Pins & Needle

Accurately identifying the cause of spinal pain or other discomfort almost always requires a thorough consultation and examination. Individuals should not assume their pain stems from the same problem, for example, their neighbour had, and thus what has helped their neighbour will help them. Just as every individual is unique and different from the next, so too are the health conditions they suffer and the treatments they require.

Chiropractors are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue injuries and abnormalities common to the spine, extremities and rest of body. Rest assured that if you are suffering from back or neck problems, extremity problems or other health related ailments Chiropractic could provide you with the effective professional relief you demand. If your condition is out of the Chiropractic scope or would be more appropriately managed by another health care specialist, we will gladly and promptly make the necessary referral.

Chiropractic has helped millions of people worldwide suffering from all types of problems and not just back and neck ailments. Chiropractic works with the spinal column and it's intimate relationship with the nervous system - the major controller of all bodily functions. By optimising spinal column structure and biomechanics, irritation and stress are removed and health can once again be achieved.

You may be surprised to learn that research studies have provided scientific evidence showing Chiropractic care is not only effective in the treatment of back and neck ailments, but can also provide effective relief with children suffering from ear infections, women suffering from dysmenorrhoea (painful menses), and a number of other seemingly "non-spinal" conditions. While it's not prudent to guarantee relief from such conditions or claim to "treat" these conditions, Chiropractic has successfully helped millions of individuals with all sorts of health conditions by positively affecting the nervous system.

Of course, Chiropractors are best known for their success in treating back and neck problems. Through the use of Chiropractic spinal adjustments and other highly specialised Chiropractic techniques, Chiropractors have established themselves as the back and neck injury specialists. Many medical experts are now coming to understand the true effectiveness of Chiropractic care and are recommending major changes in the way our health care system manages many common spinal problems. According to a recent Ontario Ministry of Health commissioned study on low-back pain, “A very good case can be made for making Chiropractors the gatekeepers for management of low-back pain..."

More often than not it is an underlying joint that is causing the problem. A painful joint will trigger a muscle spasm around it, and since a muscle receives it's nerve supply from a branch of the spinal nerve, muscular pain may be part of the problem.

There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common, osteoarthritis, often responds extremely well to Chiropractic care. Although Chiropractic certainly is not a cure for arthritis, some individuals find that regular Chiropractic care helps to reduce their pain and stiffness and increase mobility. Osteoarthritis is often treated with anti-inflammatory medication and nothing else. This is a mistake. Using anti-inflammatory medication in the long term has been shown to impair the healing rate of cartilage and can also cause damage to the lining of the stomach and result in fatal stomach bleeds, particularly in the elderly. Fortunately there are better ways to manage osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is not just a problem in older people, younger people can have the disease too. We know from research that abnormally functioning joints can lead to osteoarthritic changes. In fact irreversible changes can occur after only two weeks of complete immobilisation! Chiropractic adjustments can help to restore joint movement and keep your spine from underperforming.

Costs vary and generally depend on the number of treatments required to effectively treat your condition. A number of studies have shown that Chiropractic care is extremely cost effective when compared to other "medical" forms of care for similar conditions. According to the 1993 Manga Report, ”There would be highly significant cost savings if more management of low-back pain was transferred from physicians to Chiropractors. Users of Chiropractic care have substantially lower health care costs, especially inpatient costs, than those who use medical care only."

Chiropractic treatments are extremely safe for individuals of all ages - from infants to 100 year olds. Our treatments are safe because we only use natural and non-invasive methods of care. Research consistently shows that care from Chiropractors is among the safest care available and is literally light years ahead of traditional medical care in terms of "safeness". Chiropractic care is "...remarkably safe", in the words of the New Zealand government's inquiry. It is safer than back surgery, muscle relaxants, and even aspirin. All ages from babies to the elderly enjoy safe, effective care around the world.

The treatments themselves are generally not painful. In fact, most patients look forward to their treatments as many experience instantaneous relief immediately afterwards. Individuals who present with moderate to severe pain may experience some minor discomfort for obvious reasons; however, care is always gentle, safe and non-invasive.

No. A Doctor of Chiropractic is a primary contact provider, meaning you do not need a referral. Doctors of Chiropractic are regulated by law, and provide a package of care that can work independently, or alongside treatment prescribed by NHS medical doctors and other health care professionals. If yours is not a Chiropractic case, a responsible Chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate health care provider.

We have seen literally thousands of peoples’ lives change for the better after receiving Chiropractic care. Many of these were told that they would never be able to do anything about their pain. We can’t guarantee results but Chiropractic care shou

The overall goal is to optimise your spinal alignment and weight bearing curve and associated joint function and overall optimal nervous system health - not just pain relief. Most people experience some relief of symptoms in the first few weeks and some in even a shorter period of time. However a good Chiropractor will tell you in advance that some post-adjustment soreness is normal, especially at first. In regards to post-adjustment soreness, it is common for Chiropractic adjustments, and soft tissue work to result in a temporary increase in soreness in the treatment area(s). This is nearly always a temporary symptom that occurs while your body is undergoing therapeutic change.

No! Did your mother ever warn you that "cracking" your knuckles would give you arthritis? If she did, we're sorry to say that she was wrong! Research has actually shown that individuals who habitually "crack" their knuckles over their lifetime actually lower the incidence of arthritis in their knuckles compared with those who do not. The “cracking” or “popping” sound is simply the release of gas from within the joints. It’s a bit like when you open a fizzy drink - the “fizzing” sound is the release of pressure from the bottle - it’s the same with your body when the pressure is taken off the joints.

The types of conditions that Osteopaths and Chiropractors treat are very similar. However, the focus of Chiropractic is on the proper functioning of the nervous system. This is because the nervous system controls everything in the body. In fact, Chiropractors don’t claim to ‘treat’ anything, rather they help the body to function at is optimum, by removing nerve interference. Once the nerve interference is removed the body very often responds. Chiropractors are trained to take X-rays, whereas Osteopaths are not. X-rays can be a very useful tool in visualising the spine to reveal any potential contraindication to spinal adjustments (manipulation) and provide a more accurate prognosis.

Chiropractors do not just focus on the spine by using adjustments (manipulation) alone as some think. Rather they also utilise soft tissue therapy, therapeutic stretches, rehabilitation, mobilisation and therapeutic modalities.