What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic manual therapies, best known for relieving lower back pain, however, most Chiropractors will treat the whole body, back, neck and limbs. A Chiropractor appears to concentrate on spinal joint function but really we are fascinated with the spine because there are 31 pairs of nerves that exit each side of the spine, which innervate muscles, ligaments and skin. These same nerve roots also innervate organs and glands. When the spine or any joint in the body is not functioning correctly it can cause inflammation and back pain due to disturbed nerve function.
A Chiropractor applies gentle pressure to a specific joint of the spine or limb that is dysfunctional. This results in reduced pain and inflammation and restored function to the affected area relieving back pain, migraines,
cervico-genic headaches, knee or shoulder problems. However, something to keep in mind, only 10% of each nerve root that exits the spine, stimulate pain. The other 90% regulate other bodily functions which when disturbed are not so easily detected. Therefore, don’t think you have to be in pain to benefit from Chiropractic care.
Chiropractic is not just for pain relief; it’s for health.
This exercise is a very clever neurological exercise to improve posture and relieve upper body pain. Read more about it here.
The benefits of Chiropractic
You may be wondering what are the benefits of Chiropractic and if a Chiropractor can help you. Below is a list of common injuries, problems, conditions that Chiropractic has been proven to help with, based on the lastest research results.
Chiropractic has been proven to help with:
– Headache (cervicogenic headache arising from the neck)
– Migraine prevention
– Neck pain (mechanical, not whiplash)
– Joint pain
– Minor sports injuries and tensions
– Elbow pain and tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
– Rotator cuff injuries, disease or disoders
– Shoulder complaints, disfunction, disorders and pain
– Shoulder soft tissue disorders
– Hip and knee pain from Osteoarthritis (with adjunct treatments and exercise)
– Acute, chronic and general mechanical backache, back pain
– Sciatica
– Lumbago
– Muscle spasms
– Cramp
– Generalised aches and pains
– Ankle sprain (short term management)
– Plantar fascitis (short term management)
– Reducing tension and enhancing the ability to relax (through lifestyle advice)
Chiropractors may help a large range of conditions/problems; some that you may surprise you! So if there is a condition that you or a family member is suffering with, please contact us for more information as to whether chiropractic may help you.
Chiropractic is not just for pain relief; it’s for health.
Here is a link to a Blog I wrote several years ago for a very common condition called Upper Cross Syndrome. It is complete with simple, self-help exercise videos to counter this problem. These exercises, combined with chiropractic treatment, work beautifully together to reduce pain and improve posture.
Your first visit
We understand that the first visit can be stressful, don’t worry, our team is very good and we can help you through this new experience.
Your initial consultation at Coast Chiropractic Clinic will take approximately 45 minutes.
On arrival at the clinic you will be asked to complete a form if you have not already done this by email. If you need help with this, our reception staff will be more than happy to assist you.
Anne French, our Chiropractor, will then ask you questions to gather a detailed health history and further questions regarding your presenting complaint and what has happened over the course of your life that may have potentially caused the problem along with other relevant lifestyle questions, such as your work position, sleeping position, etc.
Our Chiropractor will then perform a very thorough physical examination including postural, range of motion tests, orthopedic and neurological tests. In most cases, we are able to do this exam with you fully clothed. If required, you may be asked to have further tests or be sent for X-rays, but only if necessary.
Our Chiropractor will then discuss her findings with you, giving you a diagnosis and a plan of treatment. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions that you may have about your concerns.
Our Chiropractor will usually treat you after discussing her findings and plan of treatment. However, occassionally, other tests may be needed for further investigation before beginning treatment.
