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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 


What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a healing discipline firmly grounded in science. Although its main focus is the relationship between the skeleton (particularly the spine) and the nervous system that runs through it, chiropractic is concerned with the care of the entire body. Chiropractors use various diagnostic methods, including x-rays, to discover the state of your health, paying particular attention to your spine and bone structure. Their primary methods of helping your body heal itself is the adjustment. The word chiropractic comes from a combination of the Greek words "chiro" and "praktikis", meaning "done by hand". "Treatment by hand" was an accepted form of therapy in ancient Greece. Hippocrates, who is regarded as the founder of medical inquiry, made the first recorded references to spinal manipulation. Chiropractic is not only about making you feel better, but increasing your overall state of health.

What type of education does a chiropractor have?

Today's graduating Doctors of Chiropractic have studied and trained in a post-secondary college or university for at least seven years. Just like medical or dental students, they must first complete undergraduate study before applying for admission to a chiropractic college. Becoming a chiropractor is a demanding and highly rewarding path that includes a minimum of 4,500 hours of intense academic study including classroom learning, clinical science, and internship training. During the course of training, he/she will have studied the following three areas:
  • Basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathology of the study of disease, biochemistry, clinical sciences and X-ray diagnosis.
  • Specialized training in the philosophy and practice of chiropractic.
  • Clinical internship with emphasis on hands-on practice.

Your chiropractor is a primary contact provider just like your family physician, optometrist or dentist. You do not need a referral from your medical doctor to see a chiropractor.

What kind of problems do chiropractors treat?

While chiropractors are mainly known for treating spine related joint pain, the list of possible conditions that chiropractors treat is quite extensive. Some of the symptoms that first bring patients to chiropractors are back pain, headaches and migraines, neck pain, disc problems, sciatica or leg pain, numbness and/or tingling, TMJ (jaw), carpal tunnel syndrome, dizziness, fatigue, knee pain, foot pain, bedwetting, colic in infants, and chronic ear infections. These are just a few examples.

How do I find a chiropractor?

Chiropractors are "primary contact" health care providers, which means you don’t have to be referred to them by a physician or anyone else. You can select your own chiropractor. As with any other professional, referrals from friends, acquaintances and coworkers are an excellent way to find a good chiropractor.



Do chiropractors treat more than just backs?

Yes! Chiropractors can treat any joint in the body and the soft tissues associated with those joints. Adjustments to the back often have effects on the patient's overall health as well.

What is an adjustment? Is it safe?

An adjustment is the main method of treatment used by your Doctor of Chiropractic. It is a specialized, gentle, controlled, and safe pressure applied to your spine to restore the proper motion and position of your vertebrae. It is a precise procedure that your highly skilled chiropractor has learned and perfected over years of Chiropractic College and clinical practice. Every health procedure, from taking aspirin to giving blood, involves a level of risk. Chiropractic adjustments are among the safest of all health care interventions because they are non-surgical, drug-free, and present an extremely low risk. And they work! There are over 350 million adjustments performed yearly in North America!

What is subluxation? (pronounced sub-luck-say-shun)

A subluxation is short for Vertebral Subluxation Complex. VSC is an abnormal condition commonly involving several vertebrae. It occurs when vertebrae in your spine lose their normal position and/or motion. Subluxations most often occur in response to the daily stresses placed on our bodies. Common things such as emotional stress, poor posture, or sitting in front of a computer for a long time may lead to subluxations. Car accidents, improper lifting, or work injuries are other common causes of VSC. Many health problems, including subluxations, are subtle in the early stages of development. In the same way that a cavity or heart problem can be overlooked before causing pain or other warning signs, a spinal problem may develop and exist for years before causing difficulties. To detect the possible onset of a VSC, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination, including a detailed history, orthopedic, neurological, and postural evaluations, and possibly an x-ray (radiograph) if he or she deems it necessary. Your Doctor of Chiropractic is uniquely qualified to recognize and diagnose spine related injuries. He or she is the only doctor with specialized training to correct spinal problems and their multiple effects.

