What is Chiropractic? A Guide to Your Spine, Nervous System, and Holistic Health
Many people associate chiropractic care with fixing back pain. While it's true that we can be very effective at treating pain, chiropractic is a comprehensive healthcare profession focused on so much more.
At its heart, chiropractic is about the intricate and powerful relationship between your spine, your nervous system, and your overall health. It's a holistic approach that respects the body's innate ability to heal and function, provided it's free from interference.
The Official Definition
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine.
The most important part of that definition, however, is its second half: our focus is on the effects these disorders have on the nervous system and your general health.
Your spine is the "suit of armour" for your nervous system, which is the master communication line for your entire body. When your spine isn't moving correctly, it can interfere with that communication, which may lead to pain, dysfunction, and other health issues.
A Note on Our Title
You will notice that chiropractors are called "Doctor." In New Zealand, chiropractors undergo a rigorous five-year university education and are one of the only allied health professions legally allowed to use the title "Doctor." This title reflects a high standard of training in anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, and the hands-on skills required to provide safe and effective care.
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
My approach to your health is multi-faceted. When you come in for a consultation, my role is to:
Diagnose and Treat: First, I'm trained to identify and diagnose disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system.This means finding the root cause of your issue.
Focus on the Nervous System: The core of chiropractic care is centered on the relationship between your spine and your nervous system. I assess how your spine's function (or dysfunction) may be impacting your body's master control system.
Use Adjustments: I use hands-on spinal manipulation, or "adjustments," as well as other gentle manual or instrumental techniques. The goal is to restore proper motion to the joints, improve alignment, and reduce interference to the nervous system.
Advise on Lifestyle: True health is a partnership. I offer a holistic approach, which includes providing advice on diet, exercise, posture, and rehabilitation programs to help you get better faster and prevent future issues.
Offer a Truly Holistic Approach: My approach is unique in that it also combines further training in Functional Medicine and Applied Kinesiology. This allows me to look deeper at your health, assessing nutritional needs, organ function, and the mind-body connection in a way that goes beyond standard chiropractic.
Common Conditions We Support
While many people seek chiropractic care for general wellness, we are highly trained to diagnose and help manage a wide range of conditions. These include:
Low back pain
Neck pain
Headaches, including those related to neck tension
Joint pain in the limbs (shoulders, hips, knees, etc.)
Minor neck or spine injuries, such as whiplash
My Holistic Philosophy
My goal isn't just to chase your symptoms; it's to find and address the root cause of why they're there. By combining chiropractic adjustments with the in-depth knowledge of Applied Kinesiology and Functional Medicine, I can assess your health from multiple angles.
This integration allows us to restore proper motion to your spine, calm your nervous system, and support your body's biochemical and nutritional needs. It’s a truly holistic approach that supports your body's natural ability to heal, regulate, and thrive.
If you're struggling with pain, or just feel 'out of sync' and are ready to take a deeper look at your health, I invite you to book an appointment. Let's work together to get you back to your best.