General Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is a holistic health care approach that primarily involves the assessment and treatment of the spine and musculoskeletal system conditions.
Chiropractic assessment looks closely at the function of the nervous system and in finding spinal/ joint misalignments also known as Subluxations.
A subluxation causes interference in the proper function of the nervous system information flow from the brain to the rest of the body and vice versa.
The nervous system compromises of two parts;
- Central Nervous System-> Brain and Spinal Cord
- Peripheral Nervous System- >Nerves that relay information flow from the brain and spinal cord to the body’s organs and cells.
A chiropractic adjustment to the areas of subluxation, along with appropriate stretches and corrective exercises will be implemented by your chiropractor at BCNC in order to reduce pain, increase joint mobility and restore optimal health and function.
A combination of manual adjustments and low-force techniques are utilized to achieve joint realignment.
General chiropractic looks at optimizing the function of the spine of adolescents, adults elderly and special groups like pregnant and lactating mums.
Chiropractic looks for joint fixation or restriction which may cause interference in proper nervous system function that often results in pain or discomfort. These fixations are caused by improper joint alignment also known as “Subluxation”.
We use a variety of techniques incorporating massage and traditional chiropractic techniques like manipulation/adjustment in a customized management plan.
What causes a Subluxation of the spine?
Subluxation, or misalignment of the spine can be caused by multiple stressors. These stressors are categorized as follows;
Physical Stressors:
- Accidents
- Falls
- Slips
- Car accidents
- Sport injuries
- Prolonged 'abnormal' postures (eg, sitting at work desk for several hours on a daily basis)
- Repetitive overuse movements or positions (eg, lifting, bending, twisting)
- And the BIRTH process.
Chemical Stressors:
- Toxins
- Additives
- Flavourings
- Preservatives
- Cigarette smoke
- Medications
- Environmental pollutants
- Electro Magnetic Radiation
Mental and Emotional Stressors:
- Upsets
- Arguments
- Work pressure
- Peer pressure
- Relationship drama
- Financial worry
How do I know if chiropractic care is for me?
Chiropractic care is for everyone! Just like sending your car off to the mechanic for a service or having regular dental check-ups, it is important to have your spine and nervous system checked regularly with our chiropractors at Bergamo Health. This helps to promote optimal function of the spine and nervous system which enhances general health and wellbeing.
Some of the key signs may be;
- When standing and looking in the mirror, noticing unlevelled shoulders or hips, one side is higher than the other
- Unable to turn head equally on both sides
- Frequently getting headaches
- Have had an accident or experienced trauma of some kind (fall, trip etc..)
- Your back or neck pain is of chronic nature
- You want to check and maintain good spinal posture to prevent early spinal degeneration and other related complications
What are the health benefits of general chiropractic care?
Most clients come in to reduce back or neck pain and headaches. We help lessen pain naturally but go a further step by rehabilitating the spine with a combination of a flexibility and strengthening program. We find that clients who comply with our recommendations have improvement in their overall level of health and well-being and perform better with daily activities.
What are the common conditions that are treated?
Some other common conditions and symptoms that chiropractic can help with include; tendonitis / tennis elbow, Shoulder rotator cuff conditions, knee and ankle pain, carpal tunnel, pins and needles, ,migraines and thoracic outlet syndrome.
How long is a consultation?
Initial consultation is 30 minutes, which includes history taking, a full thorough assessment and treatment, if applicable.
Follow up visits take upto 10 minutes where treatment is provided and take home advice.
What is involved in a consultation?
Initial consultation includes history taking, a thorough spinal check, orthopedic and neurological tests, and if applicable, a chiropractic treatment is also implemented.
In history taking, information is gathered relating to your chief complaint, and other general questions are asked in relation to your overall health, diet, sleep and posture. This is done in order to gather as much information as possible to assist us in properly diagnosing and providing the best management plan as possible.
How long do I need treatment?
Treatment duration will vary. After the first consultation you will know the ballpark of how long you will need to be seen at the centre. A progressive review would be completed after one month of management.
What is a Chiropractic Adjustment and is it safe?
Adjustments are a specific, non-invasive force or motion applied to the spine to restore movement, improve function and stimulate the nervous system. Adjustments are very safe. The New Zealand Government's "Commission of Inquiry into Chiropractic" concluded that; "spinal adjusting is a vital, very safe and clinically effective form of health care".
Chiropractors have more thorough training in spinal mechanics and spinal care than any other health professional. Furthermore, chiropractic is scientifically based. Techniques vary from chiropractor to chiropractor and are tailored to each patient.
Will health insurance cover me?
Most health funds recognise chiropractic in their extras cover. The new medicare allied health item means for suitable patients they would be out of pocket for $20 for up to the first five consultations, if an enhanced care plan recommending this schedule is written by the GP. This medicare benefit only applies for complex, chronic spinal cases.