FAQs

Chiropractic manipulation involves very specific stretching and mobilization of the spinal joints. It requires years of intense education, skill and dexterity on the part of the chiropractor to effectively and judiciously perform these adjustments to the spine. By evaluating your symptoms, posture, muscle tension, and the flexibility of your spine, your chiropractor determines precisely which joints are not moving as they should.

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 treat your 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.

It is a common misconception that X-rays are needed to determine where adjustments are needed in your spine. Traumatic injury that is severe enough to cause a fracture, a history of cancer, or a problem that is not responding as expected to treatment after an initial trial period of care, are examples of when X-rays are warranted. After a history and physical examination your chiropractor will assess your need for X-rays. Your chiropractor is interested in how well your body moves, this cannot be determined clinically, from what is essentially a still picture of you skeleton.

Patients sometimes experience short-term soreness after a treatment session. This commonly happens only in the initial stages of treatment and lasts for less than 24 hours. The process of restoring your body’s natural flexibility and efficiency involves the removal of scar tissue from your joints and muscles and some inflammation may occur. Be sure to inform your chiropractor of any discomfort or changes in you condition. Clear communication is important to see that you are receiving the most appropriate and effective care possible.

Children should definitely get their spines checked. Regardless of age the vertebrae can become misaligned. The birth process is one of the biggest traumas in life and can cause trauma to the neck and spine. If left uncorrected a vertebral misalignment can cause undue stress on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves, affecting growth, development and posture.

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.

Joints such as elbows and knees are also areas chiropractors can offer care for. Lower back or pelvic problems affecting the lower limbs may require chiropractic care of the knees. So too, common complaints such as ‘Tennis’ or ‘Golfer’s’ elbow (lateral epicondylitis) can be assisted through chiropractic care. After years of University training and clinical experience, each chiropractor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.

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.