Frequently Asked Questions
- What is chiropractic?
- What is an adjustment?
- Who can benefit from chiropractic care?
- What kinds of things can chiropractic help me with?
- Will I have to do exercises?
- What can I expect on my first visit?
- Once I go to the Chiropractor, do I have to go forever?
- How soon will I be better?
- How long does treatment last?
- What is the cracking sound?
- Is chiropractic safe?
- What kind of education do Chiropractors have?
- Do you treat children?
- Do you treat pregnant women?
- Why X-rays?
What is chiropractic?
The World Health Organization defines chiropractic as: A health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health.
What is an adjustment?
Chiropractors often use their hands to deliver gentle, controlled force to manipulate the spine or other musculoskeletal structures. Chiropractors are trained in spinal manipulation. An adjustment involves applying a specific force in a precise direction to a joint.
Who can benefit from chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is used most often to treat patients experiencing back pain, neck pain, musculoskeletal complaints and managing symptoms such as muscular tension often associated with asthma. The causes of these symptoms may be varied: Motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, repetitive motion, stress or other aggravating conditions, such as arthritis.
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What kinds of things can chiropractic help me with?
Chiropractors treat problems of the musculoskeletal system. This includes lower back pain and neck pain.
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Will I have to do exercises?
To optimize the effects of treatment, stretching and strengthening programs are almost always recommended.
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What can I expect on my first visit?
Prior to meeting with the Chiropractor, you will be asked to complete a New Patient Intake Form. Using this form as a guide, you and the Chiropractor will discuss your health history in detail. This will be followed by a full physical examination. Your Chiropractor will then decide if further testing, such as x-rays or a referral to your G.P is required. You will then be presented with a report of findings, outlining your specific problem, treatment options, and prognosis. Questions are always welcome. Your first visit includes time to initiate treatment if you decide chiropractic care is right for you.
Once I go to the Chiropractor, do I have to go forever?
The choice to continue chiropractic care is always up to you. We recommend that you come in for more regular check-ups as soon as symptoms arise. We can also provide you with exercise and lifestyle advice to help you manage your condition and stay active.
How soon will I be better?
This is one of the most common questions we are asked. To provide you with realistic expectations, many factors affecting your recovery time must be taken into consideration, including:
acute vs. chronic pain
first episode or recurrent problem
history of previous injuries
general health
general fitness level ( strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health)
poor posture
lifestyle (work, diet, sleep)
patient comprehension and compliance with recommendations
kept appointments
stress (physical/mental/chemical)
family history
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How long does treatment last?
The average established patient office visit last from 10-15 minutes up to 30 minutes+ depending on the type of treatment. The number of recommended treatment sessions varies. Some patients seek a treatment plan to alleviate immediate or chronic pain, which may be resolved with only a few treatments.
What is the cracking sound?
When a joint is adjusted (moved), there is a natural change in the internal pressure of that joint. This change results in the release of gas normally dissolved in the fluid which lubricates the joint. The release of this gas may produce a “crack” or “pop” sound similar to that produced when you open a can of soda.
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Is chiropractic safe?
Research continues to support the safety and efficacy of chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors do not use drugs or surgery, which have their place but may produce side effects and complications. As each patient is unique, each treatment and each adjustment is unique as well. Your age, size, and individual problem will determine which technique(s) will best put you on the road to feeling better.
The Code of Conduct for Chiropractors requires every practitioner to provide safe and effective health services within an ethical framework determined by National Law and the Chiropractic Board of Australia.
http://chiropractors.asn.au/membership/membership-benefits/item/146-chiropractic-faqs
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What kind of education do Chiropractors have?
Dr Haslett had a Bachelor of Science (Zoology, Chemistry) degree before studying at Palmer College of Chiropractic. I undertook many classes involving anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-rays, and spinal adjusting techniques are just a handful of the topics studied at school. Before receiving my Doctor of Chiropractic degree I had to undergo an intensive and closely supervised internship program at a Chiropractic College Clinic, where students gain and perfect valuable skills and also learn when referral to other disciplines is warranted. Prior to being able to open my door to you, all Chiropractors must pass rigorous National and State Licensing Board examinations.
http://chiropractors.asn.au/membership/membership-benefits/item/146-chiropractic-faqs
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Do you treat children?
