Welcome to Hawker Chiropractic
Family Chiropractor in Durban
What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Visit in Durban
Prior to your first visit, you’ll receive an online questionnaire to complete. This will allow us to gather important background information and streamline your visit.
At your initial appointment, we will dive into your case history in more detail, discussing your current concerns, past medical history, exercise habits, nutrition, and lifestyle. Following this, we will perform orthopaedic and neurological assessments to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Once the examination is complete, we’ll begin your first treatment session. We’ll also provide guidance on nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and rehabilitation exercises if needed. If necessary, referrals for X-rays, additional tests, or other healthcare professionals will be made based on your specific condition.
What to expect at your Child/Baby’s first Chiropractic appointment?
Treatment for Babies and Infants
Dr. Carmen will thoroughly assess your baby’s history, including pregnancy, labor and delivery, any time spent in the NICU, feeding history (whether breast or bottle), bowel and bladder habits, sleep patterns, and your baby’s main concerns.
During the visit, she will perform gentle orthopaedic and musculoskeletal tests and examine your baby’s nervous system and spine. Dr. Carmen will also provide expert advice on breastfeeding, techniques for burping, and ways to ease gas discomfort. She will guide you on how to alleviate reflux, colic, and crying, while offering home exercises to support your baby’s well-being. If there are any concerns about developmental delays, Dr. Carmen will offer recommendations and support for early intervention.
Treatment for Toddlers
For toddlers, the session begins with a detailed review of their developmental milestones, diet, and any specific issues you’ve noticed, such as poor posture, delays in walking or crawling, or frequent falls. Dr. Carmen will then conduct a gentle musculoskeletal examination, focusing on your toddler’s spine, nervous system, and movement patterns.
She will provide advice on managing any musculoskeletal concerns, as well as tips for promoting healthy movement, improving digestion and relieving gas. If needed, Dr. Carmen will guide you on exercises and activities to support your toddler’s development and overall well-being.
Treatment for Young Children (Up to High School Age)
With older children, Dr. Carmen will focus on any issues related to posture, growth, sports injuries, or developmental concerns. She will assess their spine, joints, and nervous system function, tailoring her approach to meet their unique needs as they grow.
In addition to treatment, Dr. Carmen can provide advice on how to support your child’s physical development, relieve tension from sports or school-related activities, and address concerns such as headaches, back pain, or scoliosis. She will also suggest home exercises to maintain balance, strength, and flexibility as they continue to grow.
The Importance of Chiropractic Care for Newborns
Being born is a challenging experience, with significant pressures and forces exerted on your baby during their journey into the world. Babies born via C-section, breech position, or experiencing malpositions in the womb often undergo additional strain. Trauma during the birth process—such as the use of forceps, suction, or prolonged labor—can also impact the delicate structures of a newborn’s neck, spine, and cranial areas.
If there is a disruption to their delicate nervous system and it is left unaddressed, this can affect your baby’s spinal growth and overall development. The nervous system plays a key role in regulating your baby’s bodily functions, so misalignments or stress on the spine may lead to issues with digestion, sleep, or immune function. This is why it’s highly recommended to have your baby checked by a chiropractor, as early intervention can help prevent future health challenges and ensure their nervous system and spine are functioning optimally.
The first year of life is a period of rapid growth—your baby’s spine lengthens by 50% within this time! Ensuring your baby’s spine is properly aligned during this critical period is essential for symmetrical growth and development. Chiropractic care can help support this process and address any misalignments early. If your baby experienced a difficult birth, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for chiropractic care.
Additionally, the first year is when essential spinal curves begin to develop. These curves—known as “lordosis” in the neck and lower back, and “kyphosis” in the mid-back and sacrum—are crucial for movement, balance, posture, protection, and shock absorption. Without proper alignment, your baby’s spinal curves may not form correctly, affecting their foundation for later life.
