Frequently asked questions

Q: Why SPINAL HEALTH CARE?

A: SPINAL HEALTH…The Ideal Spine Centre specialises in spinal health care. Spinal specialists at the practice are specialised in the detection, correction and prevention of Vertebral Subluxations to assist individuals in attaining their ultimate health potential. Subluxations are spinal bone misalignments causing nerve irritation which affect directly or indirectly the normal function of the nerve system and can subsequently cause a detrimental effect on health and optimal performance. Spinal specialists correct subluxations by adjusting the spine. Adjustments are gentle,
specific corrective procedures which help the body to realign the subluxations.

Q: How do I know whether I need to see a Spinal Specialist?

A: Everyone should have their spine checked for subluxations. However, the most effective test is to check your posture in the mirror. If one shoulder or hip is higher than the other, you should contact the Ideal Spine Centre immediately for a more thorough check up.

Q: How often do I need to have my spine checked after the first time?

A: Each person has individual needs and must be assessed accordingly, then specific recommendations can be made by your Spinal Specilaist.

Q: Do I need x-rays?

A: X-rays are usually required. Especially if the problem is long-standing or there has been trauma, x-ray studies will be required. We are fully qualified to take these x-rays here at the Ideal Spine Centre at a cost well below the National recommended fee.

Q: Does Insurance cover the cost of spinal health care?

A: Not necessarily. As a practice we have decided not to be part of most private insurance companies. Insurance companies only have limited cover. However, to reduce the cost of ever-increasing health care, as a health care centre, we have put a ceiling on our fees and offer various savings to help minimise the cost to all patients.

Q: Are spinal adjustments safe?

A: Yes! Spinal health care provided by spinal specialists for their patients use safe, gentle, scientific techniques. Dr. Farthing aims to educate all his patients and inform them how and why spinal health care is safe and appropriate for people of all ages, especially babies and children.

Q: Do I need a referral from a medical doctor?

A: A referral is not required from a medical doctor or any other health care provider to see a spinal specialist.

Q: What about children and pregnant women?

A: Regular spinal health care is most appropriate for both these groups. Special adjusting techniques are used for babies, children and pregnant women.

Q: Do Spinal Specialists prescribe drugs?

A: No. Spinal health care at the Ideal Spine Centre is non-invasive, drug and surgery free.

Q: Will Dr. Farthing help me maintain spinal health?

A: Yes, Dr. Farthing provides complimentary spinal health and wellness workshops for all his patients and their families. In addition, informative literature is available written in plain English about spinal health care.

Q: Do I need to make an appointment?

A: Yes, this is so that the appropriate time can be allocated for both you and other patients’ convenience.

Q: Is Dr. Farthing qualified?

A: Absolutely! Dr. Farthing holds a double degree in Clinical and Chiropractic Science. He has completed over 5,600 hours of
undergraduate hours, on par with most medical practitioners and almost
double most physiotherapists. He is also very dedicated to keeping his skills and knowledge at the highest level and to do this, he regularly attends conferences and postgraduate seminars along with his team. In fact, Dr. Farthing consults many other health professionals here and overseas on practice management and he is also a sought after speaker and presenter at seminars in the U.K. and Australia. Dr. Farthing is a spinal specialist here in the United Kingdom. This is not to be confused with a osteopath, chiropractor, physiotherapist or any other spinal technician. Dr. Farthing has extended histraining in spinal correction and rehabilitation, which differs greatly from many other health fields as their primary purpose is to relieve problems rather than providing correction.

Q: I am not suffering pain. Should I still have a regular spinal check-up?

A: Yes, just as you regularly see your dentist for your teeth or service your car, you should have your spine checked on a regular basis.

Q: My children are still growing - is it too early to have their spines
checked?

A: Absolutely not. It is essential for children’s spines to be checked at an early age. The earlier potential problems are detected, the easier they can be corrected. Children lead such active lives, constantly jumping, jarring, bumping, falling and the like. Whilst these activities are a normal part of their development, they can cause subluxations which do not manifest themselves with pain for many years, if ever. Remember: As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.

Q: Why is the spine so important?

A: The spine is the framework that supports and protects the spinal cord. It has been likened to the body’s switchboard. Most of the nerves pass from the spinal cord through small openings between the spinal bones (vertebrae), to the muscles, organs, glands, bones and the skin. In fact, the nerve system controls and coordinates all organs, structures, systems and functions of the human body, helping to maintain homeostasis (natural physiological balance). Because of the spine’s complexity, its normal
movements are easily disrupted. Falls, incorrect lifting, repetitive movements, faulty posture and even illness may cause disruption to the normal mechanics of the spine. These areas of abnormal alignment
are what trained health care specialists call SUBLUXATIONS. You don’t need to feel pain to have pain.