Bassendean Wellness Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Our patients often ask similar questions. Please find below some common questions and Dr Soroush’s answers:

1. How are your Chiropractors educated?
2. What is an adjustment?
3. What is the noise heard?
4. Do I have a slipped disc?
5. What should I expect when I see your Chiropractors?
6. Can I adjust myself?
7. Am I too old for Chiropractic care?
8. Once I start coming do I need to keep coming back?
9. How good is your pillow?
10. What is the significance of “growing pains?”
11. Should you exercise with a cold or flu?
12. How do I de-stress myself at work?
13. What can you tell me regarding caesarean sections?
14. What can you tell me regarding osteoarthritis?

1. How are your Chiropractors educated?

Currently there are three universities in Australia that have Chiropractic degree programs. RMIT University in Melbourne, Victoria offers a 5-year program as a three year Bachelor of Applied Science in Complementary Medicine – Chiropractic which, on completion, provides entry into a two year Master of Clinical Chiropractic. The Macquarie University in Sydney, New South Wales has a three year Bachelor of Chiropractic Science which provides the basis for entry into a two year Master of Chiropractic. The Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia offers a five year Bachelor of Chiropractic. Successful completion of the whole program of study is required for professional registration as a Chiropractor. Chiropractors undertake an in depth study of anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics, neurology and clinical science, being very similar to a medical degree.

2. What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is the restoration of normal function to a joint. There are different techniques for adjusting the spinal joints or extremities and at Bassendean Wellness Clinic we utilise many different techniques according to your age, body type and condition. There are people who may have some concern regarding the adjustment process; rest assured our chiropractors are proficient in many different types of Chiropractic adjustments delivery and all the procedures get discussed in advance to make sure you as the patient feel quite comfortable and confident with your treatment.

3. What is the noise heard?

With those patients who choose to receive manual adjustments (ie the Chiropractor using his/her hands to deliver the treatment and manually restoring the function of the joint), a noise can sometimes be heard. With a manual adjustment, the joints are moved slightly apart. This results in nitrogen gas that is present in the joint to expand, thus making a ‘popping’ noise.

4. Do I have a slipped disc?

Technically, a disc can’t “slip”. The intervertebral disc is a pad of cartilage type material situated between spinal bones. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. A soft, jelly like centre is contained by outer layers of fibrous tissue.

Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebrae above and below, a disc cannot “slip”. However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to tear, bulge, herniate, or worse, rupture. This can be quite painful, as the soft centre of the disc leaks, putting pressure on the adjacent nerve roots and spinal cord.

Depending on many different factors, including the degree of the damage and your past history, we can advise you regarding different options available to you. We feel patients should only resort to surgery in rare circumstances and as the last resort. At Bassendean Wellness Clinic, we deal with disc pathologies on a daily basis and have been able to produce many positive outcomes.

5. What should I expect when I see your Chiropractors?

You should expect the following to take place when you visit us for the first time:

• A thorough case history. This gives the chiropractor a background about your health, such as surgeries, accidents, the onset of your condition, and other details affecting your current health. This will be accomplished by filling our Confidential New Patient Form (click here) and through the Chiropractor conducting the initial consultation dialogue.
• Thorough orthopaedic, neurological, and chiropractic examinations. X-rays may be taken to uncover structural and functioning problems associated with the spinal column. These examinations help identify areas of malfunctions and resulting symptomatology.
• Explanation of these examinations’ findings and a plan or options of treatment are offered and may be recommended. Progress is monitored with periodical examinations and follow-up reports.
• Education: We believe we can only achieve our healthy goals if we form a partnership with our patients. One of the most important things we take very seriously is education of our patients regarding their condition and the prevention methods available to them.

6. Can I adjust myself?

Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself.

Making a popping sound by turning, bending or twisting in certain ways may be possible. This may present like the sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment and may give people the illusion that they have “adjusted” themselves. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation, so called self manipulation, is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable area of the spine even more unsteady. Actually there have been studies conducted regarding neck pain and headache which indicate that self manipulation can be a causative factor in patients suffering from MORE neck pain and headaches and not less!

