Chiropractic

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic care aims to locates and correct nervous system interference. It offers a drug-free approach to health with individualised treatment that corrects interference, relieves pain and improves health. At Complete City Health our chiropractors aim to achieve pain-relief and increased mobility, structural re-alignment and ultimately a positive change in the health of our patients.

Are Chiropractors registered or licensed practitioners?
Chiropractors are most definitely registered and licensed practitioners. Debra and Riaz both hold a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters of Chiropractic from Macquarie University. They have each completed over 5000 hours of lectures and tutorials in areas such as Anatomy, Physiology, Neurology and, of course, specialised Chiropractic studies. Also, Debra and Riaz have completed additional postgraduate studies in paediatrics, sports chiropractic, ergonomics and rehabilitation. Both Debra and Riaz have to complete ongoing education to maintain their association membership and are both registered with the Chiropractic Association Board.

What is a subluxation?
A subluxation occurs when one or more spinal joints or bones are out of alignment with the ones above or below. This results in mechanical pressure on the nerves and interference to the nervous impulses from the brain to the tissue cells.

What causes a subluxation?
A subluxation can occur for many reasons. Common causes are physical trauma such as improper lifting, car accidents, repetitive motions, poor sleeping habits, even the birth process. Poor posture, bumps and bruises and stress are also causes.
Subluxations are serious spinal conditions which interfere with the health of the nervous system, the vertebral column (spinal column) and thus the overall health of the body.

How do you know when you have a subluxation?
Sometimes we are not lucky enough to notice or recognise the warning signs of a subluxation. The results of vertebral subluxations can be almost invisible so often when we feel well we may assume that we are well.
If a subluxation has been present for a period of time, signs may arise. For example, the signs may be loss of mobility, inflammation, swelling or tenderness. Muscle spasms, tingling sensations, weakness, dizziness, stiffness and loss of control over muscles/organs are also warning signs that something is wrong.

What is an adjustment?
When an adjustment is given, the chiropractor uses a carefully directed and controlled pressure in a precise direction to a joint that is fixated, 'locked up' or not moving properly.
The chiropractor locates the vertebral subluxation by using their hands or special instruments and applies a specific force. This allows the body to correct the subluxation and restore nervous system function and normal vertebral motion, thus correcting the position and motion of spinal bones.

Will it hurt when I get an adjustment?
The spine becomes accustomed to its incorrect position over time, so the first time you get adjusted and the spine is moved back to its correct position it will stretch certain ligaments and muscles and alter the function of spinal joints.
Most commonly people experience immediate relief following an adjustment. Occasionally they may feel minor discomfort as the body adapts to its altered position, however this is normal and only temporary.

Why do my bones make a cracking noise when I get an adjustment?
Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluid in the joint shift. It is much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cap. The sound is interesting, but is not a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.

Can I adjust myself?
No. Some people make their joints 'pop', but that is not an adjustment! Worse,
damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments.
Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractor must consult another chiropractic practitioner to have his/her spine adjusted.

Can the bones move too much?
This is highly unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy, delivered to an exact spot, at a precise angle, at just the right time. The intent is to get a 'stuck' spinal joint moving again, helping to reduce nervous interference. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.

My chiropractor put me on a treatment plan. Can you explain why I need to follow this schedule?
This treatment schedule is what it will take in order to correct your condition so that your spine will sit straight and function correctly.

Can I just come when I am sore?
Yes, you can, however pain is the first thing to disappear and if the cause of your problem is not corrected, your pain will return and become more frequent. Your spine will also continue to degenerate over time if it is not corrected.

How long will it take for me to get well?
To relieve you of your pain it should only take a few visits, although in order to correct your problem it will take the duration of the treatment schedule prescribed by your chiropractor.

How is my treatment schedule worked out?
The treatment schedule works in 3 stages, they are:
Initial Intensive Care - This is the beginning of the treatment and frequent visits are needed to relieve symptoms and to begin the healing process. Several treatments a week are needed at this stage, because your spine has been out of alignment for so long. After you have your first treatment there is every likelihood your body will not hold the adjustment for too long, as your muscles will just pull it back into the incorrect position.
Due to the intensity of this stage, your spine will be pulling your muscles into the correct position so frequently, that they will start holding the adjustments for longer. Eventually your spine will hold the adjustment long enough in between appointments, so we can then move on to the next stage.
Corrective Treatment - This stage is designed to help restore your spine to the proper position and restore the motion of the spinal bones.

Elective or Wellness Care - This stage is not unlike maintenance care. This stage consists of periodical inspections to detect problems before they occur and become serious. This is like servicing your car - you get mechanical assessments to detect breakdowns before they occur.

Treatment schedules are tailored specifically to your individual condition and the time needed to correct your condition.

I have finished my corrective treatment plan, what now?
Now that you have finished your corrective treatment schedule your chiropractor will recommend a maintenance treatment schedule based on your individual needs. This is to ensure that you do not have a relapse and you experience the full wellness benefits of chiropractic care.