Q
How does chiropractic work?
A. Chiropractic works by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy. When
under the proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissue, and organs
of your body are designed to resist disease and ill health. The chiropractic approach
to better health is to locate and help remove interference to your natural state
of being healthy.
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A
common interference to the nervous system is the 24 moving bones of the spinal
column. A loss of normal motion or position of these bones can irritate or impair
the function of the nervous system. This can disrupt the transmission of controlling
nerve impulses.
With
improved spinal function there is often improved nervous system function. Your
chiropractic doctor can help remove any interference that may be impairing normal
health.
Since
the primary focus of your care is improved nervous system function, chiropractic
can have a positive effect on many health conditions not normally thought of as
“back” problems.
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Q
Do I have a pinched nerve?
A. Many patients consult a chiropractor because they have a pinched nerve.
Because
of the way the spine is designed, abnormal spinal function caused from physical
trauma,emotional tensions, or chemical toxins can affect the delicate tissues
of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
While
commonly associated with the spine, the pinched nerve (compressive lesion) is
actually rare. Researchers suggest that only 10% to 15% of spine related problems
are caused by direct pressure of bone on nerve tissue! This can result in numbness,
burning or a “pins and needles” feeling.
More
frequently, nerves are irritated (facilitative lesion). This is caused when nerve
tissue is rubbed, scraped, stretched by a loss of spinal curve, or irritated be
malfunctioning spinal joints.
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Q
Do I have a slipped disc?
A. Technically, a disc can’t “slip”.
The
intervertebral disc is a pad of cartilage type material situated between spinal
bones. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine.
A soft, jelly like center is contained by outer layers of fibrous tissue. Healthy
discs help allow normal turning and bending.
Because
of the way each disc is attached to the vertebrae above and below, a disc cannot
“slip”. However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to tear,
bulge, herniate, or worse, rupture. This can be quite painful, as the soft center
of the disc leaks, putting pressure on the adjacent nerve roots and spinal cord.
While
results cannot be guaranteed, many patients have avoided needless surgery or a
dependency on pain pills, by choosing chiropractic care for their disc related
health problem.
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Q
What do chiropractic doctors do?
A. Helping to restore proper spinal biomechanics and improved nervous system function
begins with a case history. This gives the chiropractor a background about your
health, such as surgeries, accidents, the onset of your condition, and other details
affecting your current health.
After
reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem, thorough orthopedic,
neurological, and chiropractic examination is performed. X-rays may be taken to
uncover structural and functioning problems associated with the spinal column.
These examinations help identify areas of spinal malfunction and resulting nervous
system deficit.
The
findings of these examinations are explained and a plan of chiropractic adjustments
may be recommended. Progress is monitored with periodical examinations and follow-up
reports.
Since
the word “doctor” comes from the Latin word meaning teacher, regardless
of your chiropractic doctor’s unique clinical approach, he or she has a strong
commitment to patient education.
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Q
What type of education do chiropractic doctors get?
A. Today’s chiropractor is a highly educated professional. Chiropractic training
in Australia involves five year courses at Sydney’s Macquarie University
and Melbourne’s RMIT University. Many Australian chiropractors received similar
education in the US or Europe.
These
courses are of similar length and depth as medical courses, but focus on promoting
better health via better body function, rather than on medicine’s drugs and
surgery. Accordingly, chiropractic education involves s a special emphasis on
anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting
techniques and related subjects.
This
demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to locate the Vertebral Subluxation
Complex and help correct the resulting nervous system dysfunction.
A
chiropractor’s education never ends. After entering practice,most doctors
complete continuing professional development courses and seminars to upgrade and
improve their skills and to stay current on the latest scientific research.
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Q
How are chiropractors regulated?
A. Like other health professionals, chiropractors are required to be government-registered
in the state in which they practice.
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Q
What is an adjustment?
A. A Chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise
direction, applied to a joint that is fixated,“locked up”, or not moving
properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to
a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure
is to permit improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved
health.
There
are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the doctor’s hands or a specially
designed instrument delivers a brief and highly-accurate thrust. Some adjusting
methods are quick, whereas others require a slow and constant pressure.
After
years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractic doctor becomes highly
skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.
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Q
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
A. The doctor evaluates each patient’s problem and develops an individual
course of care. The resulting recommendations are based upon years of training
and experience.
Some
patients who complain of headaches, may actually have a lower back problem that
is causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Other patients may
be experiencing numbness and tingling in their fingers, when the actual problem
is in the neck. Every patient presents a uniquely different spinal pattern.
Patients
notice that their chiropractor care is delivered with confidence and precision.
Each visit builds on the one before. And while visits may seem similar, each patient’s
care is uniquely different from every other patient.
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Q
Can I adjust myself?
A. Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific
direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself.
It
is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a “popping”
sound, like the sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately,
this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an
already unstable area of the spine even more unsteady. Adjusting the spine is
not for amateurs!
The
best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments
from a Doctor of Chiropractic. Even your doctor must seek out the service of another
colleague to help restore and maintain proper spinal function.
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Q
Is chiropractic care safe?
A. In the words of the New Zealand government’s inquiry, chiropractic care
is “remarkably safe.”
