How does chiropractic work?

The human body is a self-healing, self regulating organism controlled by your nervous system.  Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out via spinal nerves to every organ and tissue in the body.  Signals are sent back to the brain providing feedback to the brain.  Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves potentially compromising the function of the affected organs and tissues.  This can also cause inflammation which leads to the characteristic pain and aches that prompts patients to visit a Chiropractor. Specific adjustments to your spine and other joints performed by a Chiropractor can help to “reset” the spine, mobilising the vertebrae (Spinal bones) and helping your body to heal itself.

What is a subluxation/ joint dysfunction?

A subluxation is a term Chiropractors use to describe a situation where parts of the spine are not working properly, are imbalanced or are misaligned. There are three causes of subluxation.  Physical (Trauma) causes could include poor posture, slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting.  Emotions (Thoughts) such as grief, anger and fear can cause them too.  Chemical (Toxins) causes include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet. At Fulwell Chiropractic we call these the 3 Ts.

How do I know if I have subluxation?

You can have subluxation and not even know it.  Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxation can be present before warning signs appear.  The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of the subluxation you may have.   In reality, most people approach Chiropractors when they have symptoms, such as pain, ache, pins and needles, stiffness etc.

What’s an adjustment?

Chiropractic treatments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add movement to spinal joints that aren’t moving right.  Some methods use the Chiropractor’s hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity.  There are many different ways to adjust the spine.

Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

Yes.  A New Zealand government found that adjustments are “remarkably safe”.  By avoiding drugs and risky operations, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record.  A thorough exam can identify the rare person for which chiropractic care might be unsuitable.  Compare the statistics.  Adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the- counter pain reliever.  At Fulwell Chiropractic, we use Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique which is extremely safe and has never been implicated in causing injury or harm in over 50 years.  We can even adjust children from the age of 5 and people with osteoporosis using the Activator method.

What makes the sound during adjustments?

Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint.  Some methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift.  It’s much like the opening of a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup.  The sound is interesting but it isn’t a guide to the value or quality of the adjustment.   Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique that we specialise in at Fulwell Chiropractic does not involve cracking or popping your joints. The Activator instrument itself gives a clicking noise during the adjustment.

Are all patients adjusted in the same way?

No. Each patient’s spine and care plan is unique.  With 24 moving bones in the spine, each of which can move in different directions, we see a wide variety of spinal patterns.  Each patient’s care is tailored for their age, condition and health goals.

How many adjustments will I need?

The number of adjustments varies with each person and their individual health goals.  Most patients sense progress within two or three weeks of starting their care. The frequency of the visits is usually twice weekly until your symptoms begin to subside.  Visits become less often as your spine stabilises.  In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years.  At Fulwell Chiropractic we will give you a report of findings to estimate the amount of care you will need for your specific condition.

Do you just treat the spine?

Absolutely not.  The spine is integral and crucial to how your body functions but we have hundreds of additional adjustments we can do to treat all areas of the body, such as wrists, elbows, shoulders, ribs, hips, knees, ankles, feet, the jaw and the skull.

Do I have a trapped or pinched nerve?

This is rare, in reality.  It is much more common that adjacent spinal bones irritate, stretch, rub or chafe a nerve.  This can cause dysfunction and distortion of the signals sent along the nerve with unhealthy alterations to the organs and tissues served by the nerve.  It can also produce pain and inflammation, associated with and recognised as back pain.

Do I have a slipped disc?

This is a commonly used but highly inaccurate description.  Discs are special joints which join each vertebra together in the spine.  They are often described as a “shock absorber” but really a disc is a highly complex joint.  The disc has a fibrous outer ring which holds a jelly-like material within.  You may have heard of the term “slipped disc” to describe a back problem.  This is an incorrect description though as a disc cannot slip because of the way it joins the bones of the spine together.  A disc can bulge, tear, herniate, thin, collapse or dry out but it cannot slip.

Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?

Yes.  Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level.  These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care, particularly as surgery often results in accelerated degeneration of the spine above and below the area that has had surgery.

Can patients with Osteoporosis get chiropractic care?

Of course, especially with the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique.  When developing a care plan, your chiropractor considers the unique circumstances of each patient.  There are many ways to adjust the spine.  The method selected will be best for your age, size and condition.

Am I too old to have Chiropractic?

At Fulwell Chiropractic, we have patients in their 90’s who benefit from chiropractic, so you are never too old to have chiropractic.

Can chiropractic help with wear and tear?

Yes if there are mechanical problems alongside degenerative conditions (wear and tear), generally we can help.

Can children have chiropractic?

Yes, children often respond excellently to chiropractic care and many conditions seemingly improve.  We see children from the age of 5 at our practice.

Can I have chiropractic if I’m pregnant?

Yes, at Fulwell Chiropractic we have special equipment to treat pregnant patients up to 9 months; it’s very safe and extremely beneficial to be adjusted during pregnancy.

How long until I’ll feel better?

Some patients experience almost instant relief.  Others discover it can take many weeks or months.  Many factors can affect the healing process.  How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments?  Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke?  Are you in otherwise good condition?  Within a short period of time (two to three weeks) most patients sense enough progress to fully carry out their Chiropractor’s recommendations.

How long will I need chiropractic care?

After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care.  These visits can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become serious.  Our job is to offer the very best care and your job is to decide how much of it you want.  At the end of the day, it’s your decision.

Will I receive any medication for my pain?

Not from a Chiropractor.  Chiropractors don’t prescribe drugs.  Because we rely on natural methods, we can show you how to use ice to control painful symptoms.  When properly applied, ice can have an analgesic effect without the side effects of pain medications.  We will also provide advice on nutrition and supplements that can help you.

What if my insurance policy doesn’t cover chiropractic?

Fulwell Chiropractic is recognised by all major health insurers such as Axa PPP, Aviva, Simply Health, Westfield etc.  Most Insurance schemes cover Chiropractic but don’t worry if yours doesn’t. At Fulwell Chiropractic, we make Chiropractic affordable for all.

Will I ever get back to normal again?

Patient results may vary.  Many report improvement and the total resumption of their normal lifestyle.  Those who neglected or delayed seeking care often see slower progress.  After improvement, many patients discover that periodic chiropractic check ups can help avoid a relapse and keep them feeling good. What if chiropractic doesn’t work? If we’re unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help.  Your health is our primary goal

Does my insurance cover chiropractic?

Fulwell Chiropractic is recognised by all major health insurers such as Axa PPP, Aviva, Simply Health, Westfield etc.  Remember to ask your provider what you need to do to make sure they will cover the cost of your chiropractic visits, for example: do you need a GP referral? Most Insurance schemes cover Chiropractic but don’t worry if yours doesn’t. At Fulwell Chiropractic, we make Chiropractic affordable for all.