Chiropractic Care

About Chiropractic

Chiropractic was invented in 1895 and has since spread across the globe. Traditionally, Chiropractors focus on finding and treating areas of dysfunction within the spine, using manipulative therapy.

The common theory is that these dysfunctional areas can negatively impact aspects of your health. The verdict is still out on what is causing this altered function, although researchers have some promising theories.

Signs that a vertebral segment is dysfunctioning include joint pain, decreased range of joint motion, spasming and sore muscles attaching to the vertebrae, and altered posture.

If left alone these areas can lead to back pain, headaches, neck pain and can even alter nervous system function.

Recent studies have suggested that treating these dysfunctional areas may improve the way we sense our environment, process information in our brain, and control muscles in our arms and legs. Since the nervous system controls nearly every function of the human body, the door is open as to how chiropractic may help the body perform. Many of the world’s top athletes already use chiropractic with the goal to improve their performance and be the best at what they do.

There is great variety within the chiropractic profession due to diverse beliefs. Techniques can range from using light touch, soft tissue manipulation, needles, specialised tables, thrust adjustments, handheld tools, supplementation, and even thought analysis. There are over 100 techniques in existence.

Spine Diagram

Our Unique Approach

Chiropractic Room

At Karori Chiropractic, we have a unique approach to care. We provide tailored and personalised adjustment plans for people of all ages. We believe that a well-functioning nervous system is the cornerstone of health and we endeavour to assist you in regaining your optimal state.

1. Initial consultation

Your first visit to the Chiropractor is all about YOU. We commit to learning as much as we can about how long you have had your problem, how bad it is, what it is affecting in your life and what goals you want to achieve! We will perform a spinal evaluation, posture assessment and may refer for spinal x-rays if indicated.

2. Report of findings

The report of findings is all about your results! This visit is designed to give you an understanding of where and what is causing any issues in your body. Your Chiropractor will discuss the best recommendations to rehabilitate, and any other advice on how to manage this long term.

3. Regular adjustments

Many people see our Chiropractors for our corrective approach to spinal alignment. Each adjustment is tailored specifically to your care plan and your needs on the day. Our adjustments are a combination of traditional Chiropractic (manual) and more modern techniques.

4. Progress exams

Progress exams are all about what has changed! Progress exams are a structured visit by your Chiropractor to re-evaluate your posture and show the changes that the regular adjustments have given you. This also shows your Chiropractor what the next phase for you is!

Techniques Used

Chiropractors use multiple techniques to treat areas of dysfunction within your spine and other joints of your body. The following techniques are used at Karori Chiropractic:

The most common technique used by chiropractors worldwide. This technique involves the use of the chiropractors hands to adjust (another term for manipulate) the joints of your spine. Various positions, forces and directions are used during adjustments, depending on where the dysfunction lies and your unique structure. A quick, small and specific thrust is applied through the chiropractors hands to the dysfunctional joint in your spine.

A device is used to apply the adjustment instead of the chiropractors hands. The device applies a quick, small mechanical force. The force output is varied depending on your comfort levels and the spinal area. The activator device is commonly used as an alternative to the more forceful techniques, especially for the young or old.

A technique similar to Diversified however, it uses different body positions and directions of force.

We are trained to assess and adjust most major joints in your body outside of the spine.

FAQs

The name of the disorder that Chiropractors treat has been given a variety of names. We prefer to call it spinal dysfunction.

Although Chiropractors, researchers, and neuroscientists only have theories on what causes of spinal dysfunction, they know the signs to look for. The vertebral segments that are determined to be dysfunctional often have corresponding muscle tightness, tenderness, and altered joint movement and are known to affect the nervous system in certain ways. The symptoms of pain and stiffness are commonly associated with these areas of dysfunction. Chiropractors are trained to detect these abnormalities and help correct the dysfunction through techniques involving spinal manipulation.

Most adjustments are painless. If you’ve suffered a recent injury, have tender muscles or inflammation around the affected area, you may feel some discomfort when adjusted. We try to avoid this outcome as much as possible and will not adjust an area if we believe it will cause too much discomfort.

Synovial fluid is the lubricating substance between your joints. When the joints are separated it creates a small gas-filled cavity within the fluid which can suddenly collapse, causing the ‘cracking’ sound and allowing the joint to separate further. Studies have yet to discover any detrimental side effects. One doctor even cracked the knuckles of his left hand every day for over 60 years while not performing the same in his right hand. No arthritis or any other ailments formed in either hand.

Read our blog How Does Chiropractic Work? for a more detailed description of what is going on.

A New Zealand Government study determined Chiropractic is “remarkably safe,” due to Chiropractic’s conservative healthcare approach, avoiding drugs and invasive procedures. However, no health treatment option is completely free of adverse effects.

Estimates of the small risks involved:

  • 1 in 62,000 likelihood of injury to the ligaments or disc in the lumbar spine.
  • 1 in 139,000 likelihood of injury to the ligaments or disc in the cervical spine.
  • 1 in 5,850,000 likelihood of stroke associated with neck adjustments.

Additional statistics to put this in perspective:

  • 1 in 12,000 likelihood of being struck by lightning in the US in one lifetime.
  • 1 in 125,000 likelihood of being killed by lightning in the US in one lifetime.
  • 1 in 3,800,000 likelihood of winning New Zealand’s first division lotto.

No, anybody is able to walk into our clinic to receive care without prior referral.

It depends. Taking x-rays may help the Chiropractor determine the cause of your issues and whether chiropractic treatment will be safe. Chiropractors are trained in Radiology and x-ray analysis so if you have previous x-ray films or reports please bring them along, they may be useful.

In New Zealand, Chiropractors undertake a minimum of 5 years study to acquire a Bachelor of Chiropractic.

The first year is equivalent to Health Science First Year, the same course that medical doctors, physiotherapists and dentists require. However, this recently changed to a Diploma of Applied Science. The remaining 4 years are undertaken at Auckland’s NZ College of Chiropractic.

Students receive a comprehensive education in anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, pathology, radiography and a variety of adjusting techniques, in addition to a two-year internship. All Chiropractors must keep their knowledge up to date by completing the Continued Professional Development requirements.

Yes, we are registered ACC providers. We can submit ACC claims for relevant, recent injuries.

Possibly, depending on your insurance cover. Check with your insurance provider for further details.

This is your decision. Karori Chiropractic prefers to assess your situation at each individual visit.

Some conditions can resolve quickly while others may take time or be re-occurring. You may prefer to come regularly with a preventative goal in mind, much like how people go to the gym or the dentist frequently, to maintain their health.

Yes. Our chiropractors are trained on a variety of spinal injuries and surgeries and treatment will only be utilised following an in-depth analysis of the affected area to determine if treatment is safe.