DO I NEED A REFERRAL?

While most patients do come via referral from their general practitioner or specialist, it is certainly not mandatory. However, Spine Partners Wahroonga is always keen to collaborate with your medical team (where appropriate) to ensure that you get the best care possible.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON MY FIRST VISIT?

First and foremost we need to understand your medical and health history. Unfortunately many health problems can mimic disorders of the spine and, as such, we will discuss your history in some detail. This will be followed by a comprehensive examination in order to make the most accurate diagnosis.

The initial consultation will usually take between 40 minutes and 1 hour, depending upon the complexity of your case. Whilst a physical examination is very important, your modesty will be preserved at all times and gowns are provided. Please be assured that if we do not think that we can help you, or if our examination reveals any additional concerns, we will refer you appropriately and liaise with your general practitioner on your behalf.

WILL I NEED X-RAYS, MRI OR OTHER TESTS?

It is not necessary for you to undergo any X-rays or other tests before consulting with the chiropractors at Spine Partners Wahroonga. Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, CT and MRI will only be acquired if clinically indicated. Our location allows us to work closely with a number of excellent diagnostic facilities, including SAN Radiology at the Sydney Adventist Hospital, PRP Imaging, I-Med and CAS Imaging. We collaborate with some of the best radiologists in the country.

The cost of plain film X-rays is largely covered by Medicare (Australian residents only), with only a small out-of-pocket expense. MRI scans are not claimable under Medicare (except when referred by a medical specialist), however, our clinical relationships help us achieve very competitive rates and our patients can generally be accommodated at short notice.

CONSULTATION FEES

Our consultation fees vary depending upon the nature of your visit and the time required.

At your initial consultation, or if there is a new problem, our first priority is to make the most accurate diagnosis possible. This determines the best course of treatment, or the most appropriate referral to another clinician. So these consultations involve a comprehensive history and discussion, a thorough examination, and a review of any available medical imaging. You may, or may not, be treated at the time of your initial consultation - depending upon whether it is safe and appropriate to do so.

INITIAL CONSULTATION
(or new presentation requiring comprehensive clinical evaluation)
- 45 minutes to 1 hour in duration
- Fees range from $245 to $290

EXTENDED VISITS
(longer time needed, clinical review, advice, and/or evaluation of diagnostic imaging studies)
- 20 to 30 minutes in duration
- Fees range from $115 to $140

STANDARD VISIT
(treatment applied for a known condition)
- 10 to 15 minutes in duration
- Fee is $90

CAN I CLAIM ON PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE OR MEDICARE?

All major private health funds offer cover for chiropractic services - usually on their 'extras' table. However, annual limits do apply and the amount that you are reimbursed will vary. Check with your own fund to find out the exact details in your case.

If you are referred by your general practitioner as part of a treatment plan then you are able to claim a portion of your fees from Medicare (up to a maximum of 5 visits per year). You will need to talk to your GP about the appropriate referral.

We do not keep accounts, so payment for all consultations is expected on the day. We have electronic health fund rebates and Medicare Easyclaim facilities that enables us to process a claim on your behalf at the time of payment for your consultation. Your funds will then be automatically deposited into your chosen bank account (if you have set this up).

WILL I BE TREATED ON MY FIRST VISIT?

If you are in pain then naturally you'll be keen to start treatment. We understand that. But it is most important that we make an accurate diagnosis first, so that we know exactly what's causing your problem. Our chiropractors are hugely experienced and will do everything they can to help you as quickly as possible.

Sometimes the situation calls for an X-ray, or an MRI scan, or blood tests first - but we'll explain all of this to you and will only order these tests if they are truly necessary. Fortunately, in most cases it is safe and appropriate to begin treatment on your first visit.

CAN CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT HELP?

The spine is an intricate and sophisticated structure. So when things go wrong it requires a unique expertise to diagnose the various conditions that might result.

While there are many fanciful claims made about the spine, no single treatment approach is a panacea. However, it is vital that your clinician is up-to-date with current advances in research. While each profession has its unique attributes and tools, we all share data from a common pool of scientific research, and it is this that directs the state-of-the-art treatment approach.

By first making an accurate diagnosis we can be sure that you are in the right place and that we can give you the best care that science supports.

CAN A SPINAL BONE REALLY 'GO OUT OF PLACE'?

