Chiropractic FAQs
What is chiropractic? +
Chiropractic works on the biological premise that the body is designed to be able to heal itself, as long as the brain and the body are able to communicate properly. This is done via a healthy nervous system (brain, spinal cord and spinal nerves, which make up the body’s internal communication). The spine’s job is to house and protect this system.
When the body is under stress (physical, chemical or emotional) it can cause muscles to tighten and joints in the spine to become stuck or misaligned. These misalignments can create interference (vertebral subluxation) to the function of the nervous system, creating issues such as back pain, neck pain and/or headaches just to name a few, and limiting the body’s ability to self heal and self regulate.
The great news is that as chiropractors, we are highly trained to locate and then safely and gently correct these misalignments, allowing proper function of the spine and nervous system to be restored and thus allowing the body to heal properly. It’s that simple.
We utilise a number of chiropractic techniques including traditional ‘hands-on’ type care, as well as activator (instrument-assisted) care. It comes down to patient preference and what works the best for each individual. We promise to listen to what has worked/not worked for you in the past, to figure out what will be the best approach moving forward in the future.
What is an adjustment? +
An adjustment helps to restore normal function to the spine and nervous system using movement in a specific direction to the vertebrae to help your body correct a subluxation. There are many ways to “adjust” the spine. Some methods use the doctor’s hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity.
What are the benefits of receiving chiropractic care? +
Results from chiropractic are different for every person. Many people notice benefits such as:
- Greater energy and vitality
- Greater flexibility, strength and muscle coordination
- Improved posture
- Greater emotional well being
- Decreased muscle tension
- Better concentration
- Improved sleep
- Higher productivity and performance
- Greater ability to cope with stress
What are the qualifications of my chiropractor? +
Your chiropractor will have a Bachelor of Chiropractic and studied for a minimum of 5 years.
Subjects include anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, neurology, pathology and radiology. All are members of the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association and attend regular seminars to continue their professional education.
Who can receive chiropractic care? +
Anyone with a spine! You are never too young or too old. Here at Wairarapa Chiropractic we look after all ages from newborns through to the elderly.
After going through your detailed New Patient consult we will select the best suited techniques to your age, size & condition.
Paediatric adjustments are safe and very gentle. Depending on their age and size, their adjustments often require no more pressure than you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
For more info, see our pages on:
Why do you x-ray some patients? +
“To see is to know…not to see is to guess”
Chiropractors can learn a lot about your spine by using their hands, and chiropractic exams but there is no substitute for having a visual representation of the spine and exactly what condition it is in.
X-rays help us to identify the extent of any degenerative change that may have occurred over time, any postural changes to the spine, and to rule in/out certain pathologies (disease) and anomalies that mean we cannot adjust certain areas (contraindications) or require modification to the way your chiropractor will adjust your spine.
At Wairarapa Chiropractic we have onsite digital x-ray facilities so we can take your x-ray at the time of your appointment. We are the only chiropractic clinic in the Wairarapa with these facilities.
Any imaging will only be considered where clinically justified, in line with current legislation and guidelines.
Are adjustments safe? +
Adjustments are “remarkably safe” according to the New Zealand Government’s landmark “Commission of Inquiry into Chiropractic”. In fact, Chiropractic care is safer than having back surgery, driving your car or taking an aspirin.
What is a vertebral subluxation? +
A vertebral subluxation is the improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine (vertebrae) which interfere with the nerve messages between the brain and the body. The delicate nerves exiting the spine can be irritated, stretched and sometimes compressed or pinched. Even with this nerve irritation most subluxations exist without obvious pain or discomfort. Subluxations affect your muscle balance and the function of your organs to produce important chemicals and hormones.
How do I know if I have a vertebral subluxation? +
Most subluxations produce no pain or symptoms at all. The best way to know if you have one is to get your spine checked by a chiropractor. Postural imbalances such as one ear or shoulder higher than the other can be indicative of a subluxation.
What causes vertebral subluxations? +
Subluxations are caused by stresses (or forces) that your body cannot adapt to.
Physical stress — such as injuries, falls, the birth process, lifting children, school bags, car accidents, sports, prolonged abnormal postures or even subtle repetitive movements.
Chemical stress — alcohol, toxins, additives and chemicals in food, tobacco smoke, medication, coffee, and other pollutants in our environment.
Emotional stress — family conflict, arguments, personal traumas, work pressure, life or career changes, grief etc.
How can I minimise vertebral subluxations? +
There are a number of ways to minimise the severity of subluxations in your body and reduce the likelihood of them occurring. Some avoidable causes of subluxations include poor posture, a soft unsupportive bed, incorrect pillow height, a badly set up work station, high heels, dehydration, poor lifting techniques etc. Ask your chiropractor for tips on these. Exercising, stretching, good nutrition, plenty of rest, positive thoughts, reducing stress are other ways to minimise subluxations.
Unfortunately some forces or stresses the body is unable to avoid, hence why we recommend regular chiropractic check-ups even when you are not in pain.
How many adjustments will I need? +
The number of visits varies with each patient and his or her individual health goals. Often frequent visits are recommended initially for maximum benefit. The focus of this primary phase of care is to stabilise and improve the function of your spine and nervous system as quickly as possible. As your spine stabilises, visits become less often.
A range of tests are performed at your initial consultation. Your chiropractor uses the results of these tests, your health history, your age and any x-ray findings to help determine the level of care required for you to get the best results.
How long till I start to feel better? +
Pain is the often the last symptom. We can liken this to the oil light in your car, only turning on once below a certain level.
Many factors can affect the healing process. Age, condition of your spine, quality & quantity of rest & exercise, and nutrition are just some of the factors. Some notice changes almost immediately. Others discover it can take many weeks, months or even years, especially in chronic cases.
A chiropractor’s job is to remove interference to your body’s natural healing ability via its natural healing abilities. The subsequent healing process is unique to each individual.
Progress examinations are held at regular intervals to make sure that you are on track.
Many patients choose chiropractic as part of a healthy lifestyle and continue to have regular chiropractic checks, thus maintaining the health of their spine and nervous system. For some a regular “check-up” is once a week for others once every 4/6/8 weeks
How much will my care cost? +
This depends on the finding and the frequency of care necessary. Please see our “Your investment” page for pricing.