FAQs
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a physical therapy that primarily focuses on adjusting the spine to optimize the function nervous system
What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is specific spinal manipulation (adjustment) aimed to correct the subluxation which is causing interference to the nervous system.
What is a subluxation?
"Subluxation" is a chiropractic term that basically refers to a joint restriction causing irritation to the nervous system. If left uncorrected the nervous system will not function at its optimal level.
How do I get a subluxation?
Stress causes subluxations. Stress comes in many forms: physical, mental, emotional and chemical. The most common stress Dr Robbie sees is physical stress, examples include repetitive work activities (e.g. lifting or sitting in a poor posture at the computer) and trauma (e.g. falls or motor vehicle accidents.)
How can I tell if I have a subluxation?
Pain and stiffness are often symptoms, however subluxations can exist without giving any symptoms. Given this, periodic chiropractic check-ups are encouraged in the form of maintenance assessments and adjustments.
Does it hurt to get adjusted?
An adjustment is not normally painful. In some cases mild soreness to the area adjusted may follow, this is typically a normal process that indicates the area which was previously restricted is now moving better and stressing new tissue.
Do I have a pinched nerve?
This is a common misconception. Back and neck pain may feel as if something is "pinched", however this is rarely the case. The likely scenario is that there is a mechanical cause of the pain (for example; a capsular sprain, referred pain from an injured joint or muscle)
Is chiropractic care safe?
Chiropractors are highly specialised professionals who have undergone an extensive 5 year training program on how to deliver safe and effective care. In terms of statistics, there is a one in two million chance that spinal manipulation of the neck may be associated with damage (major or minor) to the blood supply of the brain (stroke). As an indication of comparative risk there is an accepted figure of by prescription anti-inflammatory drugs is 3,300 times more likely tor result in serious injury compared to spinal manipulation. The purpose of our physical examination is to assess your condition with these things in mind so that we may choose the most appropriate technique for you. We believe that our expertise and experience enable us to provide the safest possible care.
Should I stop "cracking" my own neck and back?
Yes! Cracking your own neck is not the same as having your chiropractor assess the spine and specifically adjust selected joints. When you do it yourself you are randomly releasing joints which are already moving and in many cases joints that are moving too much. By repeatedly cracking your own neck, you continuing to release the same joints, this can result in instability and irritation to the joints. It is therefore advised, to resist the urge, and not to crack your own neck/back.
Do all patients receive the same chiropractic treatment?
No. All patients receive customized care. Although similar techniques are used on all patients, different spinal segments are adjusted and selected muscles are treated.
Will I receive any medication for my pain?
No. As chiropractors we do not prescribe medication. We do however give some advice on nutritional supplements. We have good relations with local GPs who we refer to in cases whereby further tests or medications may be required.
Can I have chiropractic care after spinal surgery?
Yes. We manage many patients who have had previous spinal surgeries. These patients may often have issues relating to the surgery, however in many cases they see us for complaints unrelated to the previous surgery. In all cases, treatment is modified if necessary.
Will osteoporosis prevent me from getting chiropractic care?
No. We manage many patients who have osteoporosis. Due to the brittleness and fragility of the bones, we used modified low force chiropractic techniques.
How many times will I need to be adjusted?
No two cases are the same! Every individual is assessed and a custom management plan is given. Some patients require intensive treatment over many weeks, followed by maintenance adjustments, whereas others may only require a short course of adjustments to resolve their issue.
"I don't have any symptoms and I feel better", should I continue chiropractic care?
As some issues build over time and only give symptoms at the last minute, we recommend to all our patients periodic maintenance visits to assess for spinal restrictions (subluxations).
Why would I take my child to see the chiropractor?
Just like adults, kids have stresses on their bodies and get subluxations. Research suggests chiropractic care can be effective management of many childhood conditions including bed wetting, asthma and recurrent throat infections among others.
Is chiropractic care covered by Medicare?
Under Medicare's Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program patients are able to be covered for up to 5 chiropractic visits per year. Patients must be referred by their GP. Feel free to speak to us further about this option.
Do I need to be referred by my GP to see a chiropractor?
No. Chiropractors are primary health care practitioners. You are to contact your chiropractic office directly for an appointment.
What is the "popping" sound?
It is the release of nitrogen from the joint space. It is a common misconception that the noise is bones rubbing on each other, this is anatomically not the case!