Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
Yes it is definitely safe. The New Zealand government conducted a study on the safety of Chiropractic and concluded that it is “remarkably safe” and it continues to maintain its excellent safety record. When a patient begins chiropractic care a thorough history and examination is undertaken to help determine which areas of the spine require treatment. This information is used to determine the most appropriate and safest course of treatment for each patient. Chiropractic’s natural approach to care has proven to be both safe and effective.
What is an Adjustment?
A Chiropractic adjustment is the art of applying a specific force in a precise direction to a joint that is fixated or has poor biomechanical motion. This force restores motion and correct biomechanics to the joint complex. There are many ways to perform an adjustment which can include the chiropractor using their hands or an instrument to deliver this highly accurate thrust. Therefore the purpose of an adjustment is to improve spinal function, improve nervous system function and improve health by using a natural and safe procedure.
What Qualifications do Chiropractors Have?
Chiropractors in Australia attend an accredited university such as Macquarie University in Sydney, RMIT in Melbourne or Murdoch University in Perth for 5 years and receive a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Chiropractic degree. Their study places specific emphasis on anatomy, neurology, physiology, orthopeadics, radiology, pathology and other specialised subjects which relate to the function of the human body. At the completion of their degree(s) they are required to undertake and pass a very rigorous examination so that they can be registered with a Government National Registration Board so that they can practice within the community. This is not the end of their education, however, as all Chiropractors are required to undertake Continual Professional Education so that they remain up to date with current research trends within the health industry.
Who Can be Treated with Chiropractic?
Everyone can consult a Chiropractor for treatment as there is no age limit to receiving chiropractic care. The Chiropractic waiting room is often full with many diverse patients including: parents who are bringing their children to consult with chiropractors for such reasons as growing pains, scoliosis, sports injuries, simple falls and other common childhood conditions; newborns with colic and erratic sleeping patterns; headache sufferers; arthritic sufferers; patients with disc injuries; the elderly – and the list goes on and on. Chiropractors are highly skilled at determining who can benefit from their services and who should be seeking alternate care so that their symptoms are resolved as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Many people achieve remarkable results by undertaking Chiropractic care.
How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic consists of 3 areas of care: Acute, Rehabilitation and Maintenance care. Some patients choose to stop care at the end of the Acute phase when they have resolved their presenting symptoms. Many others choose to continue their care through the Rehabilitation and Maintenance phases so that they can receive support through the final stages of healing and detect and resolve any problems that may arise in the future. It is the Chiropractor’s role to provide the best advice and care and the patients to decide how much of this they wish to utilise.
References: Patient Media Inc 2004; Back Talk Systems Inc 1996