Are there things I can do to speed up the healing process?

Yes and no. Many times patients’ conditions have been developing for months and years before they come into the office. Time and patience is required to help correct these problems properly. Your chiropractor will be able to make specific recommendations for your case that will help you heal as quickly as possible.

Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?

No. Chiropractic adjustments are gentle and safe.



What can I expect on my first visit?

Your health and your body are important to you. They are equally as important to your chiropractor. Your chiropractor will want to learn as much about your specific condition as possible in your consultation. Your chiropractor will ask you questions about your condition and health (history), and will also perform a spinal examination, thermogram, postural evaluation, and x-rays if necessary. When your chiropractor combines the results from all of these areas, it gives him a very good idea about your specific condition and how he can help you.

How long does an adjustment take?

After your detailed initial consultation, your chiropractor is very well acquainted with your spine and condition. As a result, adjustments may take only a few minutes. However, the effects of the adjustments last hours to days.

How often will I have to come in for treatment?

This answer is different for every patient. Many things determine how long your treatment plan will be. Your treatment plan is dependent on things such as how long your condition has been developing, your age, physical fitness, overall health, nutrition, daily tasks/job, and how much spinal decay (wear and tear) is present.

Why should I return if I am feeling fine?

Only about 10% of your nervous system is dedicated to the detection of pain. Therefore, the presence of pain is not an accurate measure of how well you are doing. Your chiropractor wants you to feel good and be out of pain, but he also wants to correct the underlying problem. Just as you visit your dentist for periodic check-ups, it is very important to visit your chiropractor for regular spinal checks. This will decrease your risk of problems in the future.

Are all patients adjusted the same way?

No. Every patient is different. Your chiropractor is highly skilled and modifies his technique based on the patient’s particular needs.



Who pays for my visits?

Before visiting your chiropractor, check into private health insurance coverage through your employer. You may have coverage of chiropractic treatments up to a certain limit for every calendar year. If you’ve suffered an injury at work, the cost of any necessary chiropractic treatments may be covered by Worker’s Compensation. Chiropractic care is included under the ICBC Act. You do not require a referral to see a Chiropractor if you have had a motor vechicle accident. In most cases, ICBC will pay for part or all of your care if you have been involoved in an accident. If you do not fall into these categories you are required to pay privately. Payment is expected at the time of service.

Is there scientific proof that chiropractic works?

Yes, there are endless number of journal articles that appear in both chiropractic and medical journals that support chiropractic care. (research.pdf)

Will chiropractic treatments improve my posture?

Chiropractors use the expression “posture is the window to your spine.” As your spinal health improves, so will your posture. Conscious effort is also required to improve your posture, which will help your healing process.

Am I too old or young to see a chiropractor?

No. Chiropractors care for everyone from newborns to seniors. Chiropractors are able to modify their techniques so that they are safe and effective for any age group.

Is chiropractic care safe for children?

Yes. Chiropractors have specific training in how to treat children and use techniques that are safe for children.



Will I have to see a chiropractor for the rest of my life?

You only have to go to a chiropractor as long as you want to receive the benefits of getting adjusted. Once you are finished your corrective care plan, it is recommended that you enter into a wellness care plan. Wellness care is similar to getting your teeth checked by your dentist on a regular basis. You only have one spine; get it checked.

Do I have a pinched nerve?

Unless you have training as a health professional, there is no way for you to tell if you have a "pinched nerve." Frequently, subluxations cause pressure on spinal nerves, creating a "pinched nerve." Your chiropractor is a highly trained specialist in the detection and correction of subluxation.

Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?

Yes. Although we would rather see you before your back surgery, you can safely visit a chiropractor after back surgery. Chiropractic adjustments are specific and can avoid the area you have had surgery on. Often times, surgery will create more problems then were originally present. Your chiropractor can help fix these problems.

What makes the sound during an adjustment?

The sound that often occurs during an adjustment is simply gas being released between two bones. This is completely safe.