How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic techniques restores proper spinal biomechanics and improving nervous system function.
Chiropractic provides a health care option that can help manage pain as well as assist in achieving optimal wellbeing.
Statistically, research shows that Chiropractic care is effective, economical and gives longer lasting results for biomechanical disorders of the spine than other forms of health care.1,2,3
What results can I expect?
It is important to understand that restoring proper biomechanics takes time and healing is a process. Your symptoms may have come on suddenly, however the problem is usually more longstanding in nature and takes time to become stable. Rest assured that with treatment, your body has begun to heal.
At Springwood Chiropractic we care for more than just your symptoms or pain; we pursue the fundamental cause of your problem as well. We’ll address any underlying biomechanical issues you may have and seek to restore nervous system function. Your progress will be monitored and advice given to involve you in the process of achieving optimum health.
Do I need X-rays?
X-rays may or may not be necessary. 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 are examples of when X-rays are warranted. After a history and physical examination we will determine your need for X-rays. We are interested in how well your body moves; this cannot be determined from X-ray which is essentially a still picture of you skeleton.
Please bring along existing x-rays, MRI’s, CT scans and/or other medical reports you may have as this may aid diagnosis.
How long will I need Chiropractic Care?
A different plan of care will be recommended for every individual. Our focus is to get you feeling better as soon as possible; how long this takes will vary from one person to the next...
Healing injured structures takes time and the process of restoring musculoskeletal alignment takes time. It is wise to address underlying mechanical problems otherwise symptoms will only return.
Long-standing problems, caused perhaps since early childhood, take longer. Chronic problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine may require ongoing supportive care.
Those who are active, have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of preventative visits are helpful in the maintenance of good health. When you discover the freedom of movement that chiropractic brings you may want to keep it that way. A well-functioning and maintained spine is not only less likely to be injured, it also heals faster following a trauma.
At Springwood Chiropractic we stand ready to help all patients, regardless of their health goals. How long you decide to benefit from Chiropractic care is always your choice.
Will I be sore?
Adjustment do not hurt, however some people may experience soreness after a treatment session. This commonly happens only in the initial stages of treatment and is short-term (lasts for less than 24 hours). The process of restoring your body’s natural flexibility may involve the removal of scar tissue from your joints and muscles and some inflammation may occur. Is important that you are receiving the most appropriate and effective care possible so please inform us of any discomfort or changes to your condition.
What is the "crack" or "popping" sound during the adjustment?
The sound is gas being release from a joint. Fluid is present in most of our joints and its function is to create lubrication aiding movement. To restore motion biomechanically to a joint a chiropractic adjustment is made. When the joint is moved, the joint capsule is stretched and the fluid within the capsule is turned to gas which forms bubbles and a “crack” like sound is heard.
Is it only the spine that chiropractors treat?
No, Chiropractors are trained in the treatment of all musculoskeletal problems biomechanical in nature. Most people know Chiropractic Care is effective for lower back. Chiropractic is also highly successful in treating other complaints including neck pain, headache and whiplash, radiculopathy, sporting injuries and extremity conditions in people of all ages. It is a common misconception that chiropractors only work with the spine. Chiropractors are trained in treatment of every joint in the body and the soft tissues that surround it. If unsure, do not hesitate to contact us. You may be surprised at what Chiropractic is capable of treating.
Will it make me healthier?
Yes. Chiropractic can improve the functioning of the body, which is health. It is very difficult to predict what is going to happen with one’s health, however clinical experience and scientific investigation over the years have shown that Chiropractic is in the forefront of those procedures that improve health.
How can regular Chiropractic improve sporting performance?
Chiropractic can help restore a full range of movement biomechanically and facilitate optimal nerve supply to muscles for strength, speed and power.
Sports training can cause muscles to become shorter and weaker, joints to move less and scar tissue to form. Adverse biomechanics can then lead to loss of strength, and pain. Regular chiropractic helps maintain a well-functioning system that is not only less likely to be injured, it also heals faster following a trauma.
Is chiropractic care safe?
In the words of the New Zealand Government’s Inquiry, chiropractic care is "remarkably safe." Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs.4 In relation to the treatment of neck and back pain, studies have shown that a course of chiropractic care was 250 times safer than a course of anti-inflammatory drugs.5
How are chiropractors regulated?
Chiropractors are five year university trained, government regulated and registered healthcare professionals. The Australian Government has established a chiropractic regulating authority to ensure increased public safety for the Australian population. These bodies are responsible for maintaining the highest standards for all practitioners. As a registration requirement, we must complete continuing professional development seminars to upgrade and improve our techniques and keep updated on the latest scientific research.
Is chiropractic care appropriate for children?
Yes, adjustment techniques are low force and safely tailored for infants and children. A traumatic birth, falls from high chairs and prams, tumbles down steps, constant bumps to the head and bottom whilst learning to walk, falls out of trees, sporting and car accidents all contribute to accumulated stress on the framework of a child’s body. Such stresses may alter the normal biomechanics of the child’s body, contributing alignment issues to spinal and other joints, ligaments and muscles.
Periodic chiropractic check-ups are wise in childhood. The underlying structural trauma (usually from accumulative incidents) to the child’s spine, skull, pelvis and extremities can be addressed and thus help avoid health complaints being carried throughout life.
Am I too old for chiropractic care?
More and more people are consulting chiropractors, especially in their later years. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Many patients report improvements with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the ageing process. The techniques are modified for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?
Yes. Unfortunately up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. Further additional surgery is often an outcome. This common occurrence is known as “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.” Chiropractic may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care if initially utilised, back surgery can often be avoided in the first place.
Do you have HICAPS facilities? Can I claim on the spot?
Yes – we have on the spot claiming facilities. You only pay the gap left after your health insurance has paid their share. The gap amount varies with the level of extras cover you have.
Why aren't you my health funds members’ first provider?
The health fund dictates the amount they wish to assign the member’s first providers for the service they offer. At Springwood Chiropractic, our prices are competitive considering that we offer a longer consultation. In the health funds eyes, whether a consultation is 5 minutes (short consultation) or 20 minutes (longer consultation) the provider is paid the same for that service. . Member’s first providers are not chosen on their clinical ability.
Do you need a referral from a GP?
A referral is not necessary. Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners. However more and more GP’s are referring to Chiropractors via the Enhanced Primary Care Program (EPC), which allows us to bulk bill Medicare for up to 5 treatments annually.
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References
1 Meade TW, Dyer S, Browne W, Townsend J, Frank AO. (1990) Low Back Pain of Mechanical Origin: Randomised Comparison of Chiropractic and Hospital Outpatient Treatment. The British Medical Journal 300: 1431-7
2 Manga P, Angus D et al (1993) The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Management of Low Back Pain. Pran Manga and Associates, University of Ottawa, Canada.
3 Shekelle PG, Adams AH, Chassin MR et al. (1991) The Appropriateness of Spinal Manipulation for Low-Back Pain: Indications and Ratings by a Multidisciplinary Panel. Santa Monida, Calif: RAND Copr, 1991
4 Chiropractic in New Zealand: Report of the Commission of Inquiry. (1979). Hasselberg PD, Government Printer, Wellington, New Zealand
5 Dabbs,V., & Lauretti,W.J. (1995). A Risk Assessment of Cervical Manipulation vs NSAIDs for the Treatment of Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 18(8), 530-536