FAQ at Healthy + Happy Chiropractic
Like other Browns Plains chiropractors, we hear many questions from new and current patients. Below are some of the most common questions and answers.
What’s the difference between a Chiropractor and a Physiotherapist?
There are two main differences between chiropractic and physiotherapy. The first is that chiropractors focus on the nervous system and adjust the spine to correct misalignments and nerve interference. Physiotherapists focus on rehabilitation of muscles and joints.
The second difference is in the type of correction. The majority of chiropractic adjustments are specific, high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) adjustments. It is this HVLA adjustment that re-sets the misfiring nerves around a joint complex, releases endorphins, and enables the body’s healing processes to occur. Physiotherapists tend to use more general manipulations and mobilisations, using slow and steady movements to break down adhesions within a joint and promote blood flow.
Chiropractic care is a form of primary health care, whereas physiotherapy requires a referral from a primary health care provider.
What kind of education do Chiropractic doctors receive?
Doctors of Chiropractic are well educated. Chiropractic education and medical education are similar in many respects and different in others because chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, and medical doctors do not correct vertebral subluxations. After graduating with a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree, each candidate passes the demanding four-part National Board Examinations. Then, doctors apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass a still more difficult test before being granted the privilege to practice. A chiropractor’s education, however, never ends. Most doctors complete regular postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to stay current on the latest research and adjustment techniques.
What causes that popping noise?
The actual pop is called a cavitation, and it’s the release of gas that makes the popping sound. The joints of the spine are called synovial joints, and they produce a fluid called synovial fluid. Synovial fluid lubricates the joint (for movement) and nourishes it. The by-products formed in the production of synovial fluid are gases—oxygen, nitrogen, and CO2. When a joint is gapped, or opened up, the gas is released, and you hear a distinctive popping sound. It’s very similar to the release of gas bubbles when you cork a champagne bottle, and equally pleasant in its after-effects.
Speaking of after-effects, what happens next? Once the joint is opened up, the synovial fluids re-lubricate the joint surfaces and normal motion is restored. Anybody who has ever had a stuck joint and has been unable to move properly knows exactly what follows the adjustment—relief. True, depending on the situation—how severe the subluxation is, how long it has been festering, and how “hot” or acute it is—determines how complete the relief will be, but without a doubt, most people feel better almost immediately.
Why do chiropractors take x-rays?
Where indicated, Chiropractors take x-rays to reveal the internal structure and alignment of the spine. We are also concerned about underlying disease processes and disorders of the spine such as spinal deterioration, arthritis of thespine, abnormal development, bone spurs, disc disorders, tumors, and spinal curvature. X-rays also provide a blueprint for correcting the spine back to optimal health and alignment.
How will I feel after an adjustment?
Some people may feel slight soreness following their first few treatments as the body begins to realign. Your muscles have a memory, and we need to interrupt the pattern. This is usually very mild and only lasts for a short time (24-48 hours), but generally, people report they feel ‘lighter’, more relaxed, and sleep better.
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