FAQ

What Do Chiropractic Doctors Do?

Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions.

DCs are especially well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches…particularly with their highly skilled chiropractic adjustments. They also care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, involving the muscles, ligaments and joints. These painful conditions often involve or impact the nervous system, which can cause referred pain and dysfunction distant to the region of injury.

The benefits of chiropractic care extend to general health issues, as well, since our body structure affects our overall function. DCs also counsel patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification.

After reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem, thorough orthopaedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination is performed. X-rays may be taken to uncover structural and functioning problems associated with the spinal column. These examinations help identify areas of spinal malfunction and resulting nervous system deficit.

The findings of these examinations are explained and a plan of chiropractic adjustments may be recommended. Progress is monitored with periodical examinations and follow-up reports.

What Type Of Education Do Chiropractic Doctors Get?

Doctors of chiropractic are educated as primary-contact health care providers, with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system (the muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine and extremities) and the nerves that supply them.

Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. Australian chiropractors are five year university trained, and are government registered and government regulated health professionals.

To become a registered chiropractor in Australia you must have studied an accredited 5-year chiropractic program conducted at a University within Australia. Currently there are three universities in Australia that have chiropractic degree programs: Macquarie University, RMIT University and Murdoch University.

Doctors of chiropractic are educated in orthopedics, neurology, physiology, human anatomy, clinical diagnosis including laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging, chiropractic adjusting techniques, exercise, nutrition, rehabilitation and more.

Because chiropractic care includes highly skilled manipulation/adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical technique training to master these important manipulative procedures.

A chiropractor’s education never ends. After entering practice, chiropractors 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?

The Australian Government has established a chiropractic regulating authority to ensure increased public safety for the Australian population. These bodies are responsible for maintaining the highest standards for all practitioners.For more information about registration requirements for an Australian Chiropractor, see the Chiropractic Board of Australia.

What Is An Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment or manipulation 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. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.

Are All Patients Adjusted The Same Way?

The doctor evaluates each patient’s problem and develops an individual course of care. The resulting recommendations are based upon years of training and experience.Some patients who complain of headaches, may actually have a lower back problem that is causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Other patients may be experiencing numbness and tingling in their fingers when the actual problem is in the neck. Every patient presents a uniquely different spinal pattern.

Patients notice that their chiropractor care is delivered with confidence and precision. Each visit builds on the one before. And while visits may seem similar, each patient’s care is uniquely different from every other patient.

Do I need a referral from my GP to see a chiropractor?

No. Chiropractors are ‘first contact’ health care professionals, as defined in State and Federal Government regulations.

Following an initial consultation and examination, however, we may arrive at a diagnosis that requires a referral to a GP or other health care provider. For patients with complicated health issues, we often co-manage with other health professionals. This approach of collaborative clinical management can be very effective in chronic or serious cases.

HOPE FOR CHRONIC PAIN SUFFERERS

If you’ve had chronic pain for years and have sought out different avenues of treatment without success, we hope to offer you a new solution. Our goal is to get you results and help you maintain your improvements. If needed, we can refer you out for X-rays or other imaging to gain a comprehensive understanding of your level of health.

When needed, we’ll be happy to send you to the other practitioners who work at our facility. Contact us today to learn more about what we may be able to do for you!

About Central City Chiropractic | (08) 9221 4527