Matraville Chiropractic

We Commonly See: Back Pain Neck Pain Headaches & Migraine Sciatica Infantile colic Muscles Strains Low Energy Constipation Asthma Bed-wetting Jaw Pain Scoliosis Hip pain Carpal Tunnel Rotator Cuff injuries Arthritis Car Accidents Work Place injuries Menstrual Problems Indigestion Can Chiropractic help me? Spinal Pain is the commonest reason for visits to a Chiropractor. Pain is only a signal that something is not working; it’s the body’s way of getting attention. However, the absence of pain does not necessarily mean everything is working okay. Instead, a variety of other symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, numbness, joint stiffness, tingling, pins and needles, reduced movement, poor balance, pulled muscles, headaches, dizziness, breathing difficulties, bowel and bladder problems, and even sight and hearing problems can be an indication of spinal faults (subluxations). As many of these symptoms can indicate a serious underlying pathology a thorough history taking and examination is essential to ensure that chiropractic is the right treatment option. Chiropractors are fully qualified to assess this and if required refer to the appropriate professional. Do I need a referral from a GP to see a chiropractor? Chiropractors are primary contact, primary healthcare practitioners – as such, no form of referral is required as a prerequisite to visit a chiropractor. How long will I need chiropractic care? A frequently asked question and the answer is not a day longer or shorter than it takes for the body to accept the healing process. Generally, there are three phases of recovery: Acute intensive care to minimize pain. Reconstructive care to reverse or slow-down advancing conditions. Maintenance care which can involve an occasional visit to keep you as well as you can be. After your case has been discussed and recommendations made, only YOU will decide which care best suits your needs. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you. What type of educational qualifications do chiropractors receive? Today’s chiropractor is a highly educated professional. Chiropractic training in Australia involves five year courses at Sydney’s Macquarie University, Melbourne’s RMIT University and Perth's Murdoch University. Many Australian chiropractors received similar education in the US, Europe or New Zealand. These courses are of similar length and depth as medical courses, but focus on promoting healthier lifestyles via better body function, rather than on drugs and surgery. Accordingly, chiropractic education involves a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques and related subjects. A chiropractor’s education never ends. After entering practice, all CAA chiropractors must complete continuing professional development courses and seminars to upgrade and improve their skills and to stay current on the latest scientific research. Is chiropractic care safe? According to a New Zealand government inquiry, chiropractic care is remarkably safe.* In relation to caring for neck and back pain, studies have shown that a course of chiropractic care was 250 times safer than a course of anti-inflammatory drugs**. However, it is important to note that while chiropractic has an excellent safety record based on drug free non-invasive care, no form of healthcare is entirely free of potential adverse effects. While some reports have attempted to associate chiropractic neck adjustments with an occurrence of a particular kind of stroke (vertebral artery dissection), research*** conducted in 2008 in the journal Spine - undertaken as part of the World Health Organisation Bone and Joint Decade Neck Pain Taskforce - provides the strongest support for the extremely high safety of chiropractic care. According to the study, increased risks of vertebral artery dissection were likely explained by patients with pre-existing stroke-related neck pain and headaches consulting chiropractors and primary care physicians before the occurrence of a stroke. Furthermore, the research asserted that while there was an association of vertebral artery stroke with chiropractic patients under 45, a similar association existed between the same type of stroke and use of primary care physicians in all age groups. In the study, researchers noted that patients are no more likely to suffer a stroke following chiropractic care than they would after visiting their family doctor's office. Chiropractors use skill, not force or strength to conduct safe, effective adjustments. Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is safe and effective. Please feel free to discuss this matter with your chiropractor. How are chiropractors regulated? Chiropractors are five year university trained, government regulated and government registered healthcare professionals. Government established chiropractic registration boards – whose regulations chiropractors must strictly adhere to in order to maintain registration to practice - exist in all Australian states and territories to ensure increased public safety for the Australian population. These bodies are responsible for maintaining the highest standards for all practitioners. What is a chiropractic adjustment? A chiropractic adjustment is the skill of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the joints to gradually regain more normal motion, alignment and function. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to permit improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health. 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.