The best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a Doctor of Chiropractic. As a Chiropractor, I have been receiving care from another colleague of mine on regular basis to help restore and maintain proper function.

7. Am I too old for Chiropractic care?

At our practice, we have more and more people consulting us in their later years. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality and endurance.

Many patients report improvements with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process. My oldest patient in my practice is in her early nineties, and travels all the way from Mandurah (travelling over 2 hours) to come and see me in Bassendean on a monthly basis. We modify our adjusting techniques for maximum comfort and results. Just because someone is suffering from arthritis or osteoporosis should not stop them from receiving care. We just modify our approach to suit their needs.

8. Once I start coming do I need to keep coming back?

Well this is completely your choice. Let me put it to you this way – if you brush your teeth thoroughly today, do you still have to do it tomorrow? If you went to gym today, does that mean you still have to keep going tomorrow? If you have been eating well for the past 2 months, does that mean you have to eat healthy for the rest of your life?

The point in the answers to all these questions (including if you should continue your care at our practice) is that you do them if you want to and appreciate their value. We brush our teeth because we want to prevent having tooth decays, we keep eating healthy because we want to live longer and healthier and finally we exercise because among others, it helps our cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system. The same can be said regarding your Chirorpactic care. There is nothing wrong with the notion of Chirorpactic care for life. I intend to practice what I preach by receiving care for life and recommend it to my family. You need to appreciate that musculoskeletal problems, if neglected chronically, may require ongoing supportive care for optimum function. These long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes.

How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

Please click here to view our brochure titled “Why Should I Return If I’m Feeling Fine?”

9. How good is your pillow?

If you sleep even eight hours a night and wake up with a sore neck, possibly a headache, feeling still tired, you may want to think that your pillow might have something to do with it!

Does your pillow support the natural forward curve in your neck?

While a good night’s sleep starts with a quiet dark room and a comfortable mattress, how you sleep on that mattress really does matter. The muscles that support your neck and back during your waking hours need to get the proper rest to be able to do their job each day.

The best position for sleep is lying on your side because it helps maintain the natural curve in your spine. This can be facilitated and maintained by an appropriate pillow and mattress with enough support. In the case of pillows, I have been recommending a good contoured pillow which is versatile and allows the patient to change its height and firmness.

Sleeping on your stomach arches the spine by increasing the curvature of your lower back spine and makes the back and neck muscles work overtime. The majority of the time you will end up twisting your spine for long hours since you have to twist your neck to sides in order to be able to breath! No wonder you wake up tired!

If you still choose to sleep on your stomach, it helps to place pillows under your lower back and between your knees to maintain the normal curve in your spine. If you sleep on your back, we recommend that you place pillows under your knees for the same reason.

If you need further information regarding the types of pillows which encourage side sleeping and support the spine, please contact our clinic.

10. What is the significance of “growing pains?”

I am sure you have heard this notion: “Oh, it is probably just growing pain!” I know my parents were told this when I suffered from “growing pain”! These days we know that aches or pains at any age mean something’s not right. In fact, we have many children as patients who go through stages of growth without aches or pains. So while “growing pains” may be common, they’re not normal.

That’s why at our practice we encourage parents to bring their kids for periodic check ups to detect and correct problems that are more difficult to correct if left to adulthood.

11. Should you exercise with a cold or flu?

Has a cold or flu brought your exercise routine to a sneezing, sniffling halt?

Most people catch one or two colds a year, but it doesn’t have to wreak total havoc on your fitness routine. Some physical activity when you’re sick can be alright, but there are times when exercise can make things worse.

The best way to determine whether you should go to the gym, or go to bed is the extent and location of your symptoms. You will need to give yourself a “neck check”.

You can exercise safely when..

If your symptoms are from the neck up, such as a sore throat, then it’s okay to exercise. Physical activity won’t slow down your recovery, as long as you don’t elevate your heart rate and body temperature too much. So for example, I would not advise a heavy routine training for a competition.

