Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Yes. A recent government study found that adjustments are “remarkably safe.” By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Will adjustments make my spine too loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. The occasional spinal joints that move too much are passed over so weakened muscles and ligaments can stabilise and heal.
How many adjustments will I need?
The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense some progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits are less often as your spine stabilises. In difficult cases, complete healing can take months or even years.
Can I adjust myself?
No. Some people can make their joints “pop” but that’s not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.
Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
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 best suited to your age, size and condition.
Isn’t some back pain normal?
Pain of any kind, at any age, is a sign that something isn’t right. Pain is the way your body signals that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. Since we can adapt, minor aches and pains are often shrugged off. While they may go away, if the underlying problem remains unattended, the problem can slowly worsen until it becomes more difficult and expensive to resolve.
Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery
Yes. Rest assured that we will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. This will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
What about muscle relaxers or pain killers?
First, chiropractors don’t dispense drugs. We rely on natural methods. Muscle relaxers and even the most common over-the-counter pain medications fail on two counts. First, while convenient, they don’t address the underlying cause of your problem. Second, side effects such as addiction, kidney failure, liver damage and even death can result. When properly applied, ice can have an analgesic effect without the side effects associated with pain medications.
Is Chiropractic covered by my private health insurance?
Nearly all private health insurers have a cover for Chiropractic in their extra’s cover. We also have a HICAPS facility in the clinic, so you can make your claim and only pay the gap or remainder.
Does chiropractic care require a referral from a Medical Doctor?
Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact health professionals throughout Australia. This means that patients can consult them directly. However, chiropractors often work closely with medical doctors, many of whom refer to chiropractors when they believe chiropractic treatment will help alleviate a patient’s condition. Similarly, chiropractors frequently refer to medical doctors when necessary.