Question: What is subluxation?
Answer: A subluxation is where one or more spinal joints or bones are out of alignment
or are not moving properly. This causes nerve pressure or irritation that interferes with the nerve messages
from the brain to the cells in your body.
Question: How do you get a subluxation?
Answer: There are three main causes of subluxations. Physical stressors: slips, falls,
bumps, car crashes, sporting accidents, poor sitting or sitting posture. Emotional stressors: relationships
with employees, family or friends, job worries or anxiety. Chemical stressors: food, drugs, smoking and pollution.
Question: How do I know if I have a subluxation?
Answer: Whilst the spinal column maintains correct alignment, nerve information is passed
accurately. However, if any part of your spinal column becomes misaligned then a nerve may become impinged,
compressed, or stretched, distorting the information that passes along it. This can lead to pain, discomfort,
and/or restricted mobility. This is why you can have subluxations and not even know it! Like the early stages
of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough
examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.
Question: What is an adjustment?
Answer: An adjustment is when the chiropractor applies a short, sharp, specific thrust
into a joint that is subluxated. By correcting the subluxation, it allows the body to restore normal nervous
system function. An adjustment is gentle and patients often find a feeling of relief or well being straight
after the treatment. There are many adjusting techniques but all of them have the same intention, ie. Correcting
subluxations. The adjustments are always precise and specific but some are faster and require more pressure than
others. Sometimes an adjustment is accompanied by a 'popping' sound. This is just the release of gas from fluids
in the joint.
Question: Why did I feel a little stiff or sore after the first one or two adjustments?
Answer: It is not unusual to experience a reaction after an adjustment, as this is a sign
that the body is responding. The stiffness will only be temporary as the body adjusts to the 'new' improved
position it has been placed in. It is a sign that we are making long term positive changes.
Question: How much Chiropractic care do I need?
Answer: At your report of findings, the doctor will make his treatment recommendation taking
into account your current complaint and the results of your tests and examinations. You will be recommended to
follow a specific program of care which will include a series of adjustments, as well as other exercises, and
advice.
After you have completed your initial adjustments, the doctor will perform a re examination of
all of the tests completed at the Initial Consultation. Based on your improvements and the test results you will
be recommended for a less intensive frequency of adjustments.
Question: What if there is no change in my condition after the first visit?
Answer: It is quite usual for patients with chronic problems to have little or no response
to the first adjustment. Healing takes time. It may take a number of adjustments before there is a noticeable
change as there are no short cuts to speed the body's natural healing process.
Question: Why do some patients get well very quickly and others take much longer to get well?
Answer: Some patients feel better straight away, as their problem may only be minor, have
had the problem for a short time or may be young. Others may take longer to feel better, as they may have had an
underlying problem for a long time, they may have had a more severe problem or perhaps be an older patient.
Alternatively they may be doing something every day that is aggravating their problem area, and slowing down the
healing. Each person responds differently to treatment. A persons lifestyle, diet, exercise and compliance through
keeping appointments and doing exercises at home may alter their progress.
Question: If I have a cold or the flu, why is it so important to keep my appointments?
Answer: If you have a cold it is all the more reason to keep the appointment. This is the
very time the immune system needs a boost to help the body to keep up its resistance. If you are really unable
to keep the appointment that day, then you should come in the following day as medication will only mask the
problem, not solve it.
Question: Do you need to be in pain to be unhealthy?
Answer: You do not need to experience pain to be unhealthy. Pain is usually the last thing
to come, and the first thing to go. In other words the symptoms are often ‘the tip of the iceburg’metaphorically
speaking, and there is a lot going on under the surface. Sometimes the underlying cause has been there for years
and the body has managed to compensate well for it. Only 10% of our nerves can detect pain. You can loose up to
80% of an organ's function before symptoms are noticed. It can be the same with spinal malfunction. That is why
having your spine checked regularly is very important.
Question: Why should I go to the Chiropractor when I am not in pain?
Answer: Only 10% of our nerves feel pain and we need to address the underlying cause of
the initial complaint. If left uncorrected the pain could return. What we must remember is that when pain has
disappeared the underlying problem may still remain. The body needs time to heal and strengthen. Symptomatic
relief is the motivation of most new patients, and during the symptomatic phase clients require more frequent
visits. After the symptoms have improved, rehabilitation and Wellness care can ensure optimal spinal functions
is maintained. Regular visits or check ups are recommended to maintain progress and help catch little problems
before they become major concerns.