Chiropractic

 

Chiropractic is most well known for it's results with back pain, neck pain and headaches. Chiropractic care is natural, non-invasive and focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Our nervous system is one of the most important system in our body. It's made up of our brain, spinal cord and all of our nerves which control and coordinate all of the body’s functions. Our skull, spine and pelvis acts like an armour and protects our nervous system. Chiropractors focus on the detection, correction and prevention of impaired spinal and joint function and its subsequent effect on the nervous system. Chiropractors believe a well functioning spine and nervous system is crucial to good health.

Chiropractic is widely recognised as an effective natural approach to spinal healthcare. Chiropractors are highly qualified and trained professionals who study full time at university for a minimum of five years. Each week, there are approximately 200,000 + visits to Australian chiropractors. Many people seek Chiropractic care for a broad range of conditions including but not limited to back pain, head aches, pregnancy care and even paediatric care.

 

What to Expect?

Common conditions seen by Chiropractors

Chiropractic can have a positive impact on a broad range of health issues including but not limited to:

  • Neck & Back Pain
  • Shoulder, Elbow & Wrist Problems
  • Knee, Hip & Foot Problems
  • Work or Traffic Related Injuries
  • Jaw/ TMJ Dysfunction
  • Headaches/Migraines
  • Disc Injuries
  • Sciatica
  • Postural Correction
  • Sports Injuries, Prevention & Performance Optimisation
Back pain

In the western world 80% of the population will experience disabling low back pain during their lives. Causes of low back pain include Poor posture, Seating issues, Ligament injury, Incorrect lifting, Lack of exercise. Chiropractic care of the spine reduces pain, decreases medication, and is extremely cost effective.*

A study in ‘Spine’ on low back pain has shown that compared to those who sought care from medical doctors, chiropractic patients were more likely to be satisfied with their care, and less likely to seek care from another provider for that same episode of pain*.

* ACA fact sheet - put your back pain in the experts hands.

** Carey, T.S., Evans, A.T., Hadler, N.M., Lieberman, G., Kalsbeek, W.D., Jackman, A.M. et al. (1996). Acute severe low back pain: a population-based study of prevalence and care-seeking. Spine, 21, 339-344. © Chiropractors’ Association of Australia (National) Limited.
Neck pain

Neck pain is the second most common condition that chiropractors treat. There can be many contributing factors to neck pain, such as trauma, overuse, wear and tear, and probably the most common cause these days, poor posture. Our technology driven lives often involve hours hunched over workstations and the all too frequent use of mobile phones and other electronic devices, which can all play havoc with our necks. Whilst millions of adults experience neck pain and related arm pain at some stage in their lives, the scary fact is that we are seeing kids younger and younger with neck pain and related issues due to poor posture associated with extensive use of electronic devices.*

* ACA fact sheet - Neck adjustments
Headaches

Chiropractic is fast becoming a recognised health choice for headaches. Chiropractors use gentle spinal adjustments to correct impairments to alleviate headaches and also provide lifestyle advice on helping to prevent their occurrence.*

In a study conducted at Macquarie University, specific chiropractic adjustments to the spine significantly reduced migraines in 71% of the people surveyed. The frequency, duration, severity and amount of medication all decreased markedly**.

* ACA website

** Tuchin, P. et al. (2000). A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 23(2), 91-95
Pregnancy

Chiropractic care is a great way to relieve the added stress placed on your spine and pelvis as your belly grows and your posture changes throughout pregnancy. Dr Kate and Dr Izzy use gentle techniques appropriate for women who are pregnant, and even has special pillows which allow you to comfortably lay on your tummy and receive Chiropractic care throughout your entire pregnancy.
Babies & Children

Many parents seek Chiropractic care for their newborns and children for various reasons. Since significant trauma can occur at birth, many parents choose to have their newborns checked for any spinal health related problems. Later in life issues can arise when children are learning to walk, riding bicycles, or other childhood activities that can cause injuries. The Chiropractic techniques used with children are very gentle and modified to suit their developing spine and nervous system.
Athletes

Many athletes and sporting professionals incorporate chiropractic care into their health care, much as they would exercise or maintaining a healthy diet as it allows their body to perform at its full potential. Rather than thinking of chiropractic care as just a solution for back and neck pain, more and more people are viewing a trip to the chiropractor as an essential component for top performance. Many high profile Athletes receive chiropractic care on a regular basis for effective relief from back pain and musculoskeletal aches and pains.

