As with all healthcare professions, chiropractors are required to obtain informed consent that complies with the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumer’s Rights, particularly Rights 5, 6, and 7. This provides patients with a risk assessment of the care to be provided. 

Under the New Zealand Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights, you have the right to be informed, ask questions, seek another opinion, decline treatment or withdraw consent at any time.

The chiropractors at Linnet Chiropractic provide a unique service that is modified to the individual and aims to meet your needs. The appropriate referral to another health care provider will be supplied when indicated. 

If you have any questions related to the care you are about to receive, please speak to the chiropractor.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care may include spinal and joint adjustments, mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques, other therapeutic modalities, exercises and advice. 

Although chiropractic is remarkably safe and effective, as with all health care procedures there is a certain degree of risk. Many people experience minor reactions such as stiffness, aching, or a temporary increase in symptoms which generally subside within hours. Other possible risks include sprain/strain injuries, irritation of disc conditions, and fracture (Carnes et al., 2014).

Rare cases of cervical artery dissection and stroke have been reported in association with neck pain, headaches and neck manipulation. Large-scale studies have shown no significant association between spinal manipulation and stroke, and that the association is most likely due to patients deciding to seek care for the symptoms of an artery dissection that is already in progress (Kosloff et al., 2015).

Dry Needling

Most risks associated with dry needling are minor, these may include (but are not limited to); bruising, bleeding, fainting, nausea, discomfort, pain, allergy and very rarely infections.  Some people may experience a short term change in their energy levels after dry needling, noticing either high levels of energy or fatigue. Some areas have a risk of Pneumothorax (collapsed lung - less than 1 in 70,000 - 1.27 million), though this risk is further minimised by safe technique (ASAP Guidelines, 2013).