Chiropractic
WHAT IS IT?
Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ and system of your body. Your nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord and millions of nerves. Your brain is protected by the skull, and your spinal cord is protected by the 24 moving bones of the spine. Many everyday activities can cause these spinal bones to lose their normal position or motion. This can result in nervous system dysfunction and ultimately, ill health. Chiropractors call this the Vertebral Subluxation Complex, or more simply, a Subluxation.
The Chiropractic treatment approach is to detect these Subluxations, reduce their impact to the nervous system, with a philosophy of natural health care based on your own inborn potential to be healthy.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
If areas of abnormal spinal function are identified, a Chiropractic care program of spinal adjustments will be recommended. Your plan of care will be based on your age, condition, lifestyle, and unique spinal problem.
Your primary course of care will be specific Chiropractic adjustments. This will help return individual spinal bones to their proper motion and position. There are many ways of using carefully directed and controlled pressure to restore better position and motion to 'stuck' or fixated joints. This may require a quick thrust, or in other instances, a slow, constant pressure. Sometimes only one area of the spine is adjusted, and other times the entire spine will receive attention.
Adjustments will be tailored to suit every patient's individual needs. Most adjusting is done with the Chiropractors hands, and at times special tables and instruments are used. You may hear a 'popping' sound at times which is created by the shifting of gas and fluid within the joint. The presence or loudness of this sound has little meaning and varies with each patient.
Other additional procedures may be suggested to you to further reduce inflammation, provide relief, or enhance the healing process. These may include ice, heat, muscle and soft tissue rehabilitation, nutritional advice, exercises, or other procedures.
TREATMENT
On your first visit, patients are asked to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their complaint and health status. This is further expanded upon with the Chiropractor taking a complete case history to review important aspects of your health and making additional notes in regards to your complaint or reason for visiting. A thorough physical examination is performed which includes a postural analysis, range of motion testing, relevant orthopaedic and neurological tests, and various Chiropractic testing procedures. These tests are designed to show any areas of your spine that are contributing to your health problems. Based on your examination findings, X-rays or other types of diagnostic imaging may be deemed necessary. These images can help reveal pathologies, document the history of your spinal health, and guide us in creating a care program based on your unique spinal condition. With all of this information, the Chiropractor is able to determine if Chiropractic treatment may benefit you. Please allow up to 1 hour for your initial consultation.
At your second visit, the Chiropractor will discuss their findings with you including your diagnosis and a recommended program of treatment. If X-ray were taken, the Chiropractor will explain any relevant findings. On this visit you will receive your first Chiropractic adjustment. Please allow up to 30 minutes for your report of findings visit.
Following appointments are relatively brief as the Chiropractor is focusing solely on your treatment. Various methods many be used, including manual manipulative techniques, Thompson drop table, Activator, Sacro-Occipital Technique, stretching and other soft tissue techniques. The type of treatment is varied to suit each individual patient. Please allow up to 15 minutes for each regular appointment session.
During your course of treatment selected therapeutic stretches and exercises will be recommended as a part of a rehabilitation program to aid the stabilisation and strengthening of your spine. This reinforces what the Chiropractor is working towards with their treatment to improve the health of your spine and nervous system.
FAQ's
- Is chiropractic care safe?
Chiropractic adjustments are safer than aspirin, muscle relaxers, and back surgery. Dozens of research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of Chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is safe and effective.
According to a New Zealand government inquiry, chiropractic care is 'remarkably safe'. By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, Chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record.
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. A thorough examination can identify the rare person for whom Chiropractic care might be unsuitable.
- 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.
- How long will I need chiropractic care?
Chiropractic results vary. Children often see results quickly. Adults and seniors with long-standing problems take longer. Everyone responds differently and the healing process can take time. If we don't see you often enough, our ability to reduce negative patterns in your spine is impaired. And if visits are scheduled too closely, your body wouldn't have enough time to make changes. So, we take a middle path. Our advice is designed to produce the greatest results in the shortest amount of time. That is why keeping your appointment is so important.
Most symptoms subside long before muscles and ligaments supporting your spine can fully heal. That's when it will be tempting to end your care. But this weakened area of your spine predisposes you to a relapse. Just as ongoing brushing and flossing promote dental health, we recommend regular spinal check ups. Sure, you'll be feeling great, but these visits help us catch new problems early and support you in your desire to be your best.
Use chiropractic care to help you stay well after you get well. 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.
- 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.
WHO DO I SEE?
Brian Borbe is Vital Health Care Centre's Chiropractor.