Yes. Being a parent of two young growing boys Dr Haslett has an interest in the musculosketal issues in children.
Do you treat pregnant women?
Yes, Dr Haslett has special interest in helping pregnant women dealing with back pain and musculoskeletal issues.
http://chiropractors.asn.au/membership/membership-benefits/item/146-chiropractic-faqs
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Why X-Rays?
Spinal Degeneration
Soon after the discovery of the X-ray, chiropractors began using this tool in the examination and care of the spine.
Besides revealing the presence or absence of proper spinal curves, side views of the spine can more easily show the long-term effects of neglected spinal trauma. They also give a more detailed description of your underlying spinal posture and wear and tear.
Think of it as Spinal Decay
This process in the spine has similarities to tooth decay in that it shows up usually because of neglect. Also, like tooth decay, it can happen to anyone, regardless of age.
Because it is often seen in older people, many believe it’s merely the normal ageing process. However, it appears that this progressively worsening, degenerative condition is the result of many factors.
Three Phase Process
Spinal degeneration or Osteoarthritis is a process. Whether you take three snapshots of the process or twenty-three snapshots, it’s a process. We use the three-phase model based on the book Managing Low Back Pain, by W. H. Kirkaldly-Willis and Thomas Bernard, Jr., plusAnatomico-Roentgenographic Studies of the Spine, by Lee A. Hadley, M.D. We find that it makes the differences between each phase great enough so our patients can appreciate what they’re seeing.
Text Book Normal
While this process can occur anywhere in the spine, it’s easiest to see in the cervical (neck) spine. This is what the side view of the neck should look like. From the side, the neck should have a graceful forward curve. The edges of each bone are well defined. There should be equal disc spacing between each bone and the openings for nerve roots should be clear and unobstructed.
This would be considered a textbook “normal” side view of the neck.
Phase One (mild osteoarthritis)
In Phase One there is a loss of curve and a reduced ability to turn and bend. In some cases, the disc space between adjacent vertebrae may be reduced. Or, discs can become wedge-shaped, inviting more serious soft tissue damage. Depending upon your body’s adaptive capacity, pain or other obvious symptoms may not be present. Even the resulting reduced range of motion may be too subtle for many to notice.
The first thing you notice is a loss of the normal cervical curve.
Phase Two (moderate osteoarthritis)
In Phase Two, joint surfaces lose their clearly defined edges as the early signs of bone spurs become visible on X-ray views. Some believe that the body senses the accompanying inflammation as the sign of a broken bone. It begins the process of depositing calcium salts. Without being in a cast to prevent movement, fusion doesn’t occur.
Adjacent joint surfaces become rough and uneven.
Phase Three (severe osteoarthritis)
The problem worsens in Phase Three. Amazingly, pain or other obvious symptoms may not yet show up. But finally, the body successfully “mends the broken bone.”
This process can take years.
The affected bones have lost their individuality and ability to move.
The Prognosis
Some patients who begin chiropractic care in Phase One discover a restoration of their spinal curves and improved range of motion. Success with Phase Two patients is less predictable and depends on many factors. While we can do little after decades of neglect with Phase Three cases, we instead turn our attention to those areas of the spine that have not yet been lost to the process.
It’s impossible to predict what effect, if any, chiropractic care will have on slowing, stopping or reversing this process. Nor can a particular phase be used to predict how much care will be needed.
Other forms of medical imaging may also be used to better diagnose different conditions of the back and body. For example Ultrasound can be used to diagnose conditions for the shoulder such as bursitis and tear in the rotator cuff tendons OR MRI’s and CT’s are used to better evaluate disc injuries etc. Again, we work with other health care and medical practitioners to better diagnose and treat the cause of your symptoms.
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