Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a main-stream healthcare profession in New Zealand, concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of both the nervous system and general health. Chiropractic care is much more than a way of seeking relief from back pain.

Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that our nervous systems control the function of virtually every cell, tissue, organ and system of the body.

While the brain is protected by the skull, the spinal cord is more vulnerable, covered by 24 moving vertebrae. When these bones lose their normal motion or position, they can irritate the nervous system. This disrupts the function of the tissues or organs these nerves control, and this is called vertebral subluxations complex.

Chiropractic is the science of locating these areas of spinal malfunction and the art of correcting them to allow the body to heal itself ( homeostasis ).

To do this, chiropractors use a technique called an adjustment. An adjustment is a carefully executed manoeuvre that usually results in a joint clicking as a sticky joint is released.

Our experienced chiropractors take an all round approach to your health and well-being, they play a major role in relieving discomfort arising from accidents, stress, poor posture and everyday wear and tear that happens to us all as we grow older. There is an emphasis on manual treatment which includes spinal manipulation and, by restoring normal function via spinal adjustments to the nervous system and musculo-skeletal system, chiropractors can play a major part in relieving disorders and any accompanying pain or discomfort arising from accidents, stress, lack of exercise, poor posture, illness and the everyday wear and tear that happens to us all as we grow older and particularly to those who have had a long sporting life.

Soon after the discovery of the X-ray, chiropractors began using this tool in the examination and care of the spine.

Besides revealing the presence or absence of proper spinal curves, side views of the spine can more easily show the long-term effects of neglected spinal trauma. We call the body’s adaptation process spinal decay.

This process in the spine has similarities to tooth decay in that it shows up usually because of neglect. Also, just like tooth decay, it can happen to anyone, regardless of age.

Because it is often seen in older people, many believe it’s merely the normal aging process. It is not. This progressively worsening, degenerative condition is the result of uncorrected spinal misalignment. Spinal decay is how your body deals with the stress of gravity.

It just so happens that most people have spinal problems that they’ve ignored for years.

Three Phase Process.

Spinal decay is a process. Whether you take three snapshots of the process or twenty-three snapshots, it’s a process. We use the three-phase model based on the book Managing Low Back Pain, by W. H. Kirkaldly-Willis and Thomas Bernard, Jr. We find that it makes the differences between each phase great enough so our patients can appreciate what they’re seeing.

Text Book Normal

This would be considered a textbook “normal” side view of the neck.

While this process can occur anywhere in the spine, it’s easiest to see in the cervical (neck) spine. This is what the side view of the neck should look like. From the side, the neck should have a graceful forward curve. The edges of each bone are well defined. There should be equal disc spacing between each bone and the openings for nerve roots should be clear and unobstructed.

Phase One Spinal Decay

The first thing you notice is a loss of the normal cervical curve.

Phase One

In Phase One there is a loss of curve and a reduced ability to turn and bend. In some cases, the disc space between adjacent vertebrae may be reduced. Or, discs can become wedge-shaped, risking more serious soft tissue damage. Depending upon your body’s adaptive capacity, pain or other obvious symptoms may not be present. Even the resulting reduced range of motion may be too subtle for some to notice.

Phase Two Spinal Decay

Adjacent joint surfaces become rough and uneven.

Phase Two

If neglected, in Phase Two, joint surfaces lose their clearly defined edges as the early signs of bone spurs become visible on X-ray views. Some believe that the body senses the accompanying inflammation as the sign of a broken bone. It begins the process of depositing calcium salts. Without being in a cast to prevent movement, the fusion doesn’t occur. Yet.

Phase Three Spinal Decay

The affected bones have lost their individuality and ability to move.

Phase Three

If still left uncorrected, the problem worsens in Phase Three. Amazingly, pain or other obvious symptoms may not yet show up. But finally, the body successfully “mends the broken bone.”

Chiropractic care in pregnancy for safer, easier births.

Chiropractic care is essential for the pregnant mother. Her systems and organs are now providing for two and their optimal function is critical for the baby’s healthy development. The mother’s spine and pelvis undergoes many changes and adaptations to compensate for the growing baby and the risk of interference to her nervous system is increased. Specific chiropractic care throughout pregnancy works with enhancing nervous system function providing greater health potential for both the mother and baby.

My aim is to provide a high level of care throughout your pregnancy to ensure your comfort and safety, and to offer aftercare once your baby has arrived. I am privileged to treat a number of pregnant mums-to-be here at Queenstown Health and common reasons why they visit include:

• Low back pain
• Pelvic pain
• Neck pain
• Leg pain
• Chest pain

Treatment

I use gentle and specific techniques to help and alleviate pain and discomfort during pregnancy as well as encouraging an easier delivery. Specific chiropractic adjustments for pregnant mothers work to correct sacral misalignments and balance pelvic muscles and ligaments in the woman’s pelvis in order to remove constraint and allow the baby to get into the best possible position for birth.

Advice & Support

During your treatment program, you will receive advice on posture, exercises and how to prepare physically for the birth process and after. At QueenstownHealth, I work closely with physiotherapists. Physiotherapists provide expert care, which include pre- and postnatal exercises, positioning, rhythmic movement, massage, relaxation and breathing awareness enabling the body to hold chiropractic adjustments for long term benefit

My aim is to provide a high level of care to your children. I have a standard for the evaluation and treatment for each age group and problem. This has been created from clinical experience and following high level paediatric teachings in the UK. Your child’s progress and development is important to me!

General Indications

Common childhood conditions and problems encountered by chiropractor include the delay of early gross motor skills such as inability to turn the head fully, roll over both ways, sit independently, crawling in a cross patterning, delayed walking and bad posture. Infantile colic, the irritable baby and reflux may be manifestations stemming from problems in the neuromuscular system, which in turn may respond favorably to paediatric chiropractic.

Indications of spinal problems that you may notice in your child:

• Trouble turning the head to one side
• Preferred feeding on one side, latching, suck reflex problems
• Sleeping disorders
• Flat-head: flatness on the side of the skull
• Digestive issues: constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, reflux, “windy and bloated”
• Excessive crying, “Colic” or Irritability
• Ear infections
• Poor head control
• Can’t roll over
• Crawls with one foot up
• Falls repetitively
• Sitting in “W Position”
• Poor posture
• Bed wetting
• Lack of concentration