Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic
What a process! You’ve been through our Comprehensive Bio-Structural Examination, reviewed all the results (yes, I know, there was a lot to cover…), received a crash course in spinal and neurological function, and started your corrective care program.
Still, there may be some looming questions about chiropractic we didn’t answer, and we want to make absolutely sure you understand as much as possible about your care.
That’s why we’ve amassed this mega-list of the most common (and not so common) questions we field every day… we know if one person is asking, there are likely ten others wishing they knew the answer too!
What exactly is a chiropractic correction?
As Life By Design Chiropractors, we analyse and address structural distortions in the spine and pelvis. These changes in the alignment and motion of the vertebrae may influence how the spine and nervous system function. The technical terminology often used for this is vertebral subluxation (you can simply think about it as ‘structural distortion’).
A correction is the method a Life By Design Chiropractor uses to address structural distortion in your spine.
A correction is different from a standard adjustment or manipulation in two ways:
1. A correction is delivered specifically to an area of the spine that has been identified as having altered alignment or motion, not simply an area that hurts. These changes may be present without pain, which is why your chiropractor assesses more than symptoms alone.
2. A correction is not accomplished by simply popping or cracking the spine. Although an audible sound may accompany some corrections, the sound itself does not indicate whether a correction has achieved its intended purpose.
How do you know when a correction worked?
In the context of a chiropractic correction, ‘working’ means that your chiropractor has identified a measurable change in the indicators assessed before and after the correction.
Indicators the chiropractor may use at any given check-up include changes in leg-length balance (this is what we check when we’re at your feet), breathing rate and rhythm, motion of the spine assessed by hand, and muscle tension surrounding the affected vertebrae.
In short, the analysis used by your chiropractor during your check-up will help determine whether a measurable change has occurred. This is exactly why you will notice your chiropractor re-checking your spine following every correction.
Longer-term indicators may include changes in your structure and posture assessed through X-ray analysis, motion throughout the spine, muscle symmetry, and comparative Electromyography and Thermography findings, where clinically appropriate.
Some people also report changes such as feeling more energetic or sleeping better as their care progresses. Experiences vary, and these changes cannot be guaranteed or attributed to chiropractic care in every case.
Why don’t I feel any different after a correction?
Do you remember when your chiropractor explained that what you thought was the main problem may have been influenced by other contributing factors?
The objective of a chiropractic adjustment is to address the areas of altered spinal function identified during your assessment. This doesn’t always equate to feeling different straight away, and individual responses vary.
You may not immediately be aware of a change, as it can take time for your body to adapt and some changes may not be noticeable straight away.
Structural distortion may be accompanied by inflammation or soft tissue irritation, both of which can take time to settle. Your progress will be monitored and your recommendations adjusted according to your individual response and clinical findings.
Is it ok to have corrections on back-to-back days?
Initially, changes may occur within hours of your check-up. As your body adapts, fewer corrections may be indicated at the following visit, and in some cases no adjustment may be required.
When this occurs consistently and is reflected in your assessment findings, it may indicate that you are ready to progress to the next stage of care and reduce the frequency of your visits.
I’m starting to notice that I have more energy and I’m sleeping better… is this normal?
As your spinal alignment and motion change, you may notice differences in how you move or feel. Your chiropractor will continue to assess your progress and adapt your care to your individual needs.
When we consistently see that fewer – or sometimes no – corrections are indicated, it may show that your spine is adapting differently. When this occurs consistently and your test results reflect it, your check-up schedule may change to match your needs and goals.
In fact, it may surprise you that our ultimate goal is to check your spine and nervous system and find that no corrections are required. The aim is to recommend only the level of care indicated by your assessment findings.
What can I do to help my progress?
In our experience, the process can be slightly different for each person.
You may be prescribed specific corrective mobility exercises, along with strengthening and stabilising exercises, when your chiropractor considers them appropriate for you.
One general recommendation is to include regular, low-level movement in your day, within your abilities and any advice given by your healthcare providers.
As humans, we are designed to move regularly. You might aim to build more walking into your day, provided this is appropriate for you. Split it up however you want; for example, a walk in the morning, at lunch and after dinner. If you have kids, getting them involved can help establish an active habit at a young age.
Another useful habit is to break up long periods of sitting. For example, after sitting for around 30 minutes, get up and move for a couple of minutes. You could take a short walk, do a few movements that are comfortable for you, or use the stairs. Choose activities that suit your ability and follow any individual advice you have been given.
