|
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to go?
The number of treatments you require depends on several factors:
Your specific health problem, how long you've had it, how severe
it is, how many areas and tissues are affected. Healing takes time
and varies from person to person. Your individual treatment needs
will be determined during your initial consultation. Many patients
opt for maintenance care once they feel better. Again, the
frequency of your maintenance visits will depend on several
factors, but most patients come back once a month to once every
few months. If you service your car regularly, what about your
spine? However long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care
is always up to you.
How does chiropractic work?
Gentle manipulations techniques are used on the spine and other
joints of the body to relieve pain and restore normal joint
mobility. Chiropractors look for areas of your spine where the
joints may be fixated and 'pressing' or 'pinching' on nerves. By
re-aligning the spine and relieving irritation of the neighbouring
nerves, the nervous system is allowed to function at its optimal
level, restoring the body's health.
Do
I need x-rays?
The decision on whether or not x-rays are necessary is made after
the Chiropractor has taken a full case history and examined the
patient thoroughly. The decision will depend on several factors,
including whether the information yielded by an x-ray justifies
exposing the patient to the radiation involved in taking it.
How is my chiropractor trained?
Chiropractors are highly trained primary contact health care
professionals. On average five years full time university degree
studies are required at an internationally recognised institution.
The studies include anatomy, neurology, physiology, pathology,
biochemistry, behavioural sciences, diagnosis and manipulative
skills to mention but a few. Today chiropractors are the world's
most qualified and skilled professionals in manipulative therapy.
Can I have chiropractic care after back/neck surgery?
Yes. The chiropractor will alter the treatment to ensure that no
stresses will be placed on a vulnerable part of your spine. After
surgery people often find that they have problems above or below
the involved area. These areas will be the focus of your
chiropractic care. With the rest of the spine functioning
optimally less stress will be put on the vulnerable segments.
How can I be sure my chiropractor is suitably qualified?
Chiropractic is regulated by a statutory body known as the General
Chiropractic Council (GCC). Anyone practising as a chiropractor
must be registered with the GCC. This guarantees that anyone
practising as a chiropractor has been educated at a college
accredited by the GCC. Therefore members of the public can visit
any chiropractor with the reassurance that he or she has met all
the regulations and standards set by the GCC to ensure the safety
of the public.
Can babies and children be treated?
Yes, people of all ages can benefit from chiropractic care,
although treatment techniques of the newborn obviously differ
dramatically from those of adults. It is a good idea to have
babies checked soon after birth. Any spinal or joint problems can
then be dealt with early on before they cause further health
problems. Chiropractors have also treated babies and children
successfully for problems such as colic, feeding problems, sleep
and feeding problems, hyperactivity, bedwetting, asthma and
breathing difficulties. Talk to your chiropractor to find out
more.
What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is the term used to explain the chiropractic
treatment. It is known in the medical community as spinal
manipulation, although the chiropractic adjustment is performed
specifically by chiropractors with at least four years of
extensive experience in this type of treatment.
Can I have chiropractic care while pregnant?
Yes. Many pregnant women benefit from chiropractic care. Your body
is changing rapidly, altering your centre of gravity and your
gait. This in turn can put stresses on your spine and other
joints. With chiropractic care these areas can be balanced,
decreasing the levels of discomfort.
|
