What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a primary health care profession that specialises in the communication between your musculoskeletal system and nervous system. Chiropractors check your spine, assessing for areas of nerve interference between the two systems, known as subluxations, and correct them through chiropractic adjustments. These subluxations are a result of different stresses that have an effect on your general health and wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The spine is the framework which supports and protects the spinal cord. It has been likened to the body's switchboard. Most of the nerves pass from the spinal cord through small openings between the spinal bones (vertebrae), to the muscles, organs, bones and the skin. In fact, the nerve system controls and coordinates all organs, structures, systems and functions of the human body, helping to maintain homeostasis (natural physiological balance).

Because of the spine's complexity, it's normal movements are easily disrupted. Falls, incorrect lifting, repetitive movements, faulty posture and even illness may cause disruption to the normal mechanics of the spine. These areas of abnormal alignment are what Chiropractors call SUBLUXATIONS. You don't need to feel pain to have them

Subluxations are spinal bone misalignments causing nerve irritation. These affect, directly or indirectly, the normal function of the nerve system and, as a consequence, can cause a detrimental effect on health and performance.

Everyone should have their spine checked for subluxations.

Each person has individual needs and must be assessed accordingly. Once this assessment is complete, Dr. Catherine Payne-Mason can recommend a program of Chiropractic care.

X-rays are usually required, especially if the problem is long-standing or there has been some trauma. All x-rays are reported by a fully qualified Radiologist.

If you have private health insurance, chiropractic may be covered under the terms of your cover, and a propcrtion of the cost will be covered. Each case is specific and you will need to check with your health insurer.

Yes! Chiropractors care for their patients using safe, gentle, scientific techniques. Dr. Catherine Payne-Mason aims to educate all her patients by informing them how and why Chiropractic is safe and appropriate for people of all ages, including babies and children.

For a private patient a referral is not required. Chiropractors are primary heath care providers and are Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) registered.

Chiropractic is most appropriate for both these groups. Special adjusting techniques are used for babies, children and pregnant woman. It is essential for children's spines to be checked at an early age.

Children's high activity levels are a normal part of their development, jumping, bumping, and falling can cause subluxations which do not manifest as pain for many years. The earlier potential problems are detected, the easier they can be corrected.

No. Chiropractic is non-invasive, therefore drug and surgery free.

Chiropractic began in 1895, over 115 years ago.

Yes, Chiropractors must be registered and licensed to practice by the New Zealand Chiropractic Board.

Post Care Advice

It is important following your adjustment to have some water and go for a short walk before getting back in the car. We have water available for your benefit.

Be sure to get plenty of sleep to allow your body to recuperate and repair.

Set aside time each day for complete mental and physical relaxation. This is important in the restoration, as well as maintenance, of normal health.

Do not sleep sitting in a chair or in cramped quarters. Lie down in bed when it is time to sleep.

Avoid rubbing, probing or "poking" in the areas your doctor adjusts.

Pain management to allow the body to recover.

Dr. Catherine Payne-Mason will suggest a course of rehabilitation that best suits your needs. It may include:

• Cooling of afflicted area (icing) to reduce swelling.

• Anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammation and reduce pain.

• Compression.

• Mild specific exercise.

• Limiting activity counter-productive to recovery.

When sitting, choose a chair that has adequate firmness to hold your weight comfortably, and then sit straight. Avoid too soft, overstuffed chairs.

Avoid extreme bending of your spine in any direction; avoid stretching, reaching or other overhead work. Avoid sudden twists or turns of movement beyond normal limits of motion, especially of the neck.

When lifting, keep your back straight; bend your knees and let your legs bear the strain. Hold the object lifted as close to your body as possible.

Cross your legs only at the ankles, not the knees. Crossing your legs at the knees could aggravate an existing back condition as well as interfere with the circulation of the lower limbs.

Sleep on a firm mattress, preferably one which is neither too hard nor too soft, but just firm enough to hold your body level while at the same time soft enough so that your shoulders and hips depress into the mattress.

Your pillow should be neither too high nor too low. The ideal pillow is one which supports your head so that your neck vertebrae will be level with the rest of your spine.

Rise from your bed by turning on your side and swinging your legs off the bed, then push yourself into a sitting position with your arms, this minimizes the amount of strain on your back.

The 3 Phases of Care