Casey Chiropractic FAQs

Chiropractors are the spinal health experts. Helping to restore proper spinal biomechanics and improved nervous system function begins with a patient’s case history. This gives the Chiropractor a background about your health, such as surgeries, accidents, the onset of your condition, and other details affecting your current health. After reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem, a thorough orthopaedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination is performed. X-rays may be taken to uncover structural and functioning problems associated with the spinal column. These examinations help identify areas of spinal malfunction and resulting nervous system deficit. The findings of these examinations are explained and a plan of chiropractic adjustments may be recommended. Progress is monitored with periodical examinations and follow-up reports.

In the words of the New Zealand Government’s Inquiry, Chiropractic care is “remarkably safe.” Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to health. In relation to the treatment of neck and back pain, studies have shown that a course of chiropractic care was 250 times safer than a course of anti-inflammatory drugs[1]. However, it is important to note that while Chiropractic has an excellent safety record based on drug free, non-invasive care, no form of healthcare is entirely free of potential adverse effects[2].

A Chiropractic adjustment is the skill of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the joints to gradually regain more normal motion and function. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to permit improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health.

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.

After years of university training and clinical experience, each chiropractor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.

Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners therefore a referral is not necessary. However more and more GP’s are referring to Chiropractors via the Chronic Disease Management Program, which allows those eligible up to 5 visits in a calendar year. These visits are not free and a gap payment is still required.

To understand the difference between each we recommend referring to the definition of each practice.

Chiropractic is a health care discipline based on the scientific premise that the body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism. The practice of Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine, and pelvis) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.

Physiotherapy, as described by the Australian Physiotherapy Association, “uses a variety of techniques to help your muscles and joints work to their full potential. It can help repair damage by speeding up the healing process and reducing pain and stiffness.”

Osteopathy as described from ‘Osteopathy; The Art of Practice’ “As: When blood and lymphatics flow freely, the tissues can perform their physiologic functions without impedance. With the occurrence of trauma (physical or emotional), the tissues contract, twist, and compress and fluid flow becomes obstructed. Micro-climates of under perfusion result, and are considered to be a significant contributor to the onset of disease. Osteopathic manipulation restores freedom in the tissues, normalizes fluid flow and thus inherent physiologic function (healing) follows”.

Each individual is different and must make their own choice about the most appropriate method of care for them. We believe Chiropractic, with its central focus on the spine, nervous system and their impact on entire body provides a health care option that can help manage pain as well as assist in achieving optimal well-being.

Yes. At Casey Chiropractic we see a range of people from all age groups and backgrounds. The techniques and methods used are appropriate for the particular age group and range from exceptionally gentle adjustments (the pressure you would use to test a peach for its ripeness) to a more manual based approach.

More and more people are consulting Chiropractic doctors, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality and endurance. Many patients report improvements with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process. The adjusting technique used by your doctor will be modified for maximum comfort and results. As we get older and wiser, the simplicity and effectiveness of chiropractic care becomes more and more obvious.

Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable. While this style of “crisis management” is usually more costly and time consuming, chiropractors stand ready to help all patients, regardless of their health goals. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

The University training required to become a chiropractor is 5 years.

The science of chiropractic requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques, and other related subjects. These studies educate chiropractors to locate your spinal problems so they can help correct the resulting nervous system dysfunction. Before any chiropractic student graduates, they must pass demanding written and practical examinations by a panel of their peers. Then, they apply to a Government registration board and are reviewed before being granted the privilege to practice.

We believe education is a life long journey and we gladly commit to give up our weekends to continue learning to serve you better.

In most cases, not at all. In fact most people find having an adjustment very relaxing. With some adjustments you may feel or hear popping sounds from the spinal joints. This is simply caused by a gas release from the joint as movement is restored. Sometimes handheld instruments may be used and special techniques are used for adjusting infants and children.

Whatever the technique, Chiropractors use skill, not force or strength, to conduct a safe, effective adjustment.

Individual experience varies from person to person, but most people can expect some benefits soon after beginning care and for these to consolidate further as therapy continues.