However, US researchers studied people who exhibited an upper respiratory tract infection or “head cold” over 10 days. They compared people who exercised for 40 minutes every second day with people who didn’t exercise at all. They found no difference in symptoms at the end of the study, and that exercising with a minor cold did not alter the severity or duration of the illness.

Green-light symptoms (yes, you can exercise!)

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Sore throat

It’s best to rest when..

If your symptoms are below the neck, such as a tight chest, then your body needs rest. Exercising with major cold symptoms, particularly a fever will prolong your illness and can be dangerous. Physical activity will compromise your immune system as the body focuses on energy production and muscle function instead of fighting the illness.

If your oral temperature is over 37.5°C, your body is fighting an infection, and needs rest to recover. Listen to your body, and take comfort that you won’t lose any conditioning by taking a few days break.

Red-light symptoms (best to avoid exercise)

• Coughing
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Congested or tight chest
• Chills
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Muscle aches
• Diarrhoea
• High temperature / fever

Can you sweat out a cold or flu?

When you have cold and flu symptoms, attempting to exercise or “sweat it out” may actually allow your symptoms to become worse. Too much sweat can dehydrate you at a time when you actually need extra fluids to loosen congestion. Dehydration can also dry the mucous membranes in your respiratory tract, worsening a stuffy nose or scratchy throat.

Ease back into your activity

As your symptoms diminish, ease back into your exercise with caution. Start out gently to see how you feel, and if the body responds well, gradually increase the intensity and duration over a few days. Avoid jumping straight back into your old level of effort. Modify your intensity until all the symptoms have completely disappeared.

12. How do I de-stress myself at work?

Anxiety, pressure, tension – what would a normal work day be without them? We’ve all suffered the symptoms of workplace stress and we’ve all ridden them off as trials you just deal with. But the truth is stress can be really serious if not handled properly. Not only will it affect your ability to do a good job, but you could also be up for some pretty heavy health risks such as high blood pressure, migraines, stomach ulcers and even depression. So how can you calm yourself down when your boss is shrieking louder than Jimmy Barnes? Easy! I have got some easy-to-do fixes to have you chilled out and feeling happier in no time.

Load up on the liquids

Keeping hydrated at work is super important because office air-conditioning can strip the body of moisture which puts it under unnecessary stress. Try leaving a litre water bottle on your desk and finishing it every day. Drinking tea is also the perfect way to stay hydrated and calm down. Studies have proven that herbal and normal tea rejuvenates and relaxes the body. Just avoid too many coffees or sugary drinks – they only spike your energy so high that it comes spectacularly crashing down.

Take a time-out

Your brain is not built to work at full speed for eight hours straight so give it a few reprieves throughout the day. Closing your eyes for 30 seconds and taking a few deep breaths or looking out the window will help your eye sight and your stress levels. If you feel uptight jump on the spot a few times to release the tension. Also be aware of your own stress warning signs. Knowing what sets you off means you can prevent a full blown breakdown before it happens by removing yourself from the situation.

Get and stay organised

It’s a fact. A messy desk does not show that you’re busy and productive; it just resembles your cluttered mind. Taking five minutes at the end of every day to clean your work space and write a to-do list for the next day will make your morning arrival that much more pleasant. Being able to find things first go will also save your sanity.

Scatter some inspiration around

Having clear goals will always help you get through the tough times. Remind yourself of why you’re doing what you’re doing and where you’re going by keeping inspirational pictures and quotes handy. Why not put one as your computer screensaver? Also nothing lifts your spirits like some positive affirmation so don’t forget to reward yourself when you do a good job and foster your own self confidence.

Sleep anxiety off

Around 60 percent of people who say they’re stressed also say they don’t get enough sleep. Everyone needs a solid six to eight hours for their body to repair and rejuvenate. So if you’re having trouble nodding off try a warm shower with some lavender body wash, followed by reading a good book. Try to avoid late night eating or TV as it puts your mind into overdrive.

Escape on a holiday

If you’re in need of a two week break, often an overseas trip causes more stress than it’s worth. If you take into account jet lag, expense, shots and travel time, you might have shaved several precious days from your vacation time before you’ve even arrived at your destination.

