CHIROPRACTIC FAQS

​Is chiropractic care safe?
While those without experience can say that adjustments may sometimes look a bit scary, chiropractors are using skill (not force or strength) to deliver highly specific adjustments as needed. As well as these adjustments, other various types of manual therapy and low force interventions may be used where appropriate. Chiropractic care has a very low risk of injury, especially when compared with more invasive methods of spinal healthcare. We like to gently “unwind” you here at Sprouting Health, not force things into place.
 
What IS a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the application of a specific force in a precise direction, applied skilfully to a spinal joint that is fixated/restricted, “locked up”, or not moving as it should. This can help improve or restore motion to the joint, helping the spine to gradually regain more normal motion and function.
 
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the chiropractor’s hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly-accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant or indirect pressure. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility and decrease pain.
 
At Sprouting Health, we use a variety of assessment methods to identify where you need to be adjusted and the best modality of doing so, tailored specifically for your body.
 
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
While brief discomfort after an adjustment can occur, it is rare and most people find having an adjustment very relaxing.
 
With some adjustments you may sometimes feel or hear a popping sound from the spinal joints. This is simply caused by a change in pressure in the joint as spinal movement is improved - the noise is similar to when you click your tongue off the roof of your mouth.
Some chiropractors use a hand-held instrument to adjust the spine while others use wedges or blocks to help realign part of the body. Whatever the technique, chiropractors use skill, not force or strength, to care for people with a high degree of safety compared to other modalities.
 
Am I too old/young/injured/etc for chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is not a ‘one size fits all’ healthcare option. Chiropractors carefully assess each patient individually and tailor their care accordingly. By using a variety of non-surgical techniques, such as specific spinal adjustments, manual therapy, and soft tissue techniques, chiropractors offer a drug-free, hands-on approach to spinal healthcare.
 
There is no age limit on chiropractic care, in fact more and more people are consulting chiropractors, especially in their later years. In order to deliver the safest, most effective and highest quality care possible, chiropractic techniques are modified appropriately for each person at every age and stage of life.
 
Here at Sprouting Health, we perform thorough examinations to ensure we are providing you with the best treatment for your body and your complaints. If you have any questions, just ask!
 
How are chiropractors qualified and regulated?
Australian chiropractors are highly qualified healthcare professionals who study at university for a minimum of five years and are government regulated and registered. Like all other registered healthcare providers, chiropractors adhere to National Law and profession specific codes of conduct and guidelines.
 
At Sprouting Health, we never stop training and working to improve our clinical skills. All chiropractors must undertake continuing professional development every year to maintain registration, constantly learning and staying current with the latest research so that we are able to provide you with the best care possible.
 

References

Hawk, C., Schneider, M. J., Haas, M., Katz, P., Dougherty, P., Gleberzon, B., Killinger, L. Z., & Weeks, J. (2017). Best Practices for Chiropractic Care for Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Consensus Update. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 40(4), 217–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2017.02.001
 
Herzog W. (2010). The biomechanics of spinal manipulation. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 14(3), 280–286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2010.03.004