Commonly Asked Questions

Yes, it is an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who have spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms within months or years of the surgery, these people then face the prospect of additional surgery due to this 'failed back surgery syndrome'.

Even in the case of successful back surgery due to the alteration of the spinal integrity/function many people find that they have further back problems and that chiropractic can help to maintain the spine and prevent further back surgeries.

When back surgery has taken place the chiropractor will use specialised techniques in order to avoid further compromise to the level/s that have been operated on. It is important that you give your chiropractor all the information possible regarding your back surgery should you consider chiropractic care so that the best possible care may be maintained.

Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself correctly and accurately. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways that release ("pop" or "crack") areas of joint fixation/subluxation. However, it is much more likely that one is moving joints that are above or below the truly fixated joint. This "popping" will release endorphins that feel good and give one the feeling of having done something "good for oneself". However, if the truly subluxated joint is left uncorrected, the stiffness and achiness returns, and the person will find him or herself chronically cracking themselves over and over.

This type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive. This self-adjusting can lead to ligament laxity in certain joints and never resolve the actual problem. This laxity can increase the instability in the spine.

Treatment will not hurt. Sometimes, there is a slight body tenderness following an adjustment like the soreness one feels following a workout. This feeling comes on from the improved motion which was restored to the joint. This is a good thing and the soreness should resolve in a few days.

No, however if your nervous system is functioning at an optimal level due to reduction of the interference through the maintenance provided by chiropractic care then the body's natural healing can be improved thus helping the body to heal itself.

The number of treatments depends on the individual. Everybody has different habits, different problems, different jobs, etc. The number of treatments will be based on all those factors and how you respond to the first adjustment.

The training and education endured by chiropractors is extremely demanding, similar to that of medical doctors with the exception of pharmacology and surgery.

Prior to Chiropractic College a premedical studies are required, once these have been completed in New Zealand the chiropractor student spends 4 years at Chiropractic College. Their studies include training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, radiology, differential diagnosis, chiropractic techniques, biomechanics and other health related studies.

In addition each chiropractic must also attend clinic and achieve several hundred hours of 'real' patient management in the clinical setting under professional supervision in both diagnosis, radiology and adjusting.

Post-graduation chiropractors are required to take up additional postgraduate study and continuing education to keep their knowledge, skills and expertise up to date throughout their career.

Every year New Zealand chiropractors are required to be registered and licensed by the New Zealand Chiropractic Board and issued an annual practicing certificate.

Not true, there are plenty of people who only get treated when they are in pain or have symptoms. However, if you want to experience the true benefits of chiropractic and the full potential of your body's nervous system functioning at its highest potential, then you would need to see a chiropractor on a regular basis. Just as if you wanted to experience the true benefits of exercise or eating a healthy diet, you would need to have some form of repetition or routine.

No. This term is very misleading as it implies that the very nature of receiving a chiropractic adjustment could somehow change one's joints in such a way that the same joint would require future adjustments in order to function properly thereafter. This is false. An adjustment restores the motion of the joint which was previously not moving through its full range of motion. The adjustment does NOT harm the tendons, ligaments, or joint capsule.

It is true that people have chronic problems. This is because there are underlying factors that interfere with proper function. Whether it's structural (like forward head posture or ligament laxity), biochemical or emotional stress, the joints may return to their previous state of dysfunction. If the underlying factors that lead to the joint problems are not addressed, the problem will return. This may give the impression that the care is somehow "addictive".

Pregnancy is one of the best times to get chiropractic care for a better functioning nervous system. As the baby grows, the extra weight puts additional stress on the spinal joints causing pain - chiropractic is a drug free method to help with back pain during pregnancy and is often recommended by lead maternity providers such as midwives.

Pregnant mothers often find that chiropractic adjustments improve the comfort of their pregnancy and make delivery easier on themselves and their baby. Adjustment techniques are adjusted to the patient's age size and condition of health.

That cracking sound is actually gas being released, similar to the popping of a cork. Between each joint in the body is fluid which lubricates the sockets and keeps it healthy. When a joint gets stuck or out of position, the result is built up gas and pressure. The adjustment simply repositions the joint, and restores its normal motion and function, at the same time releasing the gas (popping or cracking sound).

No. Only the spinal joints that are "locked up" or subluxated receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.