What is Chiro?
The World Health Organisation defines chiropractic as "A health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual techniques, including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation.”
Chiropractic is based on the paradigm that:
- Our bodies are self-regulating, self-healing and self-developing.
- The nervous system is the master control system of our bodies.
- Chiropractic adjustments remove interference to the nervous system, which helps people regulate, heal and develop better.
Is Chiropractic Safe?
While chiropractic is generally considered safe, just like most other forms of healthcare it can cause adverse reactions in some people. Our chiropractors will discuss your specific risks with you clearly before commencing care.
Chiropractic Training and Registration
Chiropractors have a minimum of 5 years of university education which focuses on understanding the function of the spine and nervous system. In Australia, Chiropractors are registered through the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and are required to adhere to strict and extensive continuing educational requirements and standards to be registered health professionals.
Chiropractic and Kids
Our chiropractors have a special interest in, and are experienced in the unique needs of kids. Our chiropractors have attended many post graduate seminars on chiropractic and kids, and use the latest assessment tools and systems to provide you with the best care possible.
Here at Inborn Vitality we use the Well Kids Program and its detailed examination process to help identify the areas of your child’s spine and nervous system that may require attention.
The feedback from our families is that they really appreciate the detailed Well Kids Reports.
The reports help you to understand your child's;
- Spinal function - how well the spine is moving
- Range of Motion - how well they can move the body
- Posture - how well posture is developing and its symmetry
- If any red flags (highlighted areas of concern) are present
- How well they are coping and adapting to their environment and the challenges that come up (falls, injuries etc)
- If your child has been able to transition through the primitive (baby) reflexes into the more complex postural reflexes, gross motor co-ordination, balance and motor function.
Chiropractic and Pregnancy
Many women experience, back pain, neck pain, headaches and other spine related issues while they are pregnant. Our chiropractors have a special interest in, experience with, and post graduate training in the unique needs of pregnant women.
HOW YOUR PREGNANCY CHIROPRACTOR CAN HELP
Seeing a Chiropractor during pregnancy might help the body to adapt to the many and varied physiological changes that occur during this time.
Some of the many reasons why women may choose to see a pregnancy chiropractor during this special, but sometimes challenging time include;
- Back/pelvic pain - A common complaint during pregnancy with 49-69% of women reporting back pain at some time during their pregnancy.2-8
- Disturbed sleep - 30-58% of pregnant women experience disturbed sleep due to pain. 3,6,8
- Hip/knee/foot pain - Up to 56% of women in one study reported experiencing hip, knee or foot pain during pregnancy.9
- Pubis symphysis pain and dysfunction
TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR SPINE DURING PREGNANCY
From ‘WELL ADJUSTED BABIES’ by Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani1
- Don’t try to sit up from a lying position using your abdominal muscles. Instead, bend your knees, turn onto your side and push yourself up with your arms.
- Remember to unlock your knees when standing and refrain from wearing high-heels.
- Avoid standing with your hands on your hips and pushing your tummy forward.
- Let others lift heavy items for you and avoid carrying toddlers.
- Avoid twisting your spine on top of your pelvis, instead try moving your whole body with your feet. For example, when getting out of the car, turn your whole body towards the open door as you place your feet on the ground.
- Avoid remaining in one position for too long.
- Keep your pelvic floor strong.
- Breathe deeply into your lower abdomen, especially when stressed.
- Gently stretch your body daily.
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Understanding Pain: A Short Video
In this animation we look at what chronic pain is, and what you can do about getting rid of it. Why staying active is important, and how chiropractic may be able to help you with this. |
REFERENCES
- Barham-Floreani J. Well Adjusted Babies. 2nd edition. Vitality Productions, Victoria Australia. 2009
- Berg G, Hammar M, Moller-Nielsen J, Linden U, Thorbland J. Low back pain during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 1988; 71: 71-5.
- Fast A, Shapiro D, Ducommun EJ, Friedmann LW, Bouklas T, Floman Y. Low back pain in pregnancy. Spine 1987;12: 368-71.
- Kristiansson P, Svardsudd K, VonSchoultz B. Back pain during pregnancy: a prospective study. Spine 1996;21:702-9.
- Ostgaard HC, Andersson Gv, Karlsson K. Prevalence of back pain in pregnancy. Spine 1991;16:549-52.
- Skaggs CD, Prather H, Gross G, George JW, Thompson PA, Nelson DM. Back and pelvic pain in an underserved United States pregnant population: a preliminary descriptive survey. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2007;30(2):130-4.
- Ostgaard HC, Andersson GB. Previous back pain and risk of developing back pain in future pregnancy. Spine 1991;16: 432-6.
- Wang S, DeZinno P, Maranets I, Berman M, Caldwell-Andrews A, Kain Z. Low back pain during pregnancy: prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes. Obstet Gynecol 2004;104(1):65-70.
- Hullo VJ, Richardson JK, and Hurvitz EA. Hip, knee, and foot pain during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Journal of Family Practice July 1996: 63+. Academic OneFile. Web. 25 May 2016.