What Type Of Qualifications Do Chiropractic Doctors Get?

Today’s chiropractor is a highly educated professional. Chiropractic training in Australia involves five year courses at Sydney’s Macquarie University, Melbourne’s RMIT University and Perth’s Murdoch University. Many Australian chiropractors received similar education in the US or Europe.
These courses are of similar length and depth as medical courses, but focus on promoting better health via better body function, rather than on medicine’s drugs and surgery. Accordingly, chiropractic education involves a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques and related subjects. This demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to locate the Vertebral Subluxation Complex and help correct the resulting nervous system dysfunction.
A chiropractor’s education never ends. After entering practice, most doctors complete continuing professional development courses and seminars to upgrade and improve their skills and to stay current on the latest scientific research.

How are Chiropractors Regulated?

Like other health professionals, chiropractors are required to be government-registered in the state in which they practice.

What Is An Adjustment?

A Chiropractic adjustment is the art 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 bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. 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 doctor’s hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow and constant pressure. After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractic doctor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.

Can I Adjust Myself?

Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a popping sound, like the sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable area of the spine even more unsteady. The best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a Chiropractor. Even your doctor must seek out the service of another colleague to help restore and maintain proper spinal function.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

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 that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs.
A thorough case history and examination help reveal areas of the spine that may be causing nervous system malfunction. This information will be used to determine the best course of care for each patient.
Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and effective. Please feel free to discuss this matter with me

Can I Speed The Healing Process?

While there are no t any shortcuts to speed your body’s natural healing process, there’s a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance of a quick recovery.
Learn proper sitting and lifting methods. Specific exercises may be suggested to help retrain the muscles that support your spine.
Proper rest is an important aspect of the healing process, too. Get the appropriate amount of rest your body needs and avoid sleeping on your stomach.
During the healing process, proper nutrition is more important than ever. Make sure you eat balanced meals.

Am I Too Old For Chiropractic Care?

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, endurance, and appetite.
Many patients report improvements with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associate with the ageing process. The adjusting technique used by your doctor will be modified for maximum comfort and results.

How can I stop my pain coming back?

The chiropractor will determine the cause of your pain condition and after treating the problem will give you advice and exercises to prevent it from returning. Because of the nature of our jobs or lives we may not be able to totally eliminate the cause. The chiropractor may then advise you to return for spinal checks 1-2 monthly to treat the dysfunction before it again becomes painful.

How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care?

Most patients find that periodic chiropractic check-ups help keep them in tiptop shape. Those who are active, have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of preventative visits are helpful in the maintenance of good health.
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.

Will I have to come to a Chiropractor for the rest of my life?

This is totally up to the patient. As we get older it is a normally part of the ageing process that our spines and joints degenerate and are therefore more a risk of becoming injured. Regular Chiropractic ensures the joints remain in optimum health by keeping them functioning therefore reducing the risk of reoccurrence. Its like going to the dentist for a check up before you have a tooth ache.