How many visits will it take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on what’s causing the problem, how long it’s been there and how you respond to treatment.
But I won’t leave you guessing.
At your first appointment, once I’ve taken your history and examined you, I’ll explain what I think is going on and how many visits I recommend initially.
For many straightforward mechanical back and neck problems, I’ll recommend a short trial of care followed by a reassessment. That’s commonly 4 visits over a period of 2 weeks.
If you’re improving, we’ll decide what — if anything — is still needed. If you’re not responding as expected, we’ll reassess rather than simply continuing treatment.
The aim is to recommend what you need, based on how you’re actually responding — not give you an open-ended treatment plan.
Do I have to keep coming back?
No.
I'll recommend what I think is appropriate. You decide what you want to do.
Some people have a problem treated, feel good and don't come back unless something else happens.
Some have recurring problems related to previous injuries, work or activity and choose occasional treatment.
And some simply like how they feel after treatment and choose to come periodically.
There isn't a compulsory maintenance plan.
What is that you actually do?
Mostly - identify parts of your spine that are not moving the way that they should which may result in irritating the nearby structures - such as nerves and muscles.
We help to get the spine to move better. Doing so can remove irritation to the nearby structures.
How will that help me?
If a nerve is irritated - it doesn't work as well as what it should. It can result in pain, or a loss of function. Restoring movement & decreasing the irritation can help to ease pain and restore function.
I think it's the muscle... How can that help the muscle?
If the nerve that supplies the muscle is irritated - it may cause the muscle to work too much, or too little. Either way is not good for the body. The muscle will work better when the nerve works better.
It may just be the muscle that is injured, we have treatments apart from spinal adjustments that can help.
Do adjustments hurt?
Well it can be a little tender sometimes - especially if you are tender in the area we have to adjust in. It can also feel a little achey afterwards (especially after your first adjustment), but it settles quickly.
What's the cracking sound?
It's just a change in pressure in the joints.
It's not bones crunching or grinding together!
Do you adjust children? Why do you adjust children?
Personally, I do not treat children under the age of 2 years of age. I will happily refer you to another chiropractor when needed.
For older children, where appropriate we adjust children. I am happy to discuss with you with regards to if chiropractic may be of assistance.