That’s why it’s often a good idea to look into domestic options, whether it’s a two week break, or a few days away. A fortnight interstate, or a weekend on the coast or in the mountains or the hills can do wonders for your stress levels because it gets you out of the rut. Why not invite a few friends too? A bit of fun and laughter really is the best medicine.

Get active

We’ve heard it a zillion times before, but exercise is the golden child of stress busters. Just 20 minutes of cardio three times a week releases tension in the body and dispels toxins. You can also try yoga for relaxation. A healthy diet which includes a breakfast packed with protein (eggs, meat, wholegrain and greens) will get you firing on all cylinders and regular low-GI meals throughout the day will keep your energy up. Make sure to actually take a lunch break too and get outside for some fresh air and sunlight instead of slumping over your desk.

And last but not least:

Have your treatment on a regular basis

Be it chiropractic, massage or physiotherapy, they all going to release “happy hormones” in your system. There is abundance of research which indicates how your immune system functions more optimally in those who receive treatments on a regular basis. You will feel more the “you” you want to be!

13. What can you tell me regarding caesarean sections?

Caesarean section is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through an incision made in the wall of the mother’s abdomen, then through the wall of the uterus. It is performed only when it is considered safer for the mother or baby than a vaginal delivery. That being said, each year, nearly 30 percent of the quarter of a million Australian women who give birth deliver their babies by caesarean. In fact, Australia has one of the highest rates of caesarean section in the world. This has been partly due to the “selective C section” performed on a daily basis based on mother’s choice or doctor’s preference.

Some valid medical reasons for a caesarean (not all women in these situations will require a caesarean. Some caesareans are done as an emergency procedure if the mother or child is at risk):

• Your baby’s head is too large for the pelvic opening
• Your baby presents bottom or feet first (breech) or is lying sideways (transverse) – talk to your me about this since there are options available regarding this
• Your cervix is blocked by the placenta (placenta previa)
• You have twins or multiples
• You have dangerously high blood pressure
• The umbilical cord has prolapsed (fallen) through the cervix and into the vagina
• The baby becomes distressed during labour

If you have delivered your baby by caesarean (or C-section), you will most likely have stayed twice as long in hospital than if you had a natural birth, so that your wound can be checked for healing. You’ll have quite a bit of pain in the first few days and need daily help with your baby.

14. What can you tell me regarding osteoarthritis?

What is it?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common types of arthritis. OA affects the cartilage in the joints. Cartilage cushions the ends of bones, where the bones meet to form a joint. In OA, this cartilage breaks down.

OA most commonly occurs in the fingers and weight-bearing joints, including the knees, feet, hips and back.

Why does it occur?

Current belief is that OA is caused by changes within the cells of the cartilage. This results in a loss of elasticity. Gradually the cartilage thins and may even breakdown. This leaves the ends of the bone unprotected, and the joint loses its smooth functioning.

Contrary to popular belief, vigorous use of a joint does not necessarily lead to osteoarthritis. Increasing evidence suggests the very opposite may be true.

Who does it affect?

OA most commonly develops between the ages of 45 to 90 years, however, most people develop some features with increasing age. Men and women are affected equally. OA may develop in joints that have been previously injured.

Outlook

The outlook for people with OA is very positive. Even in the worst cases, OA progresses slowly. For many people, OA will be mild and have little impact. OA rarely causes severe disability. We have been able to help many people in our practice successfully with such conditions.

The Symptoms

Symptoms of OA vary. Most individuals remain essentially free of symptoms. Symptoms may include any of the following:

• Pain and stiffness in the joint
• Swelling

Management

There are a variety of treatments and management techniques that help people control and reduce the effects of OA. Each management program should be designed individually. It may include a combination of:

• Education
• Exercise
• Medication
• Joint protection
• Healthy weight maintenance

Please talk to Mr. Sam Pierce, our resident physiotherapist, if you suffer from osteoarthritis, as Sam has been running conditioning classes for patients with such conditions with very good success.