Suite G28 - 31, Ground Floor,
240 Waterworks Road,
Ashgrove QLD 4060
Tel: 07-3366-1934
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is chiropractic? According to the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia, Chiropractors in Australia are nationally registered and regulated healthcare professionals. Chiropractic is a drug and surgery free modality of treatment concerned with the diagnosis, management and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system; this includes the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. It is based on the teachings of Galen and Hippocrates and the premise that the body can respond appropriately to its environment provided that the nervous system is free of interference. This was further developed by Palmer which led to a focus on the spinal column and its functioning. In summary, chiropractors focus on the detection and correction of aberrant spinal function and its subsequent effect on how the nervous system controls and coordinates the body. Australian chiropractors are highly qualified healthcare professionals who study at university for a minimum of five years, and there is growing research and evidence base not only in Australia but through international federations. As with other healthcare professions, there are internationally and nationally recognised standards of qualification to enable practice in Australia and this is part of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
Q. Do I need a referral from my Doctor? No. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners so you may choose to make an appointment without the need for the referral from your Doctor.
Q. Do I need X-rays? We do not require every patient to undergo X-rays. If X-rays are required, patients are referred to the local diagnostic imaging centre. We only refer X-rays if we require to rule out pathology and arthritic problems and not use them to look at postural stances.
Q. Is Chiropractic Care Covered By Medicare? Back Care Chiropractic Clinic is also a provider for Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) programs where patients are referred by their General Practitioner for a program of chiropractic assessment and treatment. Under this care plan, Medicare will provide limited up to 5 chiropractic consultations per calendar year, rebating you approximately $50 each visit. Please note there will be an out of pocket expense for this service To receive this program you must visit your General Practitioner GP and have an EPC plan prepared.
Q. Does health insurance cover chiropractic visits? We have HICAPS on site for your convenience. Processing your health fund claims right here. If you have private health insurance that contributes to your chiropractic care, please be aware that ALL health funds have limits set on what they are willing to cover per person or policy. This contribution is not based on your need for care, it is just an arbitrary limit. A percentage of the chiropractic fee is claimable with the extra coverage from the private health insurance. The exact percentage of the rebate varies from insurance to insurance. Please check your cover with your private health insurance. It is your responsibility to make any relevant claims directly with your own health insurance.
Q. What is a chiropractic adjustment? A chiropractic adjustment is the skill of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the joints to gradually regain more normal motion and function. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to permit improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health. There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the chiropractor’s hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly-accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant or indirect pressure. After years of university training and clinical experience, each chiropractor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.
Q. Is Chiropractic adjustment safe? Yes! Unfortunately chiropractic has come under fire from various branches of medicine since it's inception some 130 years ago, and attacks continue at periodic intervals to this day. This seems to be particularly prevalent within Australia of late, whereas countries like the United States, Canada and much of Europe have moved past this to create a more integrative healthcare system for their citizens. If we actually choose to look at what science and the literature (research) tells us, whilst ignoring the scaremongering, we find that much of the negative perceptions of chiropractic are simply not true. Chiropractors are trained as primary healthcare practitioners. This means that they are educated in all systems of the human body, thus allowing them to recognise when they're perhaps not the best person for your problem. We readily refer patients to other health practitioners when it's deemed necessary. Unfortunately, any form of therapy or medical intervention carries with it some risk; whether that be treatment from a chiropractor or taking a panadol, it's impossible to completely eliminate the chance of an adverse reaction. By being as thorough as possible with our history and examination, we can greatly reduce the likelihood of an adverse reaction to treatment.
Q. Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant? Pregnant women frequently get amazing results from chiropractic. Chiropractors are trained in special techniques for adjusting pregnant women. Because of the inability to take medication for pain, the natural approaches of chiropractic are the logical choice for pregnant women. More and more, obstetricians are referring to chiropractors due to the effectiveness of spinal adjustments for pain relief. Also, techniques designed to naturally turn a Breech baby are safe and effective.
Q. What is the popping noise of the adjustment? During certain types of Chiropractic adjustment there is sometimes a change of pressure within the joint space which may sometimes cause a bubble of gas to ‘pop’ – but this sound is not significant, and does not hurt. It’s exactly the same thing as when you “crack” your knuckles. The sound isn’t a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.