FAQs

Yes. Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects.

The intention of a chiropractic adjustment is to affect or correct the alignment, motion and/or function of a vertebral joint. Specifically, they are intended to correct “vertebral subluxations”, the term given to the signs and symptoms that are said by chiropractors to result from abnormal alignment of vertebrae.

Since significant trauma can occur at birth, many parents choose to have their newborns checked for any spinal health related problems. Later, learning to walk, riding a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal health related problems.

While a bandage and some comforting words can help a skinned knee, the potential underlying structural damage to the child’s spine, skull, pelvis and extremities is the unique domain of a chiropractor.

Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as “growing pains” may be able to be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups may be able to identify these problems and help avoid some of the health complaints seen later in adults.

Naturally, Chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child’s spine, particularly babies.

At Bigspine Chiropractic, we treat children from the about the age they start school. For children, younger than this, such as Newborns and toddlers, a visit to a ‘pediatric’ chiropractor is recommended for more specialised care. Feel free to call us for a pediatric referral.

As the human body ages many change occur and this includes the spine. Spinal discs, facet joints, muscles, ligaments and other related tissues become weaker therefore less able to withstand normal stresses.

There is not a doubt that regular exercise throughout one’s life is critical in order to help thwart off potential health issues.  This is something we all need to keep in mind as we age but for those who are reaching or in their mature years it is never too late to implement an exercise program. Seeking professional guidance on this is important.

Chiropractic procedures are always individualized taking in many factors and this includes the patient’s age. For those who are in their mature years they too can benefit from regular chiropractic care that will provide them with many health benefits. Through the use of gentle mobilization and adjustive techniques, stretching, exercise, and if need be physical therapies, spinal stress is decreased which in turn minimizes degeneration. The patient also benefits from increased flexibility and mobility and this is really important for individuals in their mature years.

Multiple studies have shown that about 12 total treatment sessions with a chiropractor over a 6-week period is commonly enough to complete a treatment program for back pain relief, especially when combined with other treatments.

An adjustment is not normally painful. In some cases, mild soreness to the area adjusted may follow. This is typically a normal part of the healing process where an area of the spine has been restricted for a long period is now moving better.

Some adjusting methods can produce a popping sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It’s much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound isn’t a guide to the quality or need of the adjustment It is a common misconception that the noise is bones going back in place or rubbing on each other, this is definitely false! 

Some Chiropractors use a hand-held instrument to adjust the spine. Others use pelvic blocks to re-align the body. 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.

One of the most common questions that I get from patients is if they can adjust themselves. To answer simply, no, not even chiropractors can adjust themselves. Most people view the adjustment as just “cracking” your back and don’t understand the purpose that the adjustment serves.

When you receive a chiropractic adjustment, your muscles and bones are moved and stimulated. This results in the body releasing toxins—the same thing happens after a massage. To flush these toxins from the body, you want to drink a large glass of water immediately following your adjustment

Chiropractic care is usually a safe, effective practice during pregnancy. Not only can routine chiropractic care help manage pain in your back, hips, and joints, it can also establish pelvic balance. That can provide your baby with as much space as possible over the course of your pregnancy

In understanding the difference between Chiropractic and Physiotherapy, 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.

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.

Most Chiropractors will take care of people in the clothes they come in with. However, any bulky clothing, such as a heavy winter jacket or thick jumper would need to be removed.

Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners therefore a referral is not necessary. However, more and more GP’s are referring to Chiropractors via the Enhanced Primary Care Program (EPC). Ask us how could be eligible.

As part of your Medicare coverage you are entitled to up to five chiropractic visits a year fully paid for by Medicare. This is organised by your GP through a Chronic Disease Management plan (CDM) or Team Care Arrangement (TCA).

Patients with a Work Cover injury first need to see their GP and get a referral to the chiropractor. In addition, your supervisor at work needs to lodge the necessary papers concerning the injury, along with the referral to Work Cover. Work Cover will assess the claim and if accepted will allot a ‘Claim Number’. When the claim number is available your chiropractor can forward the cost of your visits directly to Work Cover.

Veterans wishing to see a Chiropractor also need a referral from their GP; this referral is valid for 12 months, after which time a new one is required. At the first appointment, we also need to take details from your Vet Card. After each visit you are required to sign the treatment form and the account is sent directly to Veterans Affairs for payment.