Is Chiropractic Safe?
Yes chiropractic adjustments are safe:
Chiropractic adjustments (manipulations) of the spine are internationally recognised as being far safer in dealing with neck and low back pain than medication and many alternatives. (A Risk Assessment of Cervical Manipulation, JMPT, 1995. Manga Report, Ontario Ministry of Health, 1993).
Chiropractors in New Zealand are licensed and registered, providing thousands of adjustments a year to many happy patients throughout the country.
Will it Hurt?
Generally, adjustments do not hurt. Occasionally, your muscles in the area might be tight and tender and slightly sore when pressure is applied. This discomfort should not last long. Most regular maintenance patient report little to no discomfort at all and look forward to their adjustments.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is the foremost complementary medicine discipline, utilising spinal and extremity adjusting (gentle corrective forces applied by hand to the body) to improve your biomechanical function and nervous system activity. Chiropractic improves your body’s ability to run itself through removing interferences in the nervous systems communication pathways – the spine and its associated nerves. Our mission is to help you achieve your treatment goals, and to maintain optimal health over the long-term using safe, natural and holistic chiropractic care, along with lifestyle and exercise advice and nutritional guidance and support.
Who Should See a Chiropractor?
We recommend that everyone should see a chiropractor regularly to maintain good health. Newborn through to elderly need their spine looked after. However, if you have had a recent injury or accident you will particularly benefit from chiropractic care.
Other reasons people come to see us are for:
back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, sciatica, knee pain, recurring middle ear infections, jaw problems, tiredness and fatigue, numbness and tingling in arms and legs, overuse and sports injuries, among others.
How Often Should I Come?
As soon as your spine develops misalignments! But since misalignments are often painless, it is good to get your spine checked periodically, as you get your teeth checked periodically for “painless cavities”. We recommend no more than 3-6 months between visits depending on your case.
Will I Need X-Rays?
In most cases the chiropractor will require x-rays. However they are only taken when a need has been determined after taking a patient case history and conducting a physical examination. There are circumstances, of course, that may not require x-rays; such as pregnancy, young children or if you already had the necessary ones taken recently (Please bring these with). X-rays can play an important role in diagnosis. Chiropractors take x-rays to reveal the internal structure and alignment of the spine. We are also concerned about underlying disease processes and disorders of the spine such as spinal deterioration, arthritis of the spine, abnormal development, bone spurs, disc disorders, tumours and spinal curvature. X-rays also provide a blueprint for correcting the spine back to optimal health and alignment.
We take most of our x-rays on-site and will discuss the findings with you at your initial consultation. This is a fast and painless process, and most patients appreciate being able to view and understand what is happening with their body.
Do I Need a Referral From My GP?
No. Chiropractors are registered primary health care practitioners which means that you do not need a medical doctor’s referral to visit us. We are also licenced to treat more than just your spine, we can provide care to most areas of your body including; shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles and feet.
What if I’m Pregnant?
Chiropractic is safe and beneficial for pregnant women. As your pregnancy advances, your posture will change to adapt to a growing tummy, hormones will act on your ligaments and joints to make them looser. Misalignments are more likely to occur, causing aches and pains, and which may restrict your baby’s movements. We have specific techniques that will help you feel more comfortable.
Is Chiropractic Safe for Children, the Frail and the Elderly?
Yes. We regularly treat individuals from a few hours old to the very elderly. We have a range of techniques which can be applied to suit any spine. These groups of people are amongst those that are shown to benefit most from chiropractic care.
What do I do if I Hurt Myself Playing Sport?
Most sports injuries are covered by ACC. We are ACC registered and as such you can come straight here to file a claim without the need for a referral from your GP. We recommend being seen as soon as possible after your injury as immediate intervention typically results in a quicker recovery. If you have concerns about what we can do for your specific injury, give us a call as we’re always happy help.
Is Chiropractic Recognised by ACC?
Yes. Chiropractors are registered as ACC providers and are recognised as primary health care practitioners which means that you do not need a medical doctor’s referral to visit us. We are also licenced to treat more than just your spine, we can provide care to most areas of your body including; shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles and feet.
What if I’ve had Previous Spinal Surgery?
Yes, chiropractic is safe for those who have had previous spinal surgery. It’s an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who have spinal surgery can discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too common occurrence is known as “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.” Chiropractic may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially utilised, back surgery can often be avoided in the first place.