Frequently Asked Questions
Maybe you’ve never been to a Chiropractor before, or maybe you’re not sure what we do. Read below for the most frequently asked questions from our patients.
Chiropractic is a licensed health profession focused on correcting interference in your nerve system; so that your organs, skin, muscles and all other body parts can communicate properly with your brain. A Cardiologist focuses on your cardiac system, a Dentist focuses on your teeth and a Chiropractor focuses on your nerve system to correct any Subluxations.
Chiropractic Subluxation Definition: a mis-alignment of one or both of the top 2 bones in your spine, the Atlas or the Axis. This will reduce the quality of the messages between your brain and body and have negative effects on your health. This malposition of the bones will occlude and pressure the nerves, resulting in interference.
Upper Cervical care is a very specific, scientific approach focusing on Subluxations at the Cranio-cervical junction, which is located at the top of your neck where the skull meets the spine. The Upper Cervical region is comprised of the first two bones in your neck (the atlas and axis) and the base of the skull (the occiput). The Upper Cervical bones protect your brain-stem, which has more neurons than the rest of the spine combined, and is responsible for controlling your vital body functions.
Think of your brain-stem like a communication centre between the brain and body. When you want your body to do something, such as move your hand, your brain sends a signal to the brain-stem and this directs that signal to your hand. Reversely, if your hand touches something, such as a hot surface, the signal comes from the hand to the brain-stem and this directs that signal to the brain.
Your nerve system can be affected by a number of reasons, such as fractures, chemicals, infections or mis-alignments of the bones (especially in the spine and upper neck). We conduct a thorough history and perform lots of tests to determine whether the cause of your nerve interference is suitable for Chiropractic care.
If you are a candidate for Chiropractic then the focus of your care will be the mis-alignments of your spine; these are also known as SUBLUXATIONS. Subluxations are rotations, side-slips and forward/backward movement your spinal bones, resulting on compression of your spinal cord.
Chiropractors are trained doctors of Chiropractic. They train exclusively as doctors of Chiropractic, not as medical doctors. This is the same as how a Dentist or PhD graduate are trained as doctors in their field, but are also not medical doctors.
For more about what it takes to become a Chiropractor, see the question above!
If you have any previous scans, x-rays, MRI’s or other imaging, please bring them to your appointment. We would also recommend bringing a family member or friend if you need support or to discuss finances.
Your initial Consultation will take approximately 1 hour, your Results will take approximately 45 minutes and follow up Appointments will take 20-35 minutes depending on your case.
Yes! Chiropractic removes interference in your nerve system to help improve the efficiency and overall function. This is similar to eating a healthy diet, it wont just improve your stomach but improves the function of the rest of the body too. The nerve system connects your brain and body, so with it working optimally your brain can send healing messages to all body parts.
You are ALWAYS better without Subluxation than you are with it.
Physiotherapists study 3 years of undergraduate; in practice they focus on injuries and working with symptomatic muscles. Physiotherapists are especially good with athletes and occupational therapy (such as if somebody is recovering from an ankle injury or a stroke).
Chiropractors study for 5 years, focusing on the functioning of the spine and nerve system, seeking to find the underlying scientific cause of problems to solve them long-term. Chiropractors help with problems caused by stress, posture and daily activities of life, such as migraines and vertigo; as well as preventing complications in the future
Chiropractic adjustments improve the bio-mechanics of the spine, particularly the upper neck (C1 and C2), using gentle treatment techniques, called adjustments or corrections. These are usually done by hand, but can also be done using instruments. By improving the bio-mechanics of the spine this takes pressure off of the surrounding structures, particularly the nerves. The pressure on other joints and muscles will also be improved.
Think of faulty bio-mechanics like twisting your arm. You can live with a twisted arm and perform tasks, but it is more difficult and can eventually cause problems, such as straining the nerves or muscles, causing pain. Untwisting the arm is the best solution. Chiropractic adjustments are like untwisting your arm.
Chiropractic adjustments correct problems in the nerve system, allowing it to work optimally and restores health.
Chiropractors spend 4-5 years studying, attaining a Doctorate or Master’s degree. During their study they learn how to assess certain medical conditions, diagnose Subluxation and how to treat patients.
Chiropractors use physical tests, orthopaedic examinations, x-rays, nerve scans, palpation, muscle testing, range of motion, posture, thermal scans and many other tests to determine where and when to adjust. These are all based on research and proven cases for other patients.
Many will follow a system of tests to determine where to adjust, such as Upper Cervical or Gonstead techniques. Chiropractors should also track patient progress with other tests, such as blood pressure and HRV (heart rate variability), to monitor improvements in health over time.
