Chiropractors specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of problems affecting the musculoskeletal system. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine and pelvis) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.

Chiropractics consider that one of the main causes of diseases is the inability of the body to become accustomed with its environment. Chiropractors treat disease by locating and manipulating the musculoskeletal region that is not working properly, rather than by prescribing medicines. Chiropractors diagnose disease with the same methods used by doctors such as case history, physical and x-ray examination and laboratory analysis. Chiropractic also places an emphasis on nutrition and exercise, wellness and healthy lifestyle modifications.

Chiropractic is based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system. When under the proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissue and organs of your body are designed to function well and resist disease. The chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and help reduce interferences to your natural state of being healthy.

A common interference to the nervous system is the twenty four moving bones of the spinal column. A loss of normal motion or position of these bones can irritate or impair the function of the nervous system. This can disrupt the transmission of controlling nerve impulses. Chiropractors aim to improve nervous system function primarily through chiropractic adjustments, with particular attention to the spine, skull and pelvis, to help remove any interference that may be impairing normal health.

Chiropractors believe that there are many benefits that can be gained from chiropractic manipulation such as:

• improved circulation
• increased flexibility and mobility
• decrease in adhesions
• reduced illness recovery time
• relief of stress and tension
• reduced reliance on medications
• reduced chance of injury

Chiropractors are required to adhere to strict and extensive educational requirements and standards to become registered health professionals in Australia. To become a registered chiropractor in Australia you must have studied an accredited 5 year chiropractic program conducted at a university within Australia, or have completed an accredited program overseas that satisfies the requirements set by the Australian Chiropractors Registration Board.

Botox is a bacterial toxin which, when injected into the muscles of the face in small amounts, relaxes those muscles and improves the appearance of wrinkles and lines. Botox is very effective for the treatment of expression lines such as crow’s feet and frown lines on the forehead.

Botox was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2002 for cosmetic usage. Prior to this it was used for treating conditions such as cervical dystonia (spasms in the neck muscles) and severe underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis).

Botox is a trade, or brand, name for Botullinum Toxin Type A, a protein extracted from clostridium botulinum bacterium. This is the same toxin that causes the disease botulism, which is a type of infection that can result in life threatening muscle paralysis. Botox, however, is safe to use as an injectable medicine because it is used in very small quantities and only injected directly into specific areas.

A typical treatment session is a 10-15 minute procedure where the botox is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort. Only people over age 18 are allowed to undergo the treatment. Both men and women get the same beneficial effects, although women are the biggest market for the procedure.

After the treatment the lines on the treated areas of the face gradually disappear over a couple of days. The visible effect is only temporary for a period of 3-4 months, as the botox is gradually broken down by the body. The lines and wrinkles will then reappear as before and the procedure must be repeated to sustain the effect.

There are some issues to consider such as possible allergic reactions, and any other health problems that might get aggravated. If you are planning to try Botox, here are a few things to think of:

• Find a practitioner qualified in using Botox. Although the procedure is not surgical it is still a medical procedure.
• Inform the practitioner of ANY health issues that you may have, no matter how trivial you think they are.
• Pricing varies and cheapest is not always best.

As with any medical procedure there are a side effects experienced by some people. These include nausea, temporary drooping eyelids, redness and pain in the face.

Lasik vision correction is a relatively simple procedure that has helped millions across the world experience new and improved vision. Lasik eye surgery has been performed for over 15 years and it has become one of the most popular vision correction procedures available due to the short recovery time and effective vision results.

The word Lasik stands for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis”. The procedure is usually conducted as out-patient surgery, which means you don’t have to stay in hospital.

Lasik vision correction changes the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea of the eye so that it focuses properly on the retina and objects can be seen clearly. Lasik eye surgery flattens the cornea to correct short-sightedness or steepens the cornea to correct far sightedness. The corneal re-shaping process can also be used to correct astigmatism.

The Lasik procedure uses an instrument called a microkeratome to create a thin surface flap of your cornea. Then a laser, which has been pre-programmed with your exact correction, applies a rapid, cool ultraviolet light that precisely removes a very small amount of tissue from the inner portion of the cornea. This corrects the curvature of the cornea, allowing images to be focused clearly on the retina. The flap is then smoothed back into its original position where it quickly bonds back in place in a few minutes, restoring a smooth, intact surface.

After the procedure vision recovers rapidly with minimal discomfort. The laser treatment itself takes about 15-40 seconds, based on the degree of correction necessary. Typically, you’ll notice improvement in your sight in 3-5 days following the treatment, and you can usually go back to work the next day.

Wavefront Lasik is a technological advancement which allows for greater individual accuracy in the programmed laser. A special device is used to gain ultra-accurate readings from your eye which in turn allows for improved quality of treatment.

The decision to have laser vision correction depends on the results of a thorough preoperative evaluation. Just as you are a unique individual, each eye requires unique and careful examination of your corneal shape, corneal thickness and the degree of your prescription.

The majority of patients are suitable for Lasik vision correction, although patients who suffer from certain conditions such as dry eyes, glaucoma, diabetes and cataracts may be advised against having the surgery.