FAQ

No, Chiropractors are effectively trained in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems biomechanical in nature. Simply, we are trained in treating every joint in the body and the soft tissues that surround it. If unsure, do not hesitate to contact us. You may be surprised at what we may have the capability of effectively treating.

It is a common misconception that X-rays are needed to determine where joint movements are required in your spine. Traumatic injury that is severe enough to cause a fracture, a history of cancer, or a problem that is not responding as expected to treatment after an initial trial period of care, are examples of when X-rays are warranted. After a history and physical examination we will assess your need for X-rays. We are interested in how well your body moves, this cannot be determined clinically, from what is essentially a still picture of you skeleton.

Patients sometimes experience short-term soreness after a treatment session. This commonly happens only in the initial stages of treatment and lasts for less than 24 hours. The process of restoring your body’s natural flexibility and efficiency involves the removal of scar tissue from your joints and muscles and some inflammation may occur. Be sure to inform us of any discomfort or changes in you condition. Clear communication is important to see that you are receiving the most appropriate and effective care possible.

Most private health funds give benefits for Chiropractic treatment. Reimbursement will depend on the insurer and the plan you have chosen. Contact the helpline of your insurance company who will explain the actual benefits and methods of claim for your individual policy. If your Health Fund is a member of HICAPS we can reimburse your benefit at the Clinic.

The health fund dictates the amount they wish to assign the member’s first providers for the service they offer. At Inner West Chiropractic, our prices are competitive and fair considering that we offer a longer consultation. In the health funds eyes, whether a consultation is 5minutes (short consultation) or 20 minutes (longer consultation) the provider is paid the same for that service. We do not offer cut price services or shorter consultation, as we believe you will require more treatments to achieve pain relief. Member’s first providers are not chosen on their clinical ability.

Traction is an intermittent or continuous force applied along the spine, in an attempt to elongate it. Simply, traction is the act of pulling or stretching muscle or joints. When traction is applied, body's protective proprioceptive response is to pull in the opposite direction resulting in muscle spasm. Spinal decompression equipment, on the other hand, contains sensitive computer-feedback mechanisms, such as strain gauges, to overcome this muscle spasm phenomenon. Non-surgical spinal decompression equipment continuously monitor muscular reaction and compensate by re-adjusting its traction parameters. Each treatment is centered on a protocol of; ramp-up traction, hold and release. The protocols implemented by the computerized system are designed to bypass the proprioceptive response muscles to spasm.

Spinal decompression has the capability of relieving pressure on the spinal nerves caused by disc herniations and degenerative disc disease, and is helpful for conditions such as sciatica and facet syndrome. Spinal decompression therapy is used to treat acute or chronic neck or low back pain and associated neurological symptoms.

Conventional nonsurgical spinal decompression systems only allows for the traction forces to be applied in one direction while the patient in in a laying position. Extentracs unique design and capability allow for the patient to be treated in a vertical and horizontal position and any angle in between. Also the positions of flexion, extension and lateral flexion can be achieved before and during the application of traction forces. Patients access on and off the device is made easy as it returns the patient to the standing position.

Short answer is no. Even though Extentrac is one of the latest researched technology devices on the market dealing with lower back and neck pain, there are limitations on the clinical presentations we can treat with it. We will determine if you are a suitable candidate. Contraindications include pregnancy, spinal fusion with metallic rods, severe osteoporosis, unstable spondylolisthesis, lumbar vertebral compression fracture below L1 (recent), local spinal osteomyelitis, meningitis, aortic aneurysm, primary malignant or metastatic spinal neoplasm, pelvic/abdominal malignancy, local bilateral pars defects, severe peripheral neuropathy, hemiplegia, paraplegia, cognitive dysfunction, cauda equina syndrome and disc pathology with sequestration.

In order to use a medical device in Australia, the devices undergoes an intensive registration process with our regulatory authority the TGA. After 6 months, and having to supply a number of documents proving that Extentrac upheld international standards, Extentrac was approved for use as a medical device in Australia. Frank Caristo is the sponsor of this device.