Should I exercise before or after my check-ups?
However, if you have the freedom to choose, you may prefer to exercise following your check-up. Your chiropractor can help you decide what is most appropriate based on your health, activity and care plan.
The purpose of your check-up is to assess how your spine is functioning and provide any corrections considered appropriate. How you feel or perform afterwards can vary from person to person.
Following your check-up, focus on moving with good form and within your usual capacity. Chiropractic care cannot eliminate the risk of injury, so gradually build your training and seek individual advice when needed.
Do I have to attend the workshops?
Figuring out what to do to improve your health can get really confusing. These workshops are designed to share practical information about nutrition, movement and lifestyle habits that may complement your Bio-Structural Restoration plan.
Our Better Results Faster workshop explains the recommendations used within our approach. Eat By Design discusses food choices and healthy body composition. Move By Design explores movement habits that may reduce physical strain, while Think By Design covers practical ways to respond to stress and build habits that align with your goals.
The best part is that we have taken the time – literally thousands of hours – to sift through the research and provide up-to-date information informed by more than 50 years of combined experience in the health and wellness field.
Should I also be seeing a Physiotherapist or Registered Massage Therapist?
PHYSIOTHERAPY
If you’ve rolled your ankle or have a specific problem affecting an arm or leg, a physiotherapist may be able to assist with assessment, hands-on care and exercise rehabilitation. The right approach will depend on your circumstances. If you would like recommendations, send us an email; we regularly refer to physiotherapists across Darwin.
MASSAGE THERAPY
Massage therapy may help with muscle tension and maintaining comfortable movement. If you have a specific muscle concern, consider choosing a massage therapist who performs a thorough assessment and provides clear recommendations for follow-up. Your chiropractor can also advise whether referral or combined care may be appropriate.
We get this question so often that we’ve written a fact sheet on the topic. It outlines a simple approach that may help some people manage short-term pain, depending on the cause and their individual circumstances.
Click the link to download your own copy of the fact sheet: ‘Ice or Heat? The Surprisingly Simple Strategy to Manage Pain.’
And the next time your co-worker, friend or family member complains of being in pain, feel free to send them a copy so you can help them too!
How come no one has ever told me this is what chiropractic is all about?
Different health professionals assess different aspects of health, so another practitioner may not use the same terminology or focus on the same clinical findings as your chiropractor.
Simply put, different healthcare professions use different models of care, look for different findings and offer different types of care. Let us explain…
Medical practitioners, physiotherapists, massage therapists, acupuncturists and chiropractors each have distinct training, scopes of practice and clinical approaches.
For example, a medical practitioner may assess your symptoms, investigate possible causes and recommend medical management where appropriate. A physiotherapist may focus on movement, rehabilitation and physical function. Chiropractic care focuses on the assessment and care of the musculoskeletal system, including the spine.
These approaches can each have an important role, and in some cases working with more than one healthcare professional may be appropriate.
Our approach focuses on the spinal findings identified during your assessment and on helping you make informed choices about movement, nutrition and lifestyle habits.
Feeling symptom-free does not necessarily provide a complete picture of a person’s health. That is why we assess your progress using your individual goals, reported symptoms and relevant clinical findings rather than relying on one measure alone.
As Life By Design Chiropractors, we focus on the areas identified during your spinal assessment and provide education intended to help you make informed decisions about your long-term health.
Why does my insurance only cover a portion of my recommended corrective care?
If you’re fortunate enough to have private health insurance – only some Australians do – you’re probably thinking ‘what insurance does this guy have??’ Followed quickly by ‘that plan must cost a fortune!’
Private health insurance policies are designed differently, and the level of chiropractic cover available depends on your insurer and policy.
Your policy may cover part of the cost of a limited number of visits. This does not necessarily correspond with the number or frequency of visits your chiropractor may recommend based on your assessment and individual goals.
Our recommendations are based on clinical findings and your agreed care goals, while your available rebate is determined by your insurer and policy.
If you have private health insurance, you can think of the rebate as a contribution towards the cost of your care. We recommend checking directly with your insurer so you understand your limits, waiting periods and eligible services.
Some people choose to continue care after using their available rebates, while others adjust their schedule or stop. Any decision to continue should be voluntary and based on your preferences, clinical needs and financial circumstances.
If you do not have private health insurance, speak with our team about the fees and available options before deciding whether care is right for you.
