Most Frequently Asked Questions
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WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
Chiropractic is a health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of neuro-musculo-skeletal system. It is a physical therapy which focuses on adjusting the spine in order to optimise the function of the nervous system.

WHAT IS A SUBLUXATION?
“Subluxation” is a term that chiropractors use to refer to misalignment of the vertebrae, which make up the spine. This typically causes the joint to be fixated or “locked up” and result in reduced motion and function of the joint which in turn causes irritation to the nervous system. If left undetected, this can result in symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and/or disease.

WHAT IS AN ADJUSTMENT?
Adjustment in the term used to explain the Chiropractic treatment. An adjustment is an art consist of an experienced and highly trained Chiropractor, using a specific spinal correction of precise force and direction that is aimed to correct the subluxation in the spine. By doing an adjustment, the chiropractor is able to increase joint motion and function, thus removing interference to the nervous system to result in improved function and health. There are many ways to adjust the spine. This can include the use of the chiropractor's hands or a specially designed instrument called an “activator” to deliver a quick and highly-accurate thrust.

ARE ADJUSTMENTS PAINFUL?
No, in most cases an adjustment is not painful. Patients usually find an adjustment relieving and relaxing. In some cases mild soreness may come on in the adjusted area for short period of time. If this occurs, it is typically a normal process, indicating the area which was previously restricted is now moving better and stressing new tissue.

WHAT IS THE “POPPING” SOUND?
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to make an adjustment. Sometimes a “popping” sound can be felt or heard during the adjustment. This is simply caused due to release of gas and fluid in the joint is released from the joint as normal spinal movement is restored. It is much like opening a bottle of champagne. So it is important to understand that there is NO friction or popping in/out of the bones. No matter what the technique, Chiropractors use skill, not force or strength, to conduct a safe, effective adjustment.

HOW DO I GET A SUBLUXATION?
Physical, Emotional and Chemical stress cause subluxations to occur. Most common of these is physical stress of which examples include sporting activities, motor vehicle/work injuries or accidents, falls or trauma, poor posture at a computer, lifting, bending, twisting, repetitive activities, etc.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A SUBLUXATION?
The most common sign and symptoms of subluxation are pain and/or stiffness, or abnormal posture. Unfortunately only 10% of nerves perceive pain, whilst the other 90% are what makes the body function. Subsequently, a subluxation can exist for many months or years without any symptoms. As a result, patients are advised to have regular maintenance chiropractic assessments and adjustments in order to detect these problems early and prevent advanced spinal problems.

ARE CHIROPRACTORS QUALIFIED AND REGULATED?
All registered Chiropractors practicing in Australia must complete a strict and extensive educational five year university degree. They specialise in the human body, with special focus on the brain, skeletal system, nervous system and muscles along with diagnosis and management of all general medical conditions. This extensive study entitles them the title of doctor. To ensure public safety, all Chiropractors are government registered and government regulated health professionals.

WHY DO CHILDREN NEED HAVE CHIROPRACTOR CARE?
A child’s body can be affected by different stressors from daily life and subluxations can occur, in the same way as an adult’s body. Spinal problems could start during child birth, or may occur with falls, learning to walk, riding a bike or other childhood activities. For that reason we suggest to have babies and kids checked as early as possible for any spinal health related problems. Gentle, low force and modified techniques are used to assess and treat our younger patients.

AM I TOO OLD FOR CHIROPRATIC CARE?
Chiropractic care is suitable for people of all ages, including our senior citizens. Chiropractic treatment in the later years can assist with restoring better spinal function, improve mobility, and reducing pain/stiffness. Arthritis, chronic spinal condition and osteoporosis occurrence increase with the aging process. Many patients have reported improvement through natural, drug-free chiropractic care. The adjusting techniques are modified and low force treatment is used by your Chiropractor in these cases.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL BY MY GP TO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR?
No. Chiropractors are primary health care practitioners and therefore no referral is required. To make an appointment please call our clinic directly on 03 9846 8999.

IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE COVERED BY MEDICARE?
Through referral by a GP, under Medicare's Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program patients are able to be covered for up to 5 chiropractic visits per year.

IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?
Chiropractic is covered by most health insurers under extras cover. We recommend contacting your private health insurer to clarify the terms and conditions of your policy. Essential Chiropractic Clinic is also proud to be a Medibank member’s choice provider, benefiting Medibank members with a smaller gap amount to pay out of pocket.
In order to make it more convenient for our patients we have a HICAPS machine installed in our clinic for on the spot insurance claims.