What is Chiropractic?
- The word “chiropractic” comes from ancient Greek and means “done by hand.” Adjusting the joints of the body has been used in health care for many centuries and is at the heart of chiropractic care. Chiropractors are specialists in manual adjustments of the vertebrae of the spine and other joints. Adjustments help relieve pain and restore normal functioning to the spine, joints and supporting structures of the body – so you can enjoy your everyday activities again as quickly as possible. Chiropractors are also trained to prescribe therapeutic exercises, provide nutritional counselling, and recommend rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies.

Does Chiropractic care require a referral from an MD?
- No. Chiropractors are legislated as primary care professionals in every province in Canada. This means that patients can consult them directly. However, chiropractors often work closely with medical doctors, many of whom refer to chiropractors when they believe chiropractic treatment will help alleviate a patient’s condition. Similarly, chiropractors frequently refer to medical doctors when necessary.

What is an adjustment?
 - An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement, usually applied by hand, to a joint of the body. Adjustments free up the joint to restore proper movement and optimize function. Chiropractic adjustment techniques have been researched extensively. Complications are rare and side-effects, such as temporary soreness, are usually minor. Your chiropractor will determine if your problem will respond to chiropractic care or if you require referral to another health care provider.

When should I see a Chiropractor?
- Eight out of ten Canadians will experience back pain at some point in their life. For many people, the pain can keep them away from work, school or even their day-to-day activities. If pain causes interruptions and restrictions in the activities of your daily life then you should consult a health care provider.

Chiropractors are highly educated and extensively trained to assess, diagnosis, treat and prevent conditions and disorders of the spine, joints, muscles and nervous system. These disorders may include back pain, neck pain, headaches, referring pain in your arms and legs, etc. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you may be a candidate for chiropractic care.

Many patients including, seniors, find that treatment helps them to maintain mobility and good range of motion. Pain should never become a way of life, especially when there is qualified help available.

There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care: Work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores, even the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and spinal problems. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic care can help you maintain healthy spine and joint function, improving overall quality of life.

What are some of the benefits of Chiropractic care?
- Chiropractic care can:

  • Improve movement and function in your neck, shoulders, back, torso and extremities

  • Improve your posture

  • Provide relief from headaches, neck and back pain

  • Help prevent work-related muscle and joint injuries

  • Lead to enhanced athletic performance

  • Improve your flexibility and range of motion

  • Relieve pregnancy-related back ache

  • Correct gait and foot problems

  • Help other neurological symptoms, including numbness/tingling and weakness

Can Chiropractic care cure other ailments besides back pain?
- Chiropractic care cannot “cure” every ailment, but there is scientific evidence to indicate that adjustments may have a beneficial effect on a variety of different conditions, not just pain and stiffness. Because Chiropractors often adjust spinal bones & joints, this can decrease physical pressure on the nerves exiting the spine. Those nerves can then communicate properly to the rest of your body as they branch out and connect to your different cells, tissues and organs. For example, someone with asthma may find that they can breathe easier after an adjustment, which is not curing the asthma itself, but can provide some relief from associated symptoms.