1. What is a chiropractic adjustment?

Chiropractors adjust the movement of the spine with the intent of restoring a more normal movement pattern and nerve function. The series of methods that have been developed, researched and refined over the last century are generally bundled together as chiropractic technique, and individually are referred to as adjustments.

A Chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific joint. It requires a high degree of training and skill to learn the art of an adjustment, and good knowledge of the science involved in the human body to know where to apply an adjustment.help relieve the pressure on the foot arch and stabilize your gait and posture helping you to achieve greater levels of health and wellness.

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2. What to expect at your first visit?

The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. You will also be asked about your past medical history, accident history, family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had, and your job type. Other questions might be asked to help determine the nature of your problems and the best way to go about caring the problem. A gentle physical examination will be performed in accordance with your chiropractors clinical judgment.

Following these, clinical assessment may include x-rays and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition.

Once your chiropractor has identified the problem, care will be outlined and we can begin by way of adjustments. The adjustment is usually given by hand or 'activator' instruments, and consists of applying gentle pressure to the areas of the spine that are out of alignment or that do not move properly.

Chiropractors use many sophisticated and varied techniques, and the specific procedure to be used will be determined and explained to you following your assessments. Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment, which lasts only seconds. Adjustments are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of 1 million to 1.

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3. How are chiropractors regulated?

Chiropractors are five year university trained, government regulated and government registered healthcare professionals. Government established chiropractic registration boards – whose regulations chiropractors must strictly adhere to in order to maintain registration to practice - exist in all Australian states and territories to ensure increased public safety for the Australian population. These bodies are responsible for maintaining the highest standards for all practitioners.

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4. Is chiropractic care safe?

According to a New Zealand government inquiry, chiropractic care is remarkably safe.

In relation to caring for neck and back pain, studies have shown that a course of chiropractic care was 250 times safer than a course of anti-inflammatory drugs**. However, it is important to note that while chiropractic has an excellent safety record based on drug free non-invasive care, no form of healthcare is entirely free of potential adverse effects.

While some reports have attempted to associate chiropractic neck adjustments with an occurrence of a particular kind of stroke (vertebral artery dissection), research*** conducted in 2008 in the journal Spine - undertaken as part of the World Health Organisation Bone and Joint Decade Neck Pain Taskforce - provides the strongest support for the extremely high safety of chiropractic care. According to the study, increased risks of vertebral artery dissection were likely explained by patients with pre-existing stroke-related neck pain and headaches consulting chiropractors and primary care physicians before the occurrence of a stroke.

Furthermore, the research asserted that while there was an association of vertebral artery stroke with chiropractic patients under 45, a similar association existed between the same type of stroke and use of primary care physicians in all age groups.

In the study, researchers noted that patients are no more likely to suffer a stroke following chiropractic care than they would after visiting their family doctor's office. Chiropractors use skill, not force or strength to conduct safe, effective adjustments.

Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is safe and effective. Please feel free to discuss this matter with your chiropractor.

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5. Is chiropractic care appropriate for children?

Since significant trauma can occur at birth, many parents choose to have their newborns checked for any spinal health related problems. Later, learning to walk, riding a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal health related problems. While a bandage and some comforting words can help a skinned knee, the potential underlying structural damage to the child’s spine, skull, pelvis and extremities is the unique domain of a chiropractor.

Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as “growing pains” may be able to be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups may be able to identify these problems and may help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults. Chiropractors are five year university trained healthcare professionals, equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide care especially tailored to the requirements of each individual.

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6. Is chiropractic care appropriate for over 55’s?

More and more people are consulting chiropractors, 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 may help improve lifestyle areas associated with the over 55’s age group including mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Many patients report improvements with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process. The adjusting technique used by your chiropractor will be modified for maximum comfort and results.

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7. How long will I need chiropractic care?

Spinal health related problems, neglected since early childhood, may require ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function. These long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness or tension, 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 lives, or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of preventative visits are helpful in the maintenance of good health and for fostering wellness.

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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8. Do I need a referral from a GP to see a chiropractor?

Chiropractors are primary contact, primary healthcare practitioners – as such, no form of referral is required as a prerequisite to visit a chiropractor.

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9. What type of educational qualifications do chiropractors receive?

Today’s chiropractor is a highly educated professional. Chiropractic training in Australia involves five year courses at Sydney’s Macquarie University, Melbourne’s RMIT University and Perth's Murdoch University. Many Australian chiropractors received similar education in the US, Europe or New Zealand.

These courses are of similar length and depth as medical courses, but focus on promoting healthier lifestyles via better body function, rather than on drugs and surgery. Accordingly, chiropractic education involves a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques and related subjects.

A chiropractor’s education never ends. After entering practice, all CAA chiropractors must 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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