It’s never too early to consult a chiropractor. Our treatment uses gentle, age-appropriate spinal techniques to relax stiff joints and stimulate your baby’s nervous and immune systems. We only proceed with treatment if there’s clear evidence of spinal restrictions and reduced mobility in a particular area of the spine.
Get In Touch with our Chiropractors in Durban
Family Chiropractor in Durban Your Questions Answered
How long can toxic release last?
Toxic release, often referred to as “detox symptoms”, or “post-adjustment soreness” can vary significantly in duration and intensity depending on several factors, including the individual’s overall health, the type of treatment received, and the body’s response to the treatment. In chiropractic care, some patients may experience mild symptoms as their body adjusts to new alignments or releases built-up tension.
For most people, any symptoms associated with toxic release are very temporary and generally last from a few hours to a couple of days. These symptoms might include mild soreness, fatigue, or changes in bowel movements. It’s a natural part of the body’s healing process as it adjusts and detoxifies. It is also the exception, not the norm, and does not happen to every patient.
If symptoms persist beyond a few days or become severe, it’s important to contact your chiropractor to discuss your experience and ensure that everything is progressing as expected. They can provide guidance and adjustments to help you through the process and ensure your well-being.
What happens to your body after a chiropractic adjustment?
After a chiropractic adjustment, your body may go through several changes as it responds to the realignment of your spine and joints. Here’s what typically happens:
Improved Nerve Function: Adjustments help restore proper alignment and function of the spine, which can improve nerve function and communication between the brain and body. This may lead to reduced pain, better mobility, and enhanced overall function.
Increased Blood Flow: The adjustment can stimulate blood circulation to the affected areas, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
Temporary Discomfort: It’s common to experience mild soreness or discomfort in the areas that were adjusted. This is similar to how you might feel after a workout and usually resolves within a day or two.
Muscle Relaxation: The adjustment can help release muscle tension, which may result in a feeling of relaxation and improved flexibility.
Release of Toxins: As your body adjusts and heals, it may release toxins or metabolic waste. This is a natural part of the detoxification process and might cause temporary symptoms like mild fatigue or changes in bowel movements.
Enhanced Range of Motion: Many people notice an immediate improvement in their range of motion and overall movement ability following an adjustment.
Alignment Correction: Over time, regular adjustments help maintain proper spinal alignment, which can support long-term health and prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Overall, chiropractic adjustments aim to support your body’s natural healing processes and promote optimal healt
Can spinal manipulation cause damage?
Spinal manipulation, when performed by a qualified and experienced chiropractor, is generally considered very safe. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. Here’s what you should know:
Minor Side Effects: Most people experience only mild side effects, such as temporary soreness or stiffness, similar to how you might feel after a workout. These typically resolve within a day or two.
Rare Risks: While rare, more serious risks can include herniated discs or worsening of existing conditions. It’s crucial for chiropractors to conduct thorough assessments and orthopaedic and neurological tests, then tailor treatments to individual needs to minimize these risks. This is vitally important.
Pre-existing Conditions: For individuals with certain health conditions, such as severe osteoporosis, spinal infections, or advanced arthritis, spinal manipulation might not be recommended. Chiropractors will assess your health history and may refer you if necessary, but if you do have a preexisting condition, there are many techniques that can be done very safely without disrupting a certain area. It is best to speak to your chiropractor about this.
Communication is Key: It’s important to communicate openly with your chiropractor about your health history, any concerns, and any symptoms you experience, and not to leave anything out. A thorough clinical history is vitally important. This helps ensure that the treatment is appropriate and safe for your specific situation.
Overall, spinal adjustments are widely practiced worldwide and are an effective treatment for many musculoskeletal issues when performed by trained professionals. Always consult with a qualified chiropractor who can provide personalized care and address any concerns you may have.
It’s important to follow your chiropractor’s advice regarding post-adjustment care and Overall, spinal manipulation is a widely practiced and effective treatment for many musculoskeletal issues when performed by trained professionals. Always consult with a qualified chiropractor who can provide personalized care and address any concerns you may ha