Frequently Asked Questions

About Chiropractic Care in Kempston

What does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor assesses and cares for musculoskeletal problems affecting joints, muscles and movement. At So Healthy Kempston, we see people from Kempston, Bedford, Biddenham and surrounding areas with back pain, neck discomfort, joint stiffness, shoulder issues, hip or knee symptoms and everyday activity related aches. Your chiropractor will listen to your concerns, assess your movement and discuss whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.

What conditions do chiropractors commonly see?
People visit our Kempston clinic for back pain, neck stiffness, shoulder discomfort, hip or knee problems, sciatica type symptoms and other musculoskeletal concerns. Your chiropractor will consider your symptoms, daily activities and health history before discussing suitable options.

Is chiropractic care safe?
Chiropractic care in the UK is regulated by the General Chiropractic Council. Your chiropractor will consider your health history, symptoms and individual circumstances before discussing whether chiropractic care is appropriate.

Do I need a GP referral to see a chiropractor in Kempston?
No. You can contact our friendly Kempston team directly. Your chiropractor will assess your circumstances and advise if further medical assessment is needed.

How do I know if chiropractic care is right for me?
Your chiropractor will take time to understand your symptoms, daily activities and health history. After an assessment, they’ll explain what they’ve found and discuss whether chiropractic care may be appropriate or whether another form of care would be more suitable.


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Can a chiropractor help with back pain?
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some people with back pain. Back pain can have a number of possible contributing factors, including changes in activity, physical work, repetitive movements, lifting, exercise and previous episodes of back pain.
At our Kempston clinic, your chiropractor will discuss your symptoms, carry out an appropriate assessment and explain the options that may be suitable for you.
Depending on your individual circumstances, this may include spinal manipulation or mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques, movement and rehabilitation exercises, stretching and strengthening, and practical advice about everyday activities.

Why does my lower back hurt in the morning?
Morning back discomfort can relate to stiffness, sleep positions, activity levels or everyday habits. A chiropractor at So Healthy Kempston can assess your movement and discuss whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.

What causes lower back pain?
Lower back pain can develop gradually or follow activity changes, physical work, prolonged sitting or muscular tension. Your chiropractor will consider your symptoms, movement and health history before discussing suitable options.

Can chiropractic care help with sciatica type symptoms?
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for people experiencing sciatica.
Sciatica is a term commonly used to describe symptoms affecting the sciatic nerve and its distribution, typically involving the lower back, buttock and leg. Symptoms can include pain travelling into the leg, tingling, pins and needles or numbness.
Because leg symptoms can have different causes, your chiropractor will first assess your symptoms and health history before discussing whether chiropractic care is suitable.
Where appropriate, care may include spinal manipulation or mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques, movement and exercise advice, mobility exercises and practical advice relating to sitting, driving, lifting and everyday activity.

What causes sciatica flare ups?
Flare ups may relate to activity changes, prolonged sitting, lifting, muscular tension or everyday habits. Your chiropractor can assess your symptoms and discuss suitable options based on your circumstances.

Can a chiropractor help with neck pain?
Neck discomfort can be associated with desk work, screen use, repetitive movements or muscular tension. After assessing your symptoms, your chiropractor may discuss options such as mobilisation, soft tissue techniques, movement advice or exercises.

Why do I get neck pain from sitting at a desk?
Spending long periods in one position can contribute to stiffness or muscular tension. Our chiropractors can assess your movement and discuss practical changes alongside suitable care options.

Can chiropractic care help with headaches linked to the neck?
Some headaches are associated with the neck. If your headaches occur alongside neck stiffness or discomfort, your chiropractor can assess your symptoms and discuss whether chiropractic care may be appropriate. If your headaches are new, changing or concerning, medical assessment may be recommended.

Can a chiropractor help with shoulder pain?
Shoulder discomfort may relate to muscular tension, rotator cuff related problems, activity changes or stiffness. Your chiropractor will assess your shoulder, neck and upper back before discussing suitable options.

Why does my shoulder hurt when lifting my arm?
Shoulder pain during lifting can relate to muscular or soft tissue factors, activity changes or movement patterns. A chiropractor can assess your symptoms and discuss appropriate options.

Can a chiropractor help with hip pain?
Hip discomfort may be associated with stiffness, muscular tension, previous injuries or activity changes. Your chiropractor will assess your hip and surrounding areas before discussing suitable options.

