Frequently Asked Questions

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is the third largest primary health care profession in the western world. Chiropractors specialise in the detection, correction and prevention of spinal disorders and their effects on the nervous system and the body.

Are chiropractors educated?

Chiropractors are university trained, and within Australia three universities offer chiropractic. RMIT University (Melbourne) and Murdoch University offer a five-year undergraduate course, and Macquarie University (Sydney) offers a two-year full time post-graduate Masters.

What is a subluxation?

A vertebral subluxation results when the bones of your spine lose their normal function (motion) and sometimes their normal position. Subluxations may or may not be painful, however they have the potential to affect your health. Your chiropractor is a expert in location and correction of vertebral subluxation.

What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is the restoration of normal function to a joint. There are different techniques for adjusting the spine and there is a technique suitable for all ages, body types and conditions. Commonly, a specific manual adjustment is used where the chiropractor uses their hands to restore normal movement to the joints involved.

What is the noise heard?

With a manual adjustment, the joints of the spine are moved slightly apart. This results in nitrogen gas that is present in the joint to expand, thus making a 'popping' noise.

Is chiropractic safe?

As with any form of health care there are some risks. Some people may feel slight soreness after their first few adjustments as function is restored to the joints. This is usually very temporary.

There is a risk of strain/sprain to a ligament or disc (less than 1 in 139,000 in the neck and less than 1 in 62,000 in the lower back)

The most publicised risk is also the lowest risk. The risk of stroke following an adjustment is less than 1 in 5,850,000.

A study in the Journal of Manip. Bus. Therapeutics showed a course of chiropractic care to be 250 times safer than a course of anti-inflammatories.

Can I receive care if I have osteoporosis or arthritis?

These conditions are always carefully looked for and allowances made if necessary.

Sometimes different techniques are utilised so that the underlying conditions are not upset.

Often people with these conditions will get great benefit from treatment.

Once I start coming do I need to keep coming back?

Some conditions require ongoing treatment as they have advanced to an irreversible stage.

Sometimes a person's lifestyle will result in a person's spine subluxating and they will therefore have recurring problems.

Like regular dental check-ups, many people choose to avoid bigger problems by having a regular check.

Once people experience the value of chiropractic care and the benefit to their health, they choose to continue care to promote their health just like regular exercise and a good diet. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

Do I need a referral?

A medical referral is not required. The only exception is the Department of Veterans' Affairs, which require a written referral from their general practitioner.