What Is Chiropractic?

According to the Chiropractic Association of Australia, Chiropractic is a health care discipline which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.

The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. In addition, Doctors of Chiropractic recognize the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient.

Chiropractic care may also involve other natural forms of health care including stretching and exercise programs, nutritional advice, home care, ergonomic and postural advice, lifestyle and health education information.

What will happen during my Initial Consultation?

You will sit down and discuss your current health concerns with your chiropractor.

A full history and examination is conducted and options are provided for optimal personalized care. The chiropractor may refer you for X-rays if clinically indicated. Referral to your GP or other allied health practitioners (i.e. physiotherapist, podiatrist, naturopath etc) is made if more specialized, concurrent or alternative treatment is warranted. 

Patient-centered, evidence-based family care is the primary focus at Adelaide Spinal Care and Wellness. Specific focus is on spinal structure and function and its effects on the other joints, nervous, muscular and general healing systems of the body. 

Any questions or concerns will be addressed before you receive any treatment. 

What does Chiropractic treatment involve?

Chiropractors effectively correct spinal and joint problems with gentle spinal adjustments performed by hand or by specialized instruments. These specific corrective procedures help to realign the body and enhance muscular balance, thus promoting proper nervous system function and contributing to optimal whole body health. 

Your chiropractor will go through with you which areas are to be adjusted and will explain the techniques that may be utilized before the adjustment. 

Is everyone adjusted the same way?

No! We understand that every person is an individual. Each person will receive a personalized treatment plan based on their history and examination. 

How long will I need to have Chiropractic care?

Your chiropractor will give you a personalized treatment plan based on your history, examination and your health goals.

Everyone is different and responds differently to chiropractic adjustments. Some patients see results soon after commencing care. Symptomatic relief usually occurs quite quickly. Others with more chronic conditions may take a bit more time (i.e. weeks to months) to recover due to muscle weakness, soft tissue damage and degenerative changes.

Once you have experienced improved spinal health, you may discuss your future options with your chiropractor. 

Ultimately, how long you benefit from chiropractic care is up to you. Your chiropractor will give you a recommendation. You may then choose to continue with maintenance care. 

Does an adjustment hurt?

In most cases, chiropractic adjustments do not hurt at all. Many people actually find having an adjustment very relaxing. 

With some adjustments or techniques you may feel or hear a ‘popping’ sound from the joints of the spine. This sound is created by  gas (mostly carbon dioxide) temporarily escaping from the joints of the spine as joint surfaces are moved, creating a change in pressure. This sound is completely harmless and the gas will reabsorb into the body after a short time.

Some adjustments may involve the use of a hand-held low force instrument (Activator) to adjust the spine or smaller joints in your arms and legs. At other times pelvic blocks may be used to realign the body.