Chiropractic Facts

What does a Chiropractor do?

Chiropractors are experts in knowledge of the musculoskeletal system (meaning the muscles, bones and joints) and nervous system of the human body. If the nervous system is disrupted, it can cause pain and make normal functioning of the body (such as walking) difficult. Chiropractors correct bio-mechanical and nervous dysfunction and restore normal function to the spine, joints and nerves. This relieves pain and restores function without the use of surgery or drugs.

Do Chiropractors study medicine?

Your Chiropractor, if registered in Australia, has a minimum of five (5) years tertiary training at an approved university. Their study specialises in anatomy, physiology, neurology, radiology and biomechanics. Members of the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia commit to regular advanced education seminars to stay up to date with developments in the profession.

Is Chiropractic painful?

No. Chiropractors use safe and gentle techniques that are intended to relieve your pain. In most cases pain relief is instant and long lasting. We encourage patients to communicate with us to achieve the best result from your treatment.

What happens when my back cracks?

Chiropractic is not about “cracking backs”, in fact the crack that people sometimes hear is simply a side effect of gas being released from the disc joints in the spine as the bio-mechanics of the body are restored. The ‘crack’ you may hear is gas – not bone – and is completely painless. In fact it often gives a lot of relief. If you don’t hear a crack it doesn’t mean your treatment wasn’t successful. This noise is just a completely harmless side effect of the treatment.

How do I know if I need to see a chiropractor?

Pain is generally an indicator by your body that something is wrong. But of course it is better to prevent than cure so you can see a chiropractor for a general health check-up at any time. Most commonly chiropractors treat conditions such as: Back Pain, Intermittent pain (ie pain that comes and goes), Sciatica and Disc problems, Headaches and Migraines, Neck Pain and Stiffness, Poor Posture and Scoliosis, Sporting Injuries, Weight problems, Knee, Ankle and Hip problems, Work related Stress Injuries (eg tennis elbow, carpal tunnel/repetitive strain injuries), Nerve injury, Numbness and Tingling (These are warning signs of disc bulge or disc herniation. Urgent treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of permanent damage). Chiropractors also treat Osteoarthritis and Post Surgery Rehabilitation.

How long will I have to see a chiropractor?

That depends on your condition. Some patients may only need a couple of treatments while others, with chronic or long term problems, may take a little longer. How long you receive chiropractic care is up to you. If you simply just want to get out of pain, or if you want to continue maintenance care periodically to prevent pain and feel good, it’s your choice. Many people choose to continue regular care as part of a healthy lifestyle to help the body function at an optimum level for greater energy to keep up with the demands of a busy life and to help prevent injury.

Does it work?

Chiropractic care has been around since the late 1800s and there are many thousands of case studies that show its effectiveness. In fact more medical doctors are working closely with chiropractors now because of the benefits of a wholistic approach to long term patient wellbeing.