To understand the benefits of Chiropractic adjustments, it is important to understand the nerve system. The nerve system is the internal wiring system of your body, controlling all actions and connecting the brain and body. Chiropractic adjustments improve the function and integrity of the nerve system in the body. This allows the body and brain to communicate better and the body to work more efficiently.
With improved efficiency, the body’s natural healing processes will be able to function, such as recovery of tissues, healing wounds, relieving pain or restoring normal digestion and balance.
Chiropractic adjustment benefits patients experience include: less pain, better concentration, relaxed muscles, less dizziness or giddiness, improved hearing and balance, improved digestion, reduced stress, increased strength, reduced numbness or tingling; as well as better energy, coordination and happiness!
Think of the adjustment as a currency of health, your body will decide how it uses it and where is most important.
After Chiropractic adjustments there can occasionally be side effects. The most common feelings after corrections (especially in the beginning) are:
- No changes yet
- Some stiffness in the muscles or light soreness
- Feeling great!
If there are any other symptoms or sensations experienced, please ensure to consult with your Chiropractic Doctor.
Yes and no! Chiropractic helps to restore normal function to the body, but it is not specifically “boosting” the immune system or making the immune system a better version. However Chiropractic restores optimal function of the nerve system, meaning that the immune system can work as best as possible.
Think of this like the engine in a car. If the car has a problem, fixing it doesn’t “boost” the car it just restores it to its normal abilities and functions. This is the same for Chiropractic. Chiropractic care will not change how the immune system works, but will allow the body and immune system to work properly.
Chiropractic is a safe and gentle practice, using specific and accurate techniques, determined after extensive tests and examinations. Therefore, as long as performed accurately, Chiropractic should not hurt.
It may be normal to experience some mild discomfort at the time of treatment, due to the healing process taking place. It may also be normal for some tension in the muscles after adjustments, especially in the beginning of care.
Think of this like exercise, if you haven’t been running for years you may feel sore, great or little change after that first run! However, you are certainly healthier, and it can be normal for recovery to be a little sore; such as when a cut is healing.
Upper Cervical care is also proven by both experience and research to commonly help:
Absolutely! If you book using our online system you should get an email immediately then a WhatsApp confirmation from our staff.
For follow up appointments you should receive an email 48 hours before your appointment and an SMS 24 hours before your appointment.
On any day you receive an adjustment we would advise taking it easy and drinking plenty of water. Give it at least 2 hours before exercising. If you feel tired then listen to your body and get to sleep early, this is helping the body to heal.
We recommend wearing something comfortable that you can bend in. While you don’t need to wear gym clothes, clothes which you can move in freely will be helpful for any tests or techniques the doctor will need to perform. For women, if you are wearing a dress or skirt we will provide blankets to cover you.
Our doctors do not perform any adjustments on the first appointment. X-rays are needed before adjustments can start to ensure safety and specificity of any techniques.
Adjustments, if needed, can start at the Test Results (second appointment) once the doctor has analysed your case and x-rays.
Chiropractic, and any health approach, will not be the answer for every patient and every health concern. Other Chiropractors may use different techniques and methods which may not produce the same results as Upper Cervical Chiropractic.
Our doctors conduct a thorough history, physical assessment, nerve scans and biomechanical x-rays to determine if this is a case they can help.
For the cases that we decide to take on for care our success rate is over 90%, and if we are not the right doctors for you we will do our best to find the right practitioner for you.
Yes! There is decades of research, both in general Chiropractic and Upper Cervical Chiropractic, documenting the effectiveness of Chiropractic for an array of patients, ages and conditions.
There is also data showing the beenfits for overall health and other medical markers, such as imunity, HRV and blood pressure.
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OUR NECK PAIN SPECIALISTS
Shaan is a GCC registered Chiropractor from London (UK) who graduated from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (UK). He has completed post-graduate studies and has been serving patients in Singapore since 2015.
He founded Vitality Chiropractic Centres to open the first Upper Cervical clinic in Singapore.
He is the Alliance of Chiropractic (AoC) Chairman for Outreach, organising events within Singapore with the People’s Association and other charities. Shaan has served thousands of patients, with experience in patients with headaches, migraines, vertigo, Meniere’s, whiplash, IBS and other chronic nervous system problems.
Jessey is a GCC registered Chiropractor from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), graduated from Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (UK). She has experience serving patients from 2 weeks old to 96 years old prior to moving to Singapore and joining Vitality Chiropractic.
She has completed post-graduate studies and is Singapore’s first female Upper Cervical Chiropractor.
Jessey is active in outreach, participating in charitable trips to Cambodia and within Singapore. Jessey has experience helping patients with headaches, migraines, vertigo, Meniere’s, slipped disc, anxiety, fibrillations, IBS and other chronic nerve system problems. She also has a special interest in children and younger patients.
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