FAQ's

How does chiropractic work?

Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right.

Improper motion of the moving bones of the spine, and its related local effects is called a chiropractic subluxation and can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and reducing the function of affected organs and tissues.

Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.

Do I have a slipped disc?

The disc is a soft, pulpy, shock absorber. It has a fibrous outer ring holding in a jelly-like material. A slipped disc is a common way to refer to a wide variety of disc problems. However, a disc can not slip because of the way it attaches to the spinal bones (vertebrae) above and below it. A disc can bulge, it can tear, it can herniate, it can thin, and it can collapse. But it can not slip.

Do I have a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal joint has been irritated and is inflamed. Nerves are particularly sensitive to the chemicals involved in the inflammatory process. Other causes of local and referred pain are: muscle spasms and trigger points; normal joint pain referral; and joint capsule pain.

How do you get chiropractic subluxations?

Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. These can be aggravated and perpetuated by emotional distress such as anger or fear and chemical irritation such as alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.

How do I know if I have a chiropractic subluxation?

You can have chiropractic subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.

Can chiropractic subluxations clear up on their own?

Sometimes. Today’s hectic lifestyles are a constant source of chiropractic 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 chiropractor.

What is an adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick, gentle and precise thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that are not moving correctly. Some methods use the practitioner’s hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.

Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

Yes. A New Zealand government study amongst others, 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 unsuitable. Your chiropractor has had a minimum of 5 years university training to help make this so safe. 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 spinal joints that are locked up receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.

Can the bones move too much?

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 irritation. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.

What makes the sound during the adjustment?

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 is much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it is not always a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.

Are all patients adjusted the same way?

No. Each patient’s spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones in the spine, each of which can move in seven different directions, we see a wide variety of spinal patterns. Each patient’s care is dependent on age, condition and health goals.

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 chiropractor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

How many adjustments will I need?

The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within one or two adjustments. Visits become less frequent as your spine stabilises. In chronic cases, complete healing may take months or even years. An active patient, once stable will seek ‘chiropractic maintenance’ to remain stable and healthy. This could be a monthly, quarterly or even yearly visit depending on the patient’s requirements.

Why do newborns get adjustments?

Even today’s natural childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine. Preliminary studies suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Paediatric adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, the chiropractor applies no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato.

Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?

Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractor will avoid surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes altered movement patterns above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.

Can patients with osteoporosis have chiropractic care?

Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractor 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 medical condition. Chiropractic care used in conjunction with resistance exercise has proven to be a very successful method of stabilising osteoporotic patients.

How long until I feel better?

Some patients experience immediate relief others can feel worse before feeling better within 24 hours of the first treatment of a chronic condition. Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good health? Within a relatively short period of time most patients sense enough progress to fully carry out the recommendations of their chiropractor.

How long will I need chiropractic care?

After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue periodic care. These patients show up for their visits feeling great. Preventive care is always going to be better than reactive care. Periodic visits help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become serious.

What if chiropractic care does not work?

As with any approach to a medical condition, chiropractic care is just one of the options available to you. If progress is slower than would be considered normal for your condition, your chiropractor will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help you further.