FAQs

Some commonly asked questions

We often get asked about our chiropractic services and what to expect. Have a look below at some of the frequently asked questions…

The Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Chiropractic in New Zealand in 1979 stated that chiropractic was “extremely safe”. Literature published in JMPT 1996 concluded that chiropractic was much safer than the use of NSAID’s (aspirin) for neck pain by as much as a factor of several hundred times. Halderman, et al published in Spine 1999 concluded that stroke like symptoms were very rare at approx 1 in 5.85 million neck manipulations. According to the Lightning Information Index the chances of being hit by lightning are 1 in 700,000.

Chiropractic is an increasingly popular and accepted healthcare choice and is a safe, natural, drug-free, and effective method of health care. It is the third largest primary health care profession in the western world, next to medicine and dentistry, and it is one of the fastest growing.

Chiropractic is more than sore backs, sore necks and headaches. Aches and pains are signs that your body is not working correctly.

After an examination and analysis the chiropractor will use a carefully controlled and directed force called an adjustment to restore proper spinal function reducing stress on the surrounding soft tissue and nerves.

A healthy spine and nervous system, working at its very best, can help anyone at any time in their life; regardless of age, condition, presence or absence of disease, or obvious symptoms. Chiropractic is a method of helping to ensure optimal joint function and nerve communication and is thus able to effectively assist the body in healing a wide array of symptoms and conditions.

Chiropractic is safe, Chiropractic is natural, Chiropractic works.

Yes, we are ACC registered and no, you do not need a referral to receive treatment – we can arrange all that for you.

A state of physical, chemical, emotional and spiritual well being when the body’s cells, tissues, organs and systems are working in harmony. How we feel is often a poor judge of our health. For Example high blood pressure is usually without symptoms until complications like a heart attack occur. Conversely vomiting from food poisoning or excess alcohol rejecting toxins from our body is a healthy response. Therefore the presence or absence of symptoms is not indicative of our state of health.

Chiropractic works with the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, its about getting your body to work at its optimum.

Your nervous system controls every cell, organ and muscle in your body.  It is protected by your spine.

Sometimes the messages which are carried by your nervous system get blocked due to a subluxation in the spine.  Read more here »

A chiropractor will make an adjustment to the spine to remove these blockages allowing the messages from the brain to reach the body effectively, thus allowing the body to heal itself to the best of its ability

Improper motion or position of one or more spinal segments irritating nerve tissue producing interference to essential nerve system messages. Subluxations may or may not produce symptoms.

Subluxations are caused by stresses either physical, emotional or chemical that the body cannot adapt to. These stresses may be from physical traumas e.g. falls, car accidents, contact sports or repetitive movements of every day life. They can also be caused by emotional stress from work, home or family and chemical stresses from drugs, alcohol, tobacco, pollution or other toxins.

An adjustment is a specific force applied to the spine to remove vertebral subluxations alleviating nerve interference; allowing the body to heal, coordinate and function to its full potential.

This is called a cavitation and is the gas escaping from the joint as an adjustment is being performed and not the bones moving. A similar sound may be heard when you bend your fingers at the joints.

From new borns to the elderly can receive chiropractic care. Being born can be the most traumatic event in our life. Subluxations can occur during this process and children of all ages regularly visit chiropractors to improve and maintain their health and development. Very gentle and specific techniques are used. As we age our spine can degenerate reducing motion and function preventing us from performing normal daily activities. Chiropractic can go along way to improving quality of life and retaining our independence.

X-rays will be required if clinically relevant. This allows the chiropractor a true picture of potential problems and to help determine the appropriate care tailored to your individual needs.

Chiropractic results vary. Children often respond quickly, while long standing spinal problems can take longer. The healing process takes time.

Under normal circumstances chiropractic adjustments are painless. With an acute injury there maybe some discomfort due to inflammation of the area.

Anything you are comfortable in, St Heliers Chiropractic does not require you change into a gown on site.

Dr. Harbrow has undergone an intensive 5 year Chiropractic degree at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic. The degree content included extensive study in anatomy and physiology, biophysics, pathology, radiology, radiography, diagnostic imaging, biochemistry and adjusting techniques. He has also had an association with the NZ College of Chiropractic where he was a Mentor for many years and Head of Department for the Health Centre. The NZ College of Chiropractic has one of the most highly regarded and recognised courses in the world.

The initial new patient visit takes approx 30 min, this may vary from patient to patient. Regular visits are very short and may also vary from patient to patient.

Children are warmly welcome. 

They can benefit greatly from Chiropractic adjustments.  School bags are heavy and posture can be affected by technology as well as subluxations caused by everyday life. If your child is under the age of 16 please accompany them to their appointments.

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