Chiropractic care is not a one size fits all healthcare option. Chiropractors carefully assess each patient individually and tailor their care accordingly. By using a variety of non-surgical techniques, such as specific spinal and chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy and low-force intervention, chiropractors offer a drug-free, hands-on approach to spinal healthcare.
Here are some good questions to ask a chiropractor – and their answers, of course!
Is chiropractic care safe?
This is a great question to ask a chiropractor – and one that we receive a lot. Chiropractic care has a very low risk profile, especially when compared with more invasive methods of spinal healthcare. Chiropractors use skill, not force or strength to conduct specific chiropractic adjustments. Various types of manual therapy and low force interventions are also used where appropriate.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the application of a specific force in a precise direction, applied skillfully to a spinal joint that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving as it should. This can help improve or restore motion to the joint, helping the spine to gradually regain more normal motion and function.
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually, the chiropractor’s hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant or indirect pressure.
Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, and endurance.
Am I too old for chiropractic care?
In short, no! There is no age limit on chiropractic care, in fact, more and more people are consulting chiropractors, especially in their later years. In order to deliver the safest, most effective and highest quality care possible, chiropractic techniques are modified appropriately for each person at every age and stage of life.
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
While brief discomfort after an adjustment can occur, it is rare and most people find having an adjustment very relaxing.
With some adjustments, you may sometimes feel or hear a popping sound from the spinal joints. This is simply caused by a change in pressure in the joint, as spinal movement is improved. The noise is similar to when you click your tongue off the roof of your mouth.
Some chiropractors use a hand-held instrument to adjust the spine. Others use wedges or blocks to help realign part of the body. Whatever the technique, chiropractors use skill, not force or strength, to care for people with the highest degree of safety and effectiveness.
How are chiropractors qualified and regulated?
Australian chiropractors are highly qualified healthcare professionals who study at university for a minimum of five years and are government regulated and registered. Like all other registered healthcare providers, chiropractors adhere to National Law and profession specific codes of conduct and guidelines.
They never stop training and working to improve their clinical skills. All chiropractors must undertake continuing professional development every year to maintain registration, constantly learning and staying current with the latest research.
Do you have more good questions to ask a chiropractor? Don’t hesitate to contact Dr Miki at her Brisbane CBD chiropractic clinic!
