Question 1

What happens at my first visit?

Accepted Answer

At your first visit, we take the time to understand you—because every body is different.

We begin by finding out:
Why you (or your child) have come to Chiropractic Balance
What your body has been through
What’s happening now
What results you’re looking for

If we believe we can help, we carry out a thorough exam, which may include:

Assessing your structural balance, posture, and movement
Palpation of your spine, skull, joints, and muscles
Muscle testing, neurological checks, reflexes, and HRV testing

If it’s safe and appropriate, we’ll usually do your first adjustment that day. The visit takes around 45–50 minutes.

Based on your history and exam, your Chiropractor will discuss a tailored care plan aimed at your goals. This typically includes follow-up visits and recommendations around posture, movement, nourishment, and recovery.

If needed, we can refer you for X-rays, to another practitioner, or apply for ACC if your issue is accident-related.

​Chiropractic may help you function better—at any age or level. We look forward to helping you feel your best and get back to what you love.

Question 2

What is a subluxation?

Accepted Answer

A subluxation is an improper motion or position of the bones of the spine (vertebrae) which interfere with the nerve impulses between the brain and the body. The delicate nerves exiting the spine can be irritated, stretched, and sometimes compressed or pinched. Even with this nerve irritation, most subluxations exist without obvious pain or discomfort (1).

Chiropractors are experts at locating and addressing subluxations to enhance your body's ability to regulate and heal itself.

References
(1)Chiropractic.org.nz. 2020. Vertebral Subluxation » New Zealand Chiropractors' Association. [online] Available at: <https://www.chiropractic.org.nz/about-chiropractic/vertebral-subluxation> [Accessed 15 April 2020].

Question 3

What is an adjustment (treatment) and are they safe & gentle?

Accepted Answer

An adjustment is a very specific input to your spine to help your body correct a subluxation. There are many ways to "adjust" the spine. Some methods use the doctor's hands, an instrument, a special table, or work with your breathing pattern. Adjustments are "remarkably safe" according to the New Zealand Government's landmark "Commission of Inquiry into Chiropractic". In fact, chiropractic care is safer than having back surgery, driving your car, or taking an aspirin.

Question 4

What are the benefits of receiving chiropractic care?

Accepted Answer

The results from chiropractic are different for every person. Chiropractic does not treat any ailment, it aims to restore structure and function to the neuromusculoskeletal system to allow the body to heal and regulate itself. Benefits that many people notice include:

Greater energy and vitality
Better concentration
Greater emotional well-being
Improved sleep
Decreased muscle tension
Higher productivity and performance
Improved posture
Greater ability to cope with stress
Greater flexibility, strength, and muscle coordination
Reduced spinal degeneration or 'wear & tear'

An improvement may even be noticed in conditions such as:

Irritable bowel
Asthma & allergies
Gastroesophageal reflux
Colic
Ear infections
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Scoliosis
Sinusitis
Headaches/Migraines
Numbness/Tingling/Neck pain/Whiplash
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Back pain
ADHD or autism
Low back pain

Question 5

Will you crack my back?

Accepted Answer

Many people fear seeing a Chiropractor because they are concerned that it might injure their back or break their neck.

The intent of a Chiropractic adjustment is to restore balance to the nerves, joints, and muscles. A very effective and popular technique that Chiropractors use to achieve this is a manual specific manipulation to a joint that is out of balance (subluxated).

Our Chiropractors have done five years of training to master their adjustments. Our patients report that the procedure looks and sounds uncomfortable and unusual, however, it does not hurt. Specific manipulations are very safe, simple, and gentle. If you do not want this type of adjustment, please let the Chiropractor know as there are effective alternatives.

The "popping" noise (or "click") that you hear sometimes when a Chiropractor performs an adjustment is due to gas, which is about 80% carbon dioxide, escaping from the stiff joint the Chiropractor has just opened, kind of like what happens when you open a can of soft drink.

There are many other Chiropractic techniques that do not involve any manipulation and are also very effective to restore balance to your body. If you have concerns about any chiropractic technique please let the Chiropractor know and they will modify their approach for you.

Question 6

Is Chiropractic covered by ACC?

Accepted Answer

As Primary Health Care professionals Chiropractors are covered by ACC. If you have had an accident and it has caused a joint or muscle injury you will most likely be covered.

You do not need to be referred or see your GP first after the Chiropractor has examined you and determined the injury, they can lodge an ACC Claim and your treatment cost will be partially covered by ACC.

If you have already seen a GP or other health professional and have an ACC Claim already, you can usually use this for Chiropractic treatment of the injury within one year of the original incident.

Please phone or email us if you wish to discuss your particular case before booking your appointment.

Question 7

When will I notice results?

Accepted Answer

Most people notice immediate changes, the amount of change varies between individuals. If it is a recent health concern, the results are usually faster than long-term (chronic) health concerns. Pain relief often occurs before the underlying problem (spinal imbalance) is resolved. That's why our Chiropractors will always ask how you feel, then combine this with their analysis of your function. Your Chiropractor will give you an idea of a time frame to reach the results you want once they have examined you.

Question 8

Are the adjustments (treatments) uncomfortable?

Accepted Answer

Occasionally the treatment can be uncomfortable as some people are in a lot of pain and we need to push through the 'discomfort' in order to feel better later. Any discomfort is temporary, siilar to using muscles in a workout or gardening.

To reduce this 'discomfort' our Chiropractors' have also done post-graduate study in more gentle techniques such as SOT and Activator that are often used for babies and people in significant pain. Please let your Chiropractor know if you are finding the treatment is uncomfortable and they can often modify the approach.

Question 9

Can chiropractic help my baby?

Accepted Answer

Many of our patients have not even taken their first steps, and you may be thinking how can they need Chiropractic care? Often the first cause of imbalance in the spine and skull is the birth process. If the spine or skull is out of balance it can irritate the nerves and lead to restricted head movement in one direction, colic, ear-aches, difficulty latching or feeding, unsettled, constipation, and more. We encourage all parents to get their child checked and Dr. Roz regularly checks her own children.

The techniques used to adjust a baby do not include manipulation. Generally, the amount of pressure required to correct the imbalance is as much as you would place on your closed eye. The majority of parents report that their baby is very relaxed and often sleeps very well after their adjustment!

Our Chiropractors have done post-graduate studies to be able to give babies and children the best care possible.

We also have a 'Chiro Bubs Club' each week just for under ones as this time of life is so crucial for development.

Question 10

What chiropractic technique is used?

Accepted Answer

Our main technique is the Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT): a specialised, comprehensive, gentle, and innovative technique of Chiropractic founded in 1925 by Dr. De Jarnette. It is named SOT because it focuses on the relationship between the base of the spine (sacrum) and skull (occiput), and the spine that connects them. It looks at the body as a whole and addresses all imbalances, not just where the symptoms are. SOT also utilises cranial work and organ reflexes.

We also utilise diversified, Thompson, activator, logan basic, and applied kinesiology. If you have a particular technique that works well for your body, please let your Chiropractor know.

Question 11

Once I go to a Chiropractor, will I always have to go?

Accepted Answer

No, once your symptoms are gone you may choose to stop.

However, many people find that the cause of their symptoms is their lifestyle: sitting, stress, and repetitive activities (eg. lifting, golf). Many people find that their regular Chiropractic adjustment helps keep up 'spinal fitness' (just like going to the gym keeps up body fitness and routine dental check-ups keep the teeth healthy) and then they are able to keep them doing the things they love for longer. How often you want to be adjusted is up to you.

We have people come for pain, prevention and performance.

Frequently asked questions