 

Chiropractic Adjustment

A Chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific gentle force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is "restricted" or not moving properly. The adjustment restores movement to the joints allowing them to regain normal function. The ultimate purpose of this procedure is to improve spinal and nervous system function thereby improving your overall health.

There are many ways to adjust the spine. At Waverley Road Chiropractic Centre located in Malvern East we use our hands to perform manual adjustments, and some other gentle adjusting tools called 'blocks, the 'activator' instrument and cranial techniques. After many years of study and clinical experience, our Chiropractors  are highly skilled and here to help you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What conditions do chiropractors commonly see?

Our chiropractors care for people experiencing a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns, including:

  • Headaches
  • Neck pain
  • Mid back pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Shoulder pain
  • Hip pain
  • Pregnancy-related pelvic pain
  • Postural tension
  • Sporting injuries

We also provide chiropractic care for pregnant women, babies, children and families using gentle, evidence-informed techniques.

Explore all of our chiropractic services here

Can chiropractic help with headaches?

Many people visit our practice because of headaches, neck pain or tension headaches.

Your chiropractor will assess how your neck, posture, joints, muscles and nervous system may be contributing to your symptoms before developing an individual care plan.

Learn more about how we care for headaches and neck pain here

Can chiropractic help with neck pain?

Yes.

Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people visit our practice.

Whether your symptoms are related to posture, work, stress, sleeping positions or everyday activities, our chiropractors will assess the underlying cause and provide personalised care.

Read more about chiropractic care for neck pain here

Can chiropractic help with lower back pain?

Yes.

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care.

Our chiropractors assess how your spine, pelvis, joints, muscles and nervous system are working together before creating a personalised care plan tailored to your needs.

Learn more about chiropractic care for lower back pain here

Can chiropractic help with sciatica?

Yes.

Sciatica can cause pain, tingling or numbness that travels from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg.

Our chiropractors perform a thorough assessment to determine what may be contributing to your symptoms before recommending appropriate care.

Can chiropractic help with shoulder pain?

Yes.

Shoulder pain can develop from sporting injuries, poor posture, repetitive activities or problems involving the neck and upper back.

Your chiropractor will assess how your shoulder, neck and spine are moving to determine what may be contributing to your symptoms before recommending appropriate care.

Can chiropractic help with hip pain?

Yes.

Hip pain may be related to the hip joint itself or referred from the lower back or pelvis.

Our chiropractors perform a thorough assessment to identify the source of your discomfort and develop an individualised treatment plan.

What happens at my first chiropractic appointment?

Your first appointment includes:

  • A detailed health history
  • Discussion of your symptoms and goals
  • Orthopaedic, neurological and chiropractic examination
  • Explanation of our findings
  • Treatment on the day where appropriate
  • A personalised management plan

We'll also answer any questions you have and explain our recommendations clearly before beginning care.

Learn more about what to expect at your first appointment here

Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?

Most people find chiropractic care comfortable.

Our chiropractors use a range of techniques and tailor every treatment to your age, condition and comfort level. Gentle techniques are available for babies, children, pregnant women and anyone who prefers a lighter approach.

How many chiropractic appointments will I need?

Everyone is different.

The number of appointments depends on your condition, how long you've had it, your goals and how your body responds to care.

Following your assessment, your chiropractor will discuss recommendations that are tailored specifically to you.

Do I need X-rays before seeing a chiropractor?

Not always.

Your chiropractor will determine whether imaging is appropriate after taking your health history and performing a thorough examination. If you've already had X-rays, CT scans or MRIs that are relevant to your condition, you're welcome to bring them to your appointment.

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?

No.

Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners, so you don't need a referral from your GP or another healthcare provider to book an appointment.

Whether you're experiencing headaches, neck pain, back pain, sciatica or would simply like your spine and nervous system assessed, you can book directly with our team.