home

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral from a GP or other health care professional?

We are recognised as a primary healthcare profession, which means that no referral is required to see us. Chiropractors are qualified to diagnose, take x-rays, diagnose from x-rays and refer to other healthcare practitioners if necessary.
A full lifestyle evaluation will give the chiropractic the necessary information to pinpoint any underlying conditions.
The consultant may take an x-ray to further diagnose the condition.

Common conditions

Low back/pelvic pain and stiffness - Pinched nerves - Neck pain and stiffness - Sporting injuries - Mid back pain and stiffness - Carpal Tunnel syndrome/wrist pain - Slipped or Herniated discs - Tennis/Golfers elbow - Headaches/migraines - Joint pain and stiffness - Shoulder/elbow pain - Automobile accidents/whiplash - Sciatica - Pain between shoulder blades - Pins and needles/numbness/weakness - Jaw pain - Hip/groin pain - Knee/Ankle pain

Not all conditions are listed, however as doctors of chiropractic we are able to assist with a wide range of symptoms and problems related to the nervous system..

Length of recovery time

Recovery time is dependent on many factors. Factors may include length of time you have suffered from the condition, age and physical fitness, diet and lifestyle as well as details of any previous accidents and injuries. The sooner the condition is treated, the quicker it will respond to care.

Treatment cost

Cost depends on amount of treatments. Global studies have demonstrated that chiropractic is a very cost effective way of treating musculoskeletal pain.

What is an adjustment?

An adjustment makes chiropractic unique from other health care professions. An adjustment is not manipulation practiced by physical therapists and osteopaths. It is a gentle and deft hand placement on the vertebrae to adjust the spine. An adjustment of the vertebrae will aid the nervous system to return to full functionality. A healthy nervous system will send the correct messages to the brain and help keep the body in top condition. Extensive training sessions are required to enable them to perform such a specific spinal adjustment.

What is a subluxation?

In between each of the 24 vertebra a nerve goes from the spinal cord and travels to a specific organ or muscle in the body. Sometimes one of these important message carrying nerves can become trapped. The effects of subluxation can be pain, feebleness, tingling, numbness, aching, shooting pain or cramping. Some of these signs mean that a subluxation may have been present for some time, or sometimes no symptoms may occur. Often it is a trauma which will push the symptoms of the edge and which may lead to inflammation. With careful adjustment and alignment, the nerves can then leave the spinal chord without repression and healthy signals sent to the brain with a fully functioning nervous system

Are x-rays necessary?

After the case history and full examination, the chiropractor will decide whether an x-ray is necessary. In some cases an x-ray will serve to rule out certain conditions or to confirm a diagnosis. An x-ray can also ascertain congenital anomalies and spinal degeneration.

Are you recognised by insurance companies?

All insurance companies recognise Buchanan Chiropractic

What's the difference between Chiropractic and osteopathy?

Training, skills, principles and philosophy vary between a chiropractor and an osteopath. Osteopaths are proficient in more general manipulative procedures, whereas chiropractors receive extensive training in neurology. Chiropractors only make adjustments on specific areas of the spine and are also qualified to take and read x-rays. The study and training time is less for an osteopath.

Can chiropractic be used on babies?

Babies can be treated after a few weeks old. Indeed in the USA many babies are adjusted after birth, often a traumatic birth process experience. This can be a very significant treatment for a new born, and babies are shown to respond very well.

See Kids chiropractic for more.

Is chiropractic safe for children?

During the tumultuous first 20 years of life many children suffer from growing pains, and chiropractic treatment can be very effective in alleviating this kind of pain.