Health Align

Do I need a referral to see a Chiropractor?

No! Doctors of chiropractic, like medical doctors, are primary health care practitioners. What this means is that doctors of chiropractic are trained to recognise all health conditions and provide appropriate care or referral to other health care practitioners.

Will the adjustments hurt?

Chiropractic adjustments are very safe and are almost always painless. In this office, adjustments are very gentle. The vast majority of new clients at Health Align are very surprised at how gentle the adjustments are and frequently report that they spent time worrying about it for nothing. When someone is suffering from acute or chronic pain, the initial few adjustments may cause minor irritation to the existing problem, however this is short lived. After a number of adjustments, they become pleasant and very enjoyable.

What is the noise I sometimes here?

The “click” that often accompanies an adjustment is perhaps one of the biggest misunderstandings people have in regard to chiropractic. Some people believe that the noise is caused by bones rubbing together, which has led to the perception that chiropractors are “bone crunchers.” Nothing can be further from the truth.

Every joint in the body contains a joint capsule in which nitrogen gas constantly moves in and out of as part of the lubricating and nutritional process for the joint. When the joint is moved to it’s end range of motion, gas is released and this is what causes the “clicking” noise, very similar to the air being released from a bubble. For several minutes afterwards the joint reabsorbs the nitrogen.

If an adjustment occurs at a time when the nitrogen has just moved out of the joint, no click will be heard. This click is not necessary for the adjustment. All that matters is that the joint is moved in the proper direction.

Are you ever too young to be adjusted?

There is no lower age limit to be checked by a chiropractor. Often subluxations can be caused by the birth process itself. Adjusting babies is very gentle!  In fact, sometimes babies may sleep right through their adjustment!

Can I receive chiropractic care if I have osteoporosis?

Yes! Even people who have osteoporosis are able to receive the benefits of chiropractic care. As always, your chiropractic care will be tailored to suit your needs. We incorporate some very gentle techniques and always use the least force necessary in order to care for your spine and nervous system.

Can Chiropractic help my arthritis?

The most common form of arthritis is called Osteoarthritis (also known as Degenerative Joint Disease or Subluxation Degeneration). This type of arthritis develops due to abnormal stress on a joint and/or abnormal movement of a joint. Chiropractic care aims to normalise the movement of all joints in your body, particularly the spine, as well as removing abnormal stresses caused by posture, subluxations, or faulty movement. In addition, to correcting the abnormal stress and loading associated with subluxation, your chiropractor will advise you of nutritional strategies that have been shown to be effective at helping to slow or reverse the damaging effects of this often crippling disease.

Isn’t a certain amount of sideways curvature normal?

Sideways curvature of the spine is abnormal. From the back, the spine should appear straight. When scoliosis is present, there are usually two curves. A primary curve in one direction and a compensatory curve in the opposite direction.

Will my spine get loose?

There is no danger of creating instability in the spine while undergoing a corrective chiropractic plan. Frequent adjustments retrain the nervous system to begin to hold the spine in the correct alignment and do not cause damage to the surrounding tissues. The real danger is leaving the spine out of alignment which usually causes some parts of the spine to seize, while forcing other joints to compensate creating instability.

Will exercise correct spinal problems?

Exercise has numerous benefits and some forms of exercise can be very beneficial for the spine in improving posture, flexibility and core strength. However only a specific chiropractic adjustment will correct the actual misalignments of the spine (called subluxations).

At Health Align we recommend Pilates because it helps create muscular stabilisation and hold the spine in its proper alignment. However specific spinal subluxations are not corrected by Pilates alone. This is why a combined approach works best.  

Should I have a massage with my adjustments?

Massage and other forms of body work have a large range of benefits for the body and mind; however they do not correct the alignment of the spine. While having a massage in conjunction with an adjustment is a pleasant experience, neurologically an adjustment and massage should not be combined within the same treatment. Having the two together impedes the neurological adaptations necessary for correction of the spine. However having the treatments on two different days, or at least several hours apart is very beneficial and recommended.

Should I exercise before or after an adjustment?

Exercise is beneficial both before and after an adjustment. There is no reason not to exercise after an adjustment. In fact, going for a walk for several minutes before leaving in your car helps hold the adjustment longer. There is no reason not to have a full workout after an adjustment, except in cases of acute injury or intense pain. Some athletes prefer to have their spine adjusted before training as they find it helps them perform better while others prefer their adjustments after training to aid in recovery.

How many years does a chiropractor study for?

To become registered, our chiropractors have completed a five (5) year double degree including biochemistry, neurology, anatomy, physics, kinesiology, diagnosis, nutrition, radiography, radiology and more! In fact, you may be surprised to learn that on average your chiropractor will actually have completed more hours of university study than your general practitioner! Unlike medical doctors, chiropractors do not focus on drugs or surgery, but rather on improving the function of your entire body, especially your spine and nervous system.