FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I Need a Referral from My GP?
No, you do not need a referral letter to see us at the Headache and Neck Clinic. However, if your case appears to be complex or requires further medical evaluation, we may recommend that you consult your GP or another healthcare provider for additional investigation or support. We are committed to working collaboratively to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.
Do I Need ACC Approval Before My Visit?
No, you do not need to have ACC approval prior to your visit. However, if you’ve recently had an accident and require an ACC claim, we can assist you with the registration process on site, if appropriate.
Is a CBCT Scan Required for Every Headache Patient?
No, a CBCT (Cone Beam CT) scan is not required for every patient experiencing headaches. This type of advanced imaging can only be requested if there is a clear clinical justification—such as specific history, findings from your physical or neurological examination, or the presence of certain signs and symptoms.
We only recommend CBCT scans when they are considered necessary for further investigation and appropriate care planning.
I Am Concerned About the Radiation from the CBCT Scan
It’s completely reasonable to ask about radiation exposure. Cone Beam CT (CBCT) uses significantly lower radiation doses than conventional medical CT scans. CBCT is specifically designed for detailed 3D imaging of bony structures, such as the upper cervical spine.
However, it has limited sensitivity for soft tissue, and is not used for that purpose. Any recommendation to proceed with CBCT is made only when clinically justified, and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. If you have concerns, we are happy to discuss them with you in detail before proceeding.
IS THE ADJUSTMENT PAINFUL?
In many cases, patients don’t feel much sensation during the adjustment. The goal of the procedure is to influence the position of certain vertebrae by just a few millimetres—requiring a very gentle and precise approach.
There is no twisting, pulling, or thrusting of the head or neck involved. You will be positioned comfortably, either lying face down or on your side, while the adjustment is delivered using a controlled and specific technique designed for your needs.
DO I NEED ANOTHER CBCT IN THE FUTURE?
Not routinely. There is no clinical justification for repeating a CBCT scan solely to track progress or improvement. However, if you experience a new incident or trauma involving your head or neck, and new signs or symptoms develop, then an updated scan may be considered appropriate based on clinical findings.
All imaging decisions are made carefully and only when there is a sound clinical rationale to support their use.
Will My Insurance Cover My Visit?
In many cases, yes—some private health insurance policies in New Zealand do provide cover for chiropractic services. However, the level of cover and reimbursement varies between insurers and plans, so we recommend checking with your provider to see what subsidies or allocations may apply.
We can supply receipts or supporting documentation if needed for your claim.
I’ve Had a CT or MRI in the Past — Do I Still Need a CBCT?
It depends. CT and MRI scans are typically performed with you lying on your back (supine), which may not fully reflect the upright, gravity-influenced posture of your spine—especially in the upper cervical region.
CBCT (Cone Beam CT) provides detailed 3D imaging of the bony structures while you are seated or standing, offering valuable insight into the alignment and spatial relationships of the upper neck.
If you've had previous imaging such as a CT or MRI of your brain or neck, please let us know. These may still provide helpful information for your assessment, and we will consider them when evaluating whether a CBCT is clinically appropriate.