Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right.

Improper motion of the moving bones of the spine, and its related local effects is called a chiropractic subluxation and can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and reducing the function of affected organs and tissues.

Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.

The disc is a soft, pulpy, shock absorber. It has a fibrous outer ring holding in a jelly-like material. A slipped disc is a common way to refer to a wide variety of disc problems. However, a disc can’t slip because of the way it attaches to the spinal bones (vertebrae) above and below it. A disc can bulge, it can tear, it can herniate, it can thin, and it can collapse. But it can’t slip.

A pinched nerve is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal joint has been irritated and is inflamed. Nerves are particularly sensitive to the chemicals involved in the inflammatory process. Other causes of local and referred pain are: muscle spasms and trigger points; normal joint pain referral; and joint capsule pain.

Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. These can be aggravated and perpetuated by emotional distress such as anger or fear and chemical irritation such as alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.

You can have chiropractic subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.

Sometimes. Today’s hectic lifestyles are a constant source of chiropractic subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don’t resolve, you need to see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick, gentle and precise thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren’t moving correctly. Some methods use the practitioner’s hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.

Yes. A New Zealand government study amongst others, found that adjustments are remarkably safe. By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuitable. Your chiropractor has had a minimum of 5 years university training to help make this so safe. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Can the bones move too much?

Highly unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy, delivered to an exact spot, at a precise angle, at just the right time. The intent is to get a stuck spinal joint moving again, helping reduce nerve irritation. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.

Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It is much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn’t always a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.

No. Each patient’s spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones in the spine, each of which can move in seven different directions, we see a wide variety of spinal patterns. Each patient’s care is dependant on age, condition and health goals.

No. Some people can make their joints ‘pop’, but that’s not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within one or two adjustments. Visits become less frequent as your spine stabilises. In chronic cases, complete healing may take months or even years. An active patient, once stable will seek ‘chiropractic maintenance’ to remain stable and healthy. This could be a monthly, three monthly or even yearly visit depending on the patient’s requirements.

Even today’s natural childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine. Preliminary studies suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Paediatric adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, the chiropractor applies no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato.

Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractor will avoid surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes altered movement patterns above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.

Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and medical condition. Chiropractic care used in conjunction with resistance exercise has proven to be a very successful method of stabilising osteoporotic patients.

Some patients experience immediate relief others can feel worse before feeling better within 24 hours of the first treatment of a chronic condition. Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good health? Within a relatively short period of time most patients sense enough progress to fully carry out the recommendations of their chiropractor.

As with any approach to a medical condition, chiropractic care is just one of the options available to you. If progress is slower than would be considered normal for your condition, your chiropractor will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help you further.