FAQs
“Look well to the spine for the cause of disease”
- Hippocrates
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a low risk, natural, drug free approach to health. It is based on the knowledge that the nervous system controls the function of every tissue, organ and system in the body.
Chiropractors assess the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (primarily coordinated by the nervous system) to determine whether the body is functioning optimally.
Chiropractors feel for areas in the spine where the joints may be ‘jammed’, ‘pinching’ or ‘irritating’ the nerves. If these areas of joint dysfunction are detected they may be corrected by a specific, gentle, precise corrective force called an adjustment working to relieve nerve irritation and improve function.
Additionally, Chiropractors are also trained to assess other structures within the body, such as the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. This allows us to thoroughly assess each individual body that walks into our clinic, and as such, determine an appropriate and tailor-made treatment plan for our patients.
A common misconception is that Chiropractors only address and treat the spine, and you should only come to us if you are experiencing back pain. While Chiropractors are extensively trained in the ins-and-outs of the spine, we are also trained to assess all areas of the body! Sore ankle? Knee? Shoulder? Let us take a look!
Education and Registration:
Registration as a chiropractor requires a minimum of 5 years of university studies in a double science degree. Subjects covered include anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, x-ray imaging and interpretation, and five years of hands-on, practical technique and adjusting skills classes. The course emphasises the importance of understanding how the entire body works, comprehensive history taking skills, a thorough physical examination, accuratediagnosis, and the way to best manage each condition with a large focus on safety.
Before any chiropractor graduates they must pass countless written and practical examinations throughout the course of their studies, some overseen by a panel of their peers (just ask one of us about it, something I'm sure we'll never forget!). Then, they apply to a Government registration board for review before being granted the privilege to practice.
Registration and membership with the Australian Chiropractic Association requires ongoing yearly continuing education, further studies and strict ethical standards.
What about babies and children?
Parents often ask why children need to see a chiropractor. Just as adults have their spine checked for poor movement, symmetry and muscle tone, so may children be checked for this as well.
Before any treatment is commenced we take a full history, examination including spine, nervous system, developmental milestones and primitive reflexes. Your chiropractor will discuss all findings and recommendations to give you the choice whether care may be suitable for your child.
Adjustments differ significantly from adults often only requiring light fingertip pressure, cranial therapy or sometimes an instrument called an ‘activator’. Infant adjustments are very gentle, no cracking techniques will be used and babies will typically be soothed by an adjustment.
Children:
The average child will fall 2500 times before the age of 3, three of them being be major falls such as off change tables, out of cots or downstairs. 50% will have a major fall in their first year! As a child grows they will also be subject to falls from bikes, play equipment, trampolines and heavy school bags. Poor posture is an increasing problem with increased usage of phones, laptops and devices.
Much of this is unavoidable and often disregarded but it is the cumulative nature that can result in ongoing problems and postural deviations that can remain through life. Just like any piece of machinery maintenance checks help to keep the long term impact to a minimum assisting the nervous system and your child’s body to perform at optimal levels.
But my child has no symptoms? Just like a tooth cavity may have no symptoms, the effect of nerve irritation and postural imbalances can follow the same principle. Chiropractic care also includes advice on exercise, nutrition and lifestyle. Techniques will be tailored to suit their age, developing anatomy and comfort with safety as our priority.
Teenagers and Adolescence
This is an extremely important time to check your child’s spine and posture.
Previously undetected postural problems can often be multiplied during growth spurts and the increased demands of adolescent sporting activities. Many of these changes may be corrected before maturity. Posture, phones, computers, heavy schoolbags, stress and contact sports play a large role in teenage health issues and are important to correct early.
Many parents find their teenagers more responsive to professional advice than their own nagging.
Is Chiropractic safe for my child?
Research over many years internationally has shown the risk of chiropractic adjustments to be extremely low.
With gentle, low force techniques children and parents feel very comfortable with adjustments.
Safer Care Victoria Review in 2019 received 21,824 submissions, with results showing Chiropractic spinal treatment for infants and children is extremely safe with no adverse events found.
Chiropractic spinal treatment for infants and children, reported by respondents, to have improved after treatment in 98% of children, while 99.7% of respondents reported a positive experience with chiropractic care of their child.
An examination will include an extensive history, examination, postural and gait assessment, neurological and milestone assessment where appropriate and spinal examination. Referral to your doctor, paediatrician or allied health professional may also be appropriate.
To help you we have a child friendly clinic with toy boxes and a change table. Our clinic is also pram accessible.
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy and Birth is a natural process. Therefore, it is our role to allow your body to adapt and function as it was designed to and support you during this important time.
Pain or discomfort experienced throughout your pregnancy, in a lot of cases, can be easily relieved and managed, with gentle, safe techniques. Because Relaxin hormones are released in pregnancy, gentle, low force adjustments are specially adapted for pregnancy. Additionally, in the later stages of pregnancy we can start to prioritise preparing your body for birth, by ensuring flexibility and symmetry through the pelvis and its surrounding structures.
Please tell our chiropractors if you are pregnant so we can ensure your comfort and adapt our techniques to suit.
We use specially designed tables allowing you to lie face down throughout your entire pregnancy in safety and comfort.
Our chiropractors attend many hours of post graduate study specifically relating to pregnancy and chiropractic care.
Am I too old?
Chiropractic is a great way to maintain mobility, manage pain and add quality to your later years. Many of our seniors find they are in the too hard basket for many of their doctors with limited choices for medication and too risky for surgery.
Using specially designed tables to assist you lying down, and gentle low force techniques many of our seniors are delighted to find there is hope and comfort in their later years.
We see numbers of seniors in their nineties, and many into their next century!
To assist we have parking directly outside, and rear access to the clinic to avoid steps. We are Veterans Affairs (DVA) approved, part of the Medicare enhanced primary care program for chronic conditions with referral from your GP and are happy to assist you with mobility issues.
Techniques:
Techniques we use will depend on your age, physical condition and any complicating factors.
At Cudgegong Chiropractic our chiropractors are trained in and regularly use specific spinal adjustments (Diversified and Gonstead), drop piece tables, Activator, Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT), cranial adjustments, dry needling, soft tissue releases and exercise advice.
Drop-piece tables are special tables have sections that move up and down under your body to gently unlock specific segments of your spine. Tables are able to gently lower to a lying position and have sections that separate to allow pregnant, elderly and post surgical patients to lie comfortably face down.
The Activator is a small hand held instrument to gently loosen the spinal joints and restore function to the nerves. It feels like a quick finger flick against the skin. Because its speed is so fast, only a small amount of pressure is required to correct spinal problems.
The Activator is especially suitable for babies, children, the elderly and people with a history of spinal surgery or complicating factors.
Dry needling involves the use of small needles which penetrate the skin at specific sites within taut bands of muscles and tendons. The result is a mechanical stimulation of the surrounding tissues which promotes healing and reduces pain within these tissues.
Will I need x-rays?
This will be determined after a full history and physical examination. If required we will refer you to x-ray facilities nearby or of your choice.
X-rays are largely covered by Medicare rebates.
Children will not require x-rays in most cases unless they show significant trauma or postural deviations. Please bring previous x-rays or scans to your first appointment so we can review them.
Does it hurt?
Chiropractic treatment should not cause pain. The Chiropractor will work within your pain tolerance adapting techniques to suit your age, build and history.
Sometimes you may experience temporary tenderness after your first few adjustments (much like you have done a work out at the gym) as your body adapts to its new alignment. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concern.
Cudgegong Chiropractic – safe, gentle and effective