Doctors of Chiropractic are similar to non-medical doctors in other associated health-care professions such as Clinical Psychologists, Podiatry, Radiographers, Physiotherapists, Dentistry and others. To be awarded the academic degree of “Doctor of Chiropractic”, Chiropractors must attend a minimum of 4,485 hours of classroom hours while Medical Doctors (MD) attend a minimum of 4,248 hours for their medical degrees.

However, Chiropractors are allowed to practice spinal adjustment in place of prescribing medication while medical doctors are allowed to prescribe medication in accordance to their specialisation.

The loud pop associated with chiropractic adjustment unnerves most people. This pop – as startling as it seems – is due to the opening up of the joint. The popping sound is created when the joints are opened up and the fluid between the joints creates a release of gas.

Not all chiropractic adjustments guarantee an audible popping sound due to the variety in chiropractic adjustment techniques administered by each doctor.

The “pop” sound associated to the chiropractic adjustments is similar to what you hear during the “cracking” of the joints. Individuals who feel a persisting desire to crack his or her neck is due to the tension they are experiencing from a jammed vertebra. If “cracking” is done over a prolonged period of time, it can lead to perpetual instability.

The dangers in consistent cracking without expert advice includes blood clotting, developing osteoarthritis, wear and tear of vertebrae cartilage, and increase risk in stroke. Neck adjustments by a chiropractor is recommended as they are clear on the extent to which the joint should be moved to balance the spinal column.

Subluxations are often difficult to detect similar to a dental cavity. That’s why periodic spinal check-ups are so important. Early detection will allow the chiropractor to perform adjustments accordingly to prevent any deterioration of condition.

It is never too early to start with chiropractic. Newborns have received spinal adjustments especially after difficult or traumatic births.

Uncorrected birth trauma leads to pressure on the spine or neck which will impact spinal growth and development. This ignorance will lead the newborn away from optimal health resulting in health issues.

There is no hard and fast rule for the required number of chiropractic adjustments one needs as chiropractic functions based on your current health conditions and goals. Discuss with your chiropractor about attaining optimal health; especially short-term and long-term goals to determine on the ideal treatment plan tailored for your needs.

Adopting chiropractic as the way of life includes regular checks and visits to ensure functional independence and tolerance for daily activities. Putting a halt in chiropractic adjustments will lead to a build-up of stress on the spine and nervous system.

Spine and nerve stress will continue to build up as before, but it won’t be reduced or eliminated. If the stress is not relived, your body and overall health will suffer. Therefore, regular maintenance is highly recommended to help you maintain your spinal health at its optimal all the time.

Chiropractors specialize in adjustments of the spinal column, nervous system, meninges and body structure whilst massage therapists work on muscle tension, circulation and body fluid drainage. Chiropractic and massage target different areas of the body with separate techniques and differing results.

Chiropractic adjustments are ideal in maintaining the health of your spine once you have recovered from a back surgery. The possibility of experiencing “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome” increases if there is no utilisation of chiropractic adjustments; leading to the prospect of additional surgery.

A broken bone forms a callus or bone scar when it heals, this callus or bone scare is far stronger than any part of the bones. Thus, any chiropractic adjustments done after full recovery will not lead to further stress. Patients who have had broken bones will require chiropractic check-ups because of possible presence of spinal subluxations.