Chiropractic

What is Chiropractic?

Better Backs Melbourne provides one of the best Chiropractors Mitcham. Our Chiropractic is an effective, natural, safe, gentle and a scientific evidence based approach to a variety of health conditions. It helps many individuals to achieve their full potential in health and life.

Chiropractic is a healing science and art which utilizes your bodies brilliant structures of the spine and nervous system to heal itself. Though in no way is it confined to just these areas. As a chiropractor I see a variety of symptoms and conditions which improve under chiropractic care which are also backed up by scientific research with the most common being neck pain, headaches, low back pain. There are many other areas of the body which can benefit from chiropractic treatment and if you think you may need chiropractic then give us a call.

Chiropractic began in 1895 and has come a long way since, it is now a 5 year length university course which in many universities is broken into a three year degree and two year masters. With the average chiropractor receiving 4,822 hours of training. When you see a registered chiropractor it is shown to be remarkably safe, effective and have favourable results.

Chiropractor Mitcham

Should I wait until I have back pain to see a chiropractor?

Being healthy or well is not merely the absence of symptoms, many conditions have signs that are able to be detected before the symptoms appear. Why do people get routinly screened for prostate cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer? It is because early detection of these things allows them to have it treated and have a better chance of survival6. Through the understanding and philosophy of chiropractic, chiropractors are able to use there skill and knowledge to detect areas of the spine which may contribute to various problems in the future before the problems develop. Hence the wise old saying “prevention is better than cure” is very true when it comes to the spine.

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest her or his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
Thomas A. Edison

Thomas Edison’s quote talking about prevention of disease and not giving medicine is very much describing what chiropractic is all about.

As a Chiropractor I know that it is important to have a balanced approach to health and wellness. Chiropractic puts emphasis on the relationship between your spine and your nervous system and its role in maintaining good overall health.

This preventive model to health through regular maintenance chiropractic care can also help prevent future back problems 7. Similar to taking your car to a mechanic and preventing or decreasing the chance of breaking down on the side of the road.

How do we help?

At Better Backs we want to offer a fresh and positive outlook on health and we provide a patient centered approach, where you as the patient have a responsibility for your health.

We will guide you and teach you to make the right decisions for your body. We will offer natural and safe treatment for your condition.

At Better Backs we practice a variety of techniques which are suitable for all body types and ages. From an infant to a centenarian, from a couch potato to a professional athlete. A pregnant mother-to-be to an excited and active dad.

On an Initial consultation we take a thorough history of the complaint, we then do a directed physical examination and if necessary we may also refer for medical imaging. After all this we will give you a summary of the findings and how we are able to help.

Types of techniques and services offered:

  • Manual / traditional adjustments
  • Low Force and instrument techniques (Activator, Drop piece, Cranials and Blocks)
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Dry Needling

Professional advice on:

  • Nutrition,
  • Prevention of injuries
  • Lifestyle
  • Sleep Assessments are also available.

Foot levellers orthotics (custom made for your feet not someone else’s)

Physical Therapeutics : Ultrasound, TENs, Heat/cold packs, Kinesio Taping, Rigid Sports taping and others

Rehabilitation: which includes exercise at home or in Clinic equipment

We offer an Evidence Based approach where we use clinical experience and scientific research to manage patients’ conditions and track progress to monitor what treatments are having the best effect.

Who can benefit from chiropractic?

You Can!

Everyone may benefit from chiropractic. Peer reviewed research shows chiropractic management has had positive outcomes for patients with Low back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Chiropractic is well known for the positive effects on back pain and this includes sciatica which is where the sciatic nerve is involved and the pain will usually radiate down the back of the thigh and into the lower leg7.1..There is also case studies and anecdotal evidence for many other health conditions.

Children may benefit from chiropractic, conditions such as colic, otitis media (middle ear infections), musculoskeletal pain, attention and hyperactivity, bed wetting just to name a few8.

Here at Better backs, if we feel we are unable to help you we will refer you to another Health Care Professional who we feel can.

A list of many other things chiropractic has helped previously: numbness in a variety of areas, sore shoulders, feet, wrist, knees and elbows to just name a few9. There are many other areas of the body which can benefit from chiropractic treatment. Book your appointment chiropractic appointment today for a BETTER BACK.

Some recent studies showing other benefits to chiropractic care:

  • Dysmenorrhea– Menstrual pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea may be alleviated with chiropractic treatment.J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Mar;31(3):237-46.
  • Low back pain during pregnancy – Chiropractic is safe and beneficialJ Midwifery Womens Health. 2006 Jan-Feb;51(1):e7-10.
  • Chronic headacheshave a great response to chiropractic treatment.J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2004 Nov-Dec;;27(9):547-53
  • Middle ear infectionsin children can be helped by chiropractic.Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics Vol 2, No. 2 1997 p.167-183.
  • That chiropractic is very safe even for babies and toddlers.J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Jul-Aug;31(6):419-23
  •  ADHD has a strong correlation to the neck and chiropractic treatment has shown to improve ADHD symptomsJ Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1989 Oct;12(5):353-63. J. Aust Chiro Assoc 1980;11(7):13-18. 
    J. Aust Chiro Assoc 1980;11(8):11-17.
  • Bed wetting has shown to have a favourable response to chiropractic treatment.Explore (NY). 2008 May-Jun;4(3):215-20.