One of the great misconceptions about the spine is that your bones can ‘go out of place’. While true dislocations or sub-luxations (partial dislocations) do occur as a result of trauma, these injuries are serious and often require hospitalisation. Unfortunately there is often confusion regarding the term ‘subluxation’, as chiropractors historically used this word to describe the less severe forms of spinal dysfunction seen on a daily basis. As such, the use of the word ‘subluxation’ to describe most common spinal problems is being used less and less.

So what does happen to the spine?

In truth, there are a myriad of possible forms of spinal problem and each should be treated individually. When the spine becomes painful it may be the result of local tissue damage - perhaps to the lining of a spinal joint, or a tear in the wall of an intervertebral disc. Interestingly, such damage doesn’t usually happen as a result of significant trauma. Rather, our patients often tell us that they suddenly felt pain during some innocuous everyday movement - or that their discomfort crept up on them slowly ‘for no reason’. So what’s going on here?

In many cases spinal problems develop slowly over time without any clues to their existence - a bit like tooth decay or heart disease. But the ‘problem’ might not be what you think. The real reason that a spine might spontaneously become painful has more to do with a loss of spinal control than any loss of strength. The human spine is an incredibly complex and flexible structure that requires precision control if you don’t want to injure it. What’s more, the moment-by-moment regulation of joint alignment is all done unconsciously - just like the beating of your heart. And, in the same way that people might develop problems with their heart rate or rhythm (a control problem), you may also suffer control problems in your spine. If this happens, then you may well injure yourself with a simple movement.

Interestingly, spinal manipulation works directly by stimulating the control centres of your spinal cord and nervous system to help them do their job better and allow you to maintain your own alignment better. We then follow this up with exercises to help you amplify the improvements that we make on your behalf.

IS A COURSE OF TREATMENT NECESSARY?

In many cases you will need a course of treatment. Manipulation of the spine is dose-dependent and its effects are cumulative over time. When manipulation is combined with exercises we can achieve a strong and stable spine that will handle the challenges that you throw at it.

As discussed above, having a pain-free and healthy spine is all about control - and much of the control ‘circuitry’ for your spine resides in the balance centres of your brain. Chronic spinal problems have been shown to involve poor balance and coordination of the spinal muscles. So to help you on your path to recovery we’ll need to identify and address any such issue.

To achieve spinal stability and control is not unlike any other discipline. It takes time to develop, and here at Spine Partners Wahroonga we are experienced in putting together the rehabilitation programs that you need. Furthermore, our dedication to Evidence-Based Practice means that we will measure your progress every step of the way.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE OVER-TREATED?

While it is very hard to cause injury through manipulative treatment when performed by a highly trained expert, there must always be an appropriate and rational reason for any clinical recommendation. Manipulation of the spine is a powerful tool and very well supported by the scientific community. However, it needs to be performed by an expert, and the amount must be carefully calculated to match the needs of the individual patient. While we admit that science hasn’t yet found all of the answers, using a scientific approach to your care helps us to fine-tune your treatment and closely monitor it to see what’s working, and what’s not.

Most of the patients referred to Spine Partners Wahroonga have chronic or recurrent problems. In fact, the average length of symptoms prior to seeing us is just over 3 years! As such, we are usually faced with a problem that is ‘multi-layered’. While treating the core diagnosis might be straightforward, such as an intervertebral disc protrusion, dealing with the compensatory changes is not so easy.

Most complex spinal conditions involve the following factors:

• A core diagnosis or injury - such as a disc lesion, joint arthritis or nerve compression
• An abnormal movement pattern to compensate for the original injury - think of this like the limp that develops when you sprain your ankle, but imagine it never going away
• A balance or control deficit that keeps you always on the edge of further injury

Successful treatment and future prevention of your condition involves identifying each of these components and then addressing them all effectively. At Spine Partners Wahroonga, this is our passion and our core expertise.

IS IT SAFE?

Your safety is our first concern, but this involves more than just the way in which you may be treated.

Firstly, your safety depends upon the accuracy of your diagnosis. For this reason we will not compromise in our initial investigation of your case. Our clinical examination and access to state-of-the-art radiology services means that we can be sure that you are being treated in the most appropriate fashion.

Secondly, we work in close co-operation with other medical professionals to ensure that you are appropriately referred if your condition requires another speciality or approach.

Finally, spinal manipulation has proven itself to be remarkably safe when used appropriately. The effectiveness and safety of any tool is only as good as the knowledge that underlies its use, and it is this dedication to knowledge that you can rely upon at Spine Partners Wahroonga.

For convenience you can book appointments online using the portal below. If you have any difficulties using the service then please call our office on 02 9487 2161.