A chiropractor is a registered health practitioner who treats patients muscuoloskeletal system. Chiropractors are used by Australians to complement or as an alternative conventional medical treatments.

This article helps you understand what chiropractors do and answers common questions which patients might ask.

What conditions do chiropractors treat?

Chiropractors diagnose, treat and prevent mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health.

Chiropractors treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions, such as neck pain, back pain and headaches.

Spinal adjustment is the main treatment used by chiropractors. This technique involves using the hands to move a patients joint beyond its usual range of motion. Manual pressure is applied to the spine using different techniques, and some movements may give an audible crack or pop.

Are chiropractic treatments effective?

Spinal manipulation can be an effective therapy for acute low back pain.

In addition, spinal adjustments have been shown to give minor short-term improvements in pain and function in people with chronic low back pain.

Spinal adjustment is one of several complementary options which include exercise, massage and physical therapy that can provide some relief to low-back pain.

Are chiropractic treatments safe?

Spinal manipulation is generally safe, although it can be associated with minor problems and, rarely, very serious side effects.

Minor short-lived responses following spinal manipulation are common. Around half of people who have seen a chiropractor say they felt dizzy, light-headed or numb afterwards, or had a headache, or had more pain or stiffness.

What you can expect during a chiropractic session

The chiropractor is likely to discuss your current health problem, along with your overall medical history. They may perform an examination and you might be offered spinal adjustment.

At Body Focus Chiropractic, Xrays are used to determine the current alignment of your spine, disc damage etc. This information forms part of the treatment process and follow up scans are used to review the bodies response to chiropractic treatments.

Common questions patients ask chiropractors?

Before or during your appointment with a chiropractor, you may like to ask some of the following questions:

  • Why do you recommend this treatment?
  • What is the relationship between spinal health and the nervous system.
  • What are the risks involved in this treatment?
  • What are the possible side effects?
  • If you treat 100 people with this problem, how many experience side effects?

It would also be important to let your chiropractor know of any medical condition that may affect your treatment or put you at higher risk of side effects from spinal manipulation.

You might be at a higher than usual risk of having complications if you have:

  • a medical condition that affects your bones and joints, such as osteoporosis, arthritis or hypermobility (extra stretchy joints)
  • medicines and conditions that increase your risk of bleeding
  • medicines and conditions that weaken the skin

Are you in Adelaide and would like to know more about how chiropractic services? Contact Body Focus Chiropractic for a discussion today.