See footnotes

Pregnancy Chiropractic

These are done as required to teach or assist patient with exercises.

Everyone can benefit from strengthening their body and improving their posture. If you’re an existing patient, then why not mention you’re interested in training your body to improve your posture and strength at our next appointment.

If you are an existing patient who has started and lost your exercises and wish have a new copy emailed to you, please contact us at info@betterbacksmitcham.com.au.

Service Area

We prefer that our patients come to our clinic in Mitcham where we can provide the best quality care, but we can also see people at home.

Footnotes

  • 1 UPPER CROSSED SYNDROME AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO CERVICOGENIC HEADACHE Michele K. Moore, DCa J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2004;27:414-20

    • The Nordic Back Pain Subpopulation Program: Validation and Improvement of a Predictive Model for Treatment outcome in patients with Low Back Pain Receiving Chiropractic Treatment Axen I, Jones JJ, Rosenbaum A, Lövgren PW, Halasz L, Larsen K, Leboeuf-Yde C.. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2005; 28:381-385
    • Leboeuf-Yde C, Gronstvedt A, Borge J A, Lothe J, Magnesen E, Nilsson O, Rosok G , Stig L-C, Larsen K. The Nordic Back Pain Subpopulation Program: A 1-Year Prospective Multicentre Study of Outcomes of Persistent Low-Back Pain in Chiropractic Patients. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2005;28:90-96
  • 2 Center for Studies in Health Policy, Inc, Washington, DC. Chiropractic in the united states training, practice and research

  • 3 New Zealand; Report of the Commission of Enquiry

  • 4 Canada; Manga et al Report to the Ministry of Health.

  • 5 USA; Bigos et al AHCPR Guidelines for US Department of Health

  • 6 Reducing Mortality from Colorectal Cancer by Screening for Fecal Occult Blood, Jack S. Mandel, John H. Bond, Timothy R. Church, Dale C. Snover, G. Mary Bradley, Leonard M. Schuman, Fred Ederer, for The Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study; NEJM Volume 328:1365-1371, May 13, 1993, number 19

    • Breast cancer survival among women under age 50: is mammography detrimental? Stacey-Clear A, McCarthy KA, Hall DA, Pile-Spellman E, White G, Hulka C, Whitman GJ, Mahoney E, Kopans DB. Lancet. 1992 Oct 24;340(8826):991-4.
    • Early detection of prostate cancer, P. Scardino, R. Weaver, M. Hudson; Human Pathology, Volume 23, Issue 3, Pages 211-222
  • 7 The Nordic Back Pain Subpopulation Program: Validation and Improvement of a Predictive Model for Treatment outcome in patients with Low Back Pain Receiving Chiropractic Treatment. Axen I, Jones JJ, Rosenbaum A, Lövgren PW, Halasz L, Larsen K, Leboeuf-Yde C. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2005; 28:381-385

    • The Nordic Back Pain Subpopulation Program: A 1-Year Prospective Multicentre Study of Outcomes of Persistent Low-Back Pain in Chiropractic Patients. Leboeuf-Yde C, Gronstvedt A, Borge J A, Lothe J, Magnesen E, Nilsson O, Rosok G , Stig L-C, Larsen K.. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2005;28:90-96
  • 7.1 The Spine Journal Volume 6, Issue 2 , Pages 131-137, March 2006 Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations Valter Santilli, MD, Ettore Beghi, MDemail address, Stefano Finucci, MD

  • 8 Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics Vol 2, No. 2 1997 p.167-183. & J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Jul-Aug;31(6):419-23 & JMPT2002 & J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1989 Oct;12(5):353-63. & J. Aust Chiro Assoc 1980;11(7):13-18.& J. Aust Chiro Assoc 1980;11(8):11-17. & Explore (NY). 2008 May-Jun;4(3):215-20.

  • 9 J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2004 Jun;27(5):e8. Neck-tongue syndrome. Borody C. & J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1999 Jan;22(1):38-44.Chiropractic rehabilitation of a patient with S1 radiculopathy associated with a large lumbar disk herniation. Morris CE.

    • Combination of manipulation, exercise, and physical therapy for the treatment of a 57-year-old woman with lateral epicondylitis. Radpasand M . J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2009 Feb;32(2):166-72.
    • Manipulation of the wrist for management of lateral epicondylitis: a randomized pilot study. Struijs PA, Damen PJ, Bakker EW, Blankevoort L, Assendelft WJ, van Dijk CN. Phys Ther. 2003 Jul;83(7):608-16.