Frequently asked questions
What is Chiropractic?
The word chiropractic is of Greek origin meaning "treatment by hand". It arose as a distinct health care profession in 1895 and was founded by Daniel David Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. Chiropractic focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems and the effects of these disorders on general health. Today, more than 110 years after its birth, chiropractic has earned broad acceptance for its role in the health care system. There is currently a wealth of scientific research that supports the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic treatment.
Is Chiropractic safe?
Yes! Chiropractors are trained for atleast 5 years in University to develop the necessary medical diagnostical skills and manual skills to safely treat patients. Through thorough examination and understanding your past medical history, an experienced chiropractor will have no problem catering their treatment style to avoid contraindicated areas and giving the safest most appropriate treatment possible.
Does Chiropractic help scoliosis?
As the goal of chiropractic is to improve the alignment and function of the spine, scoliosis is very commonly treated. Treatment of scoliosis is normally to resolve stiffness, aches and pains associated with the large degree of misalignment in the spine.
Who is Chiropractic for?
Chiropractic is suitable for all ages, whether it be newborns, teenagers, adults, pregnant ladies to senior citizens.
What is a Chiropractic adjustment?
The most common procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is the "chiropractic adjustment" or "spinal manipulation". The adjustment is applied manually to joints, primarily the spine, that have become hypomobile or restricted. This restores joint mobility thereby alleviating pain and surrounding muscle spasm. Doctors of chiropractic have more training and experience in spinal adjusting than any other health care profession.
How old should my child be for its first adjustment?
Children are exposed to various degrees of trauma from birth, to learning to walk and ride a bike, to playing sports. These minor incidents add up and can cause problems to developing spines. Chiropractic is uniquely suited to help children develop correctly without drugs or surgery.
Why is there a 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during a Chiropractic adjustment?
Very commonly a chiropractic adjustment is accompanied with this noise but do not be alarmed it is not your bones cracking or breaking. This noise is the release of gas from the joints as they move.
Do I need to take an X-Ray before coming for the first visit?
X-Rays are not essential for chiropractic treatment but they can be helpful diagnostic tools in depending on the presenting conditions and symptoms. Hence during the first visit our chiropractors will assess the situation via patient history and appropriate orthopaedic, neurological and physical tests. This will help to determine whether treatment can be done safely without an X-Ray or not.
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
In most cases no, if we were hurting people then no one would be seeing chiropractors! However if you are in an acute state where there is alot of irritation and sensitivity to pain due to muscle spasm or inflammation then naturally there may be some discomfort - if it is going to be painful our doctors will let you know.
Can I do chiropractic if I have done surgery?
Yes. Chiropractors are educated and trained in a variety of techniques and can recognised what can and can't be solved. If you have already undergone surgery, treatment may not be suitable for the surgically repaired or fused sections but surrounding areas often compensate causing misalignments and muscle stiffness that can be managed by treatment.
If I don't have/no longer have pain, why would I need to be adjusted?
Prevention is always better cure. The absence of pain is not always a true sign of health as issues often build up silently within the body and this is especially true with spine.
My doctor said chiropractic is not suitable for my condition, is this true?
This really depends on the condition that you are presenting with, if you have conditions such bone cancers, serious infections, cauda equina syndrome or fractures within the spine then chiropractic would be contraindicated on those regions.