Frequently Asked Questions
Chiropractic is a health care discipline that emphasizes the inherent recuperative powers of the body to heal itself without drugs or surgery. The practice of Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects both preservation and restoration of health.
Chiropractors do not technically “treat” any specific conditions.
Chiropractic treatments are aimed to restore normal function through the body via balancing of the nervous system. As the nervous system is the major controller of all functions of the body.
By restoring and balancing the nervous system function, Chiropractic can help and assist the body with various presenting conditions such as, but not limited to: sciatica, back and neck pain, musculoskeletal symptoms of Fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, frozen shoulder, car accident injury, herniated disc pain, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome,�? headaches, migraines, anxiety, and stress.
A Chiropractic adjustment (or spinal manipulation/joint manipulation), is a highly specific, targeted procedure where a Chiropractor uses their hands, or a small instrument (Activator), to apply controlled pressure to a specific area of the body. An adjustment can be focused on just one small vertebra at a time. These adjustments aim to restore normal function via the nervous system.
Chiropractic adjustments are safe when performed by a licensed Chiropractor.
In fact, did you know that Chiropractors have one of the lowest Professional Indemnity Insurance Premiums for all health practitioners.
This is usually the best measure of risk, as the independent insurance companies set the premiums for the possible risks in each profession. Currently, our annual Professional Indemnity Insurance premium payable is around $2,500 per year.
However, as with all medical procedures, there are individuals who should be assessed to see if Chiropractic adjustments are suitable for them. We always assess each individual as to their specific case history and apply the appropriate techniques to them. Some patients do not get manually adjusted in our clinic, instead, we use other softer techniques such as Cranio-sacral therapy.
A subluxation is a misalignment of the spinal bones which in turn causes an irritation to spinal nerve roots. The spinal roots send information via the nervous system to the organs, cells, and tissues of the body.
The nervous system controls and regulates the body therefore any issues with your spinal nerves may affect your organs, tissues, and cells and in turn your overall health.
There are many benefits of Chiropractic care. As a holistic approach to healing and wellness, it focuses on the body as a whole, not just its individual symptoms.
Medical doctors may treat issues with a medication that masks the symptoms, whereas Chiropractic delves deeper to isolate the source of the pain, injury, and inflammation.
Chiropractic works on the premise that all of the body’s systems are connected – the nervous system to the respiratory and digestive system, the digestive and respiratory system to the muscles supporting them, and so on. Finding and addressing the cause of the issue can be very powerful and successful.
No referral is required to see a Chiropractor. However, your health insurance may have specific referral requirements, so it is always best to contact your insurance provider to double-check before your first appointment.
Your first chiropractic visit focuses on identifying the source of your pain or ailment. You will complete a questionnaire before you arrive and discuss this with your Chiropractor. Who will then perform a physical examination and specifically examine any areas of the body which you have specified are causing you pain and discomfort.
This process may require an x-ray of the spine, which will give your Chiropractor insight into the unique structure of your anatomy. Your Chiropractor may also perform your first spinal adjustment or other treatment modality. This normally takes place on a table specifically designed for Chiropractic treatments. At your second visit, your Chiropractor will run you through the report of findings results and work with you to draft a specific treatment plan for your needs.
Absolutely. Chiropractic is a safe and healthy way to treat pain and discomfort during pregnancy. From conception to delivery, your Chiropractor can help make the pregnancy experience as comfortable as possible.
During pregnancy, a woman’s pelvis loosens and moves. In some pregnancies, the pelvis can become misaligned while loosened and this can limit the room available for the developing baby. This is called Intrauterine Constraint. A misaligned pelvis may affect a mother’s ability to have a natural, non-invasive birth.
If the baby settles into a position where its feet or buttocks face the birth canal (breech), it is common that delivery will be via cesarean (C-Section). Benefits of prenatal Chiropractic include relieving back pain, reduced headaches, easier sleep, alleviating neck and joint pain and controlling nausea.
Yes. A patient who has already had invasive spinal surgeries is encouraged to seek Chiropractic care. Lack of pain relief after spinal surgery is, unfortunately, a very common condition – known as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Most of the causing issues prior to the surgery will still be in play, so it is a very good idea to get assessed for Chiropractic treatment.
In many back-pain patients, FBSS can be frustrating and costly. Chiropractic can offer a non-invasive alternative treatment that can help to effectively alleviate the pain that surgery failed to correct.
We offer a holistic approach to your wellness through a combination of Chiropractic, Kinesiology, Acupuncture, Massage, Hypnotherapy, Craniosacral Therapy, and Naturopathy.
Depending on the type of health issues you present with, Chiropractic care can be classified into 2 categories:
- Acute care – which is primarily focused on getting the person out of acute pain (possibly a few days to a few weeks).
- Chronic care – aims to keep the person out of acute type flare-ups. (possibly a few months to a year).
The “cracking” sound made by some of the manipulations or adjustments performed by Chiropractors is in fact a release of Nitrogen gas from the joint capsule. Joints are enclosed with a fluid lubricating the space between bones.
When a change in pressure occurs from some movement in the joint capsule, the fluid turns into the Nitrogen gas and gets released out of the joint space making the “crack” noise or cavitation as it is known in Chiropractic. The gas then gets reabsorbed back into the joint capsule when the movement has occurred.
Note that the sound is not the goal, rather the improved biomechanics and nervous system function from the correct alignment of that particular area or joint.
When someone’s joints “crack” a lot, this usually indicates that they are in fact “hypermobile”. This means that their joints may move too much.
Usually, your qualified Chiropractor can assess and tell if this is the case and will usually notice that this is a compensation of the body to allow for other areas where movement is reduced.
The aim is to have balanced movement and function throughout the whole body.
The use of muscle testing to gain information from the body. Kinesiology techniques can then be used to address underlying imbalances in the body to help promote the restorative powers to bring the body back into Better Balance.
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Better Balance Wellness
(Double Bay)
Suite 2.01, Level 2
376 New South Head Rd
Double Bay, NSW 2028, Australia
- Mon: 7am – 1.30pm & 2:15pm – 6.30pm
- Tues: 8am – 5pm
- Wed: 8am – 6:30pm
- Thurs: 9:30am – 1pm & 2.30pm – 6.30pm
- Fri: 7am – 1.30pm & 2:15pm – 6.30pm
Better Balance Wellness
(Sydney CBD)
- Tues: 7am – 1.30pm & 2.30 – 6.30pm