Can a chiropractor help with knee pain?
Knee symptoms may develop gradually or follow activity changes, sporting demands or previous injuries. Your chiropractor will assess your movement, knee function and health history before discussing suitable options.

What causes knee pain when walking downstairs?
Walking downstairs can place different demands on the knee. Discomfort may relate to muscular tension, activity changes or joint stiffness. A chiropractor can assess your movement and discuss suitable options.

Can chiropractic care help with knee osteoarthritis?
If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, your chiropractor can discuss whether chiropractic care may be appropriate as part of a wider approach to managing your symptoms. Chiropractic care is not a replacement for recommended medical care or exercise.

Can a chiropractor help with foot or ankle pain?
Foot and ankle problems can have a number of possible causes, including previous ankle sprains, stiffness, changes in activity, sporting activity, muscle or tendon problems and increased walking or standing.
Your chiropractor can assess your symptoms, walking and general movement, ankle mobility, surrounding muscles, previous injuries and activity levels.
Where appropriate, chiropractic care may include mobilisation or manipulation of the ankle or surrounding areas, alongside movement and exercise advice.

Can chiropractic care help with plantar fasciitis type symptoms?
Plantar fascia-related pain can cause discomfort around the heel or arch of the foot.
If you're experiencing symptoms consistent with plantar fasciitis, your chiropractor can assess your individual circumstances and discuss whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.
Your assessment may also consider your activity levels, footwear, walking and general movement, and any recent changes to your training or daily activities.

What happens during a chiropractic appointment?
Your first appointment includes a discussion about your symptoms, health history and everyday activities. Your chiropractor will carry out an appropriate assessment, explain their findings and discuss suitable options.

Will I have chiropractic manipulation?
Not necessarily. Your chiropractor will discuss options based on your circumstances. These may include mobilisation, soft tissue techniques, movement advice or exercises. If manipulation isn’t appropriate or isn’t something you want, alternatives can be discussed.

Do chiropractors only treat the area where I feel pain?
Not always. The area where you feel symptoms isn't necessarily the only area your chiropractor will consider.
For example, when assessing hip or knee symptoms, your chiropractor may consider how the hip, knee, ankle, lower back and surrounding muscles are functioning during movement.
This doesn't mean that your symptoms necessarily come from another part of your body. Looking at the wider movement of your body can help your chiropractor understand your individual circumstances.

Can chiropractic care include exercises?
Yes. Your chiropractor may recommend movement, mobility, stretching or strengthening exercises tailored to your circumstances.

Can chiropractic care help with posture related discomfort?
Spending long periods in one position can contribute to stiffness or discomfort. Your chiropractor can discuss practical changes relating to desk work, driving or screen use, alongside movement advice.

Can I see a chiropractor after an injury?
It depends on the nature of the injury. Some activity related or minor sporting problems may be appropriate for chiropractic assessment. If you’ve experienced a significant injury or concerning symptoms, medical assessment may be necessary.

When should I speak to my GP?
If your symptoms suggest you need further medical assessment, your chiropractor will explain this. Severe pain, significant injury or concerning symptoms such as persistent numbness, tingling or weakness may require medical attention.

Is chiropractic care suitable for everyone?
Not necessarily. Your chiropractor will consider your symptoms, health history and individual circumstances before discussing whether chiropractic care is appropriate.

How long does it take for symptoms to improve?
Everyone’s experience is different. Some episodes of musculoskeletal discomfort are short lived, while others may persist or recur. Your chiropractor will discuss what you can reasonably expect and review your progress as appropriate.

What should I wear to my appointment?
Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement is helpful. You won’t usually need to change unless your chiropractor feels it would help with assessment.

How do I book an appointment?
You can call our friendly Kempston team on 01234 853444, or book an appointment directly through our website. Simply click the “Book an Appointment Today” link at the top of our homepage.

Where can I find a chiropractor in Kempston?
So Healthy Kempston provides chiropractic care for musculoskeletal problems. If you’re experiencing back pain, neck discomfort, joint stiffness, sciatica type symptoms or activity related aches, our team can discuss your options.

Kempston

Location:
160 Bedford Road,
Kempston,
Bedford
MK42 8BH

Call us on:
01234 853444

Matlock

Location:
The Atrium,
Matlock Green,
Matlock,
DE4 3BT

Call us on: 
01629 888323

Therapies

Our Clinics

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