal canal to ease crowding around the nerves.
- Degenerative disc disease: Restores disc height and increases fluid and nutrient circulation.
- Facet joint syndrome: Decreases joint pressure and stiffness in the small joints connecting vertebrae.
Used commonly for Chronic back and neck pain
Activator technique. A small handheld instrument delivers a precise, low-force impulse. Useful for patients who prefer a gentler approach or where joint sensitivity is high.
Dry needling. Fine needles are inserted into tight bands of muscle to reduce tension and local tenderness.
Trigger point therapy. Sustained manual pressure applied to specific points within a muscle to ease spasm and referred discomfort.
Your chiropractor will explain which techniques they intend to use and why, and will only proceed with your agreement.
Problems chiropractors here can help with
- General acute and chronic back pain, and lumbago
- Mechanical neck pain
- Cervicogenic headache, which is headache arising from the neck
- Migraine prevention
- Shoulder complaints, including rotator cuff problems and frozen shoulder
- Elbow pain and tennis elbow associated with problems in the back and neck
- Hip and knee pain, including joint pain associated with osteoarthritis
- Sciatica
- Muscle spasms and cramp
- Minor sports injuries
- Generalised aches and pains
Your first appointment
Your initial chiropractic assessment lasts 45 minutes. Your chiropractor will take a full history, including your general health and any medication, followed by an orthopaedic and neurological assessment where appropriate.
Your chiropractor will explain their initial findings and provide a working diagnosis. Where appropriate, treatment will usually begin during your first appointment.
Your response to the initial treatment helps your chiropractor understand how your body is responding and informs the personalised care plan discussed at your second visit. This will include recommendations on treatment, the expected number of appointments and what you should notice as you progress.
If chiropractic is not the right route for your problem, we will explain why and recommend the most appropriate practitioner or service.
Follow-up appointments are 15 minutes as standard, with a 30-minute extended option where a problem needs more time.
Dedicated Professionals Committed to Your Wellbeing
Qualifications, registration numbers and clinical interests are set out on each team member’s profile.
Fees
Every treatment we offer is listed together on our fees page.
| Appointment | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Initial assessment | 45 minutes | £99 |
| Follow-up | 15 minutes | £66 |
| Extended follow-up | 30 minutes | £87 |
| 5-session package, 15 minutes | n/a | £313.50 (5% saving) |
| 10-session package, 15 minutes | n/a | £594 (10% saving) |
| 5-session package, 30 minutes | n/a | £413.25 (5% saving) |
| 10-session package, 30 minutes | n/a | £783 (10% saving) |
Insurance
We are recognised by Bupa, AXA, WPA and Cigna. Cover varies considerably between policies, so please check directly with your provider what your plan includes and whether you need a GP referral before booking.
Finding the Clinic
We are at 15 Prebend Street, London N1 8PF, a short walk from Essex Road overground and a little further from Angel and Highbury and Islington underground stations. Travel directions, parking and opening hours are all on our clinic page.
Common Questions
Do I need a GP referral to see a chiropractor?
No. You can book directly with us. If you are claiming through private medical insurance, your insurer may require a referral, so check your policy first.
Does chiropractic treatment hurt?
Most people find chiropractic treatment comfortable, although you may experience some mild discomfort during or after treatment. Your chiropractor will explain what they are doing and adapt the treatment to your individual needs.
If a joint is adjusted, you may sometimes hear a popping or clicking sound. This can occur when gas within the joint changes pressure and is released. The sound itself is not an indication that anything has been damaged.
Some people experience mild, temporary soreness or stiffness for a day or so after treatment, similar to the feeling you might have after trying an unfamiliar exercise. If you have any concerns about discomfort during or after your appointment, speak to your chiropractor.
How many appointments will I need?
The number of chiropractic appointments you need depends on your individual circumstances, including the type of problem you have, how long you have had it, your symptoms and your general health.
Your chiropractor will assess you during your initial appointment and discuss your treatment options with you. At your second visit, they can usually give you a clearer estimate of how many appointments may be appropriate. Your progress will then be reviewed regularly, and your treatment plan can be adjusted depending on how you are responding.
There is no fixed number of appointments that is right for everyone. Your chiropractor will discuss your care with you and only recommend further treatment where appropriate.
Can I bring my medical records?
Yes, and it helps. Bring details of any imaging, medication or previous treatment relating to your problem.
Is chiropractic regulated?
Yes. Chiropractors in the UK must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council, and it is a criminal offence to use the title without registration. More general questions about visiting us are answered on our FAQ page.