Chiropractic
has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to
health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs.
A
thorough case history and examination help reveal areas of the spine that may
be causing nervous system malfunction. This information will be used to determine
the best course of care for each patient.
Chiropractic
care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and effective.
Please feel free to discuss this matter with your chiropractor.
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Q
Can I speed the healing process?
A. While there aren’t any shortcuts to speed your body’s natural healing
process, there’s a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance of a quick
recovery.
Learn
proper sitting and lifting methods. Specific exercises may be suggested to help
retrain the muscles that support your spine.
Proper
rest is an important aspect of the healing process, too. Get the appropriate amount
of rest your body needs and avoid sleeping on your stomach.
During
the healing process, proper nutrition is more important than ever. Make sure you
eat balanced meals, and if you’re overweight, now would be a good time to
slim down and reduce unnecessary stresses to your spine.
Perhaps
most important of all, keep your appointments and follow your chiropractic doctor’s
recommendations for optimum results.
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Q
Why do children need chiropractic care?
A. Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their
newborns checked for the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Later,
learning to walk, ride a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal
problems. While a bandage and some comforting words can help a skinned knee, the
unseen damage to the child’s spine is the unique domain of a chiropractic
doctor.
Many
childhood health complaints that are brushed off as “growing pains”
can often be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these
problems and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults.
Naturally,
chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child’s spine, particularly
babies’.
Most
parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and seem
healthier than other children.
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Q
Am I too old for chiropractic care?
A. More and more people are consulting chiropractic doctors, especially in their
later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects
of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing
in popularity.
Restoring
better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite.
Many
patients report improvements with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments
often associate with the aging process.
The
adjusting technique used by your doctor will be modified for maximum comfort and
results. As we get older and wiser, the simplicity and effectiveness of chiropractic
care becomes more and more obvious.
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Q
How long will I need chiropractic care?
A. Spinal problems, neglected since early childhood, may require ongoing supportive
care for optimum spinal function. These long-standing problems are often associated
with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine.
Most
patients find that periodic chiropractic checkups help keep them in tip-top shape.
Those who are active, have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best, find
that a schedule of preventative visits are helpful in the maintenance of good
health.
Some
patients seek chiropractic care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable.
While this style of “crisis management” is usually more costly and time
consuming, chiropractors stand ready to help all patients, regardless of their
health goals.
How
long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.
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Questions
patients ask about Chiropractic
Q
How do I know if I have a subluxation?
A. You can have subluxations and
not even know about it. Like the early stages of tooth decay, subluxations can
be present before the warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination
can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.
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Q
Can subluxations clear up on their own?
A. Sometimes. Today’s hectic lifestyles are a constant source of subluxations.
Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these problems
as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don’t
resolve, you need to see a chiropractic doctor!
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Q
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
A. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are “remarkably
safe.” By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys and
excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom
chiropractic care might be unsuited.
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Q
Will adjustments make my spine too loose?
A. No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments.
This allows the muscles and ligaments to stabilise and heal.
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Q
Can the bones move too much?
A. Highly unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount
of energy, delivered to an exact spot, at a precise angle, at just the right time.
The intent is to get a “stuck” spinal joint moving again, helping reduce
nerve interference. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic
adjustments specific and safe.
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Q
What makes the sound during the adjustment?
A. Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting
methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It’s
much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is
interesting, but it isn’t a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.
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Q
How many adjustments will I need?
A. The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health
goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits
become less often as your spine stabilises. In chronic cases, complete healing
can take months or even years.
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Q
Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
A. Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified
areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved
level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
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Q
Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
A. Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers
the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine.
The method
selected will be suited to your age, size and condition.
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Q
How long until I’ll feel better?
A. Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take
many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have
you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting the proper
rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition?
Within a short period of time, most patients sense enough progress to fully carry
out their doctor’s recommendations.
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Q
Do medical practitioners & chiropractic doctors get along?
A. Much of the latest research has shown the benefits of chiropractic care. Attitudes
were slow to change. However, as the well informed public would prefer treatment
for their underlying condition rather than relying on prolonged medication or
the trauma of surgery, more and more medical practitioners are seeing the value
in this sort of treatment and even referring their patients to our office.
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Q
Does my private health
insurance cover chiropractic?
A. In most all cases the answer is yes. Very often your private health insurance
will cover some part or even all of the treatment costs. You can contact your
health insurance company over the phone to find out the exact amount you will
receive. Your health affects everything you do and everyone you know. It is your
most valuable possession. Contact us to find out how we make chiropractic care
affordable for just about anyone.
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Q
Will I ever be normal again?
A. Patient results vary. Many report improved spinal curves and the total resumption
of their normal lifestyle. Those who neglect or delayed seeking care often see
slower progress. After improvements, many patients discover that periodic chiropractic
checkups can help avoid a relapse.
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Q
What if chiropractic doesn’t work?
A. If we’re unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health
problem,we will refer you to another specialist who may be able to help. Your
health is our primary goal.
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Any
other questions?
Please
contact us here at the practice or alternatively you can call the National Headquarters
of the Chiropractors’
Association of Australia on Freecall 1800 075 003.
What
is Chiropractic?
Provided
courtesy of CAA
