What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is the treatment by hand of neuromusculo-skeletal dysfunction of the body. Simply put, chiropractic serves to identify and correct imbalance in the nerves, muscles and joints of the body. Our bodies are subjected to multiple stressors throughout our lifetime (physical, emotional, and chemical). The beauty of our body is that it is a highly adaptable and resilient organism that is capable of handling most of these stressors effectively. However, when the stressors become too great or accumulate, the body can gradually lose its’ ability to cope. When this happens, imbalances occur in the muscles, nerves and joints of the body and eventually lead to symptoms such as back pain, headaches, irritability, and loss of sleep. Chiropractic is the science of locating and removing these imbalances allowing the body to regain balance and tolerance of stress.
What conditions do chiropractors treat?
People seek chiropractic care for many conditions. The most researched area is back pain. Chiropractic care has been shown to be a highly cost-effective and successful intervention for back pain. However, chiropractic can be effective in treatment of numerous other conditions such as:
- Headaches
- Athletic injuries
- Postural correction
- Whiplash
- Performance enhancement
- Sciatica
- Arthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease
- Prevention/Maintenance
- Neck pain
- Hip pain
Is Chiropractic safe?
The safety and effectiveness of chiropractic treatments have been studied in-depth and very carefully. Studies have found chiropractic to be extremely safe (low risk) and most effective in alleviating back pain, neck pain, headaches and many other musculoskeletal conditions. If you are diagnosed with a condition more appropriately treated by another health care professional, we will make that referral
Is Chiropractic Effective?
Several studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic in relieving back pain. The Manga Report, a Canadian study, sampled a majority of the research on the topic and concluded that chiropractic adjustments were found to be the most effective & cost-effective form of treatment for low back pain. In addition there is emerging research to support the effectiveness of chiropractic care in the management of many musculoskeletal conditions.
How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?
Once your examination is completed and a diagnosis is made, treatment consists of mobilization and release of nerve, muscle and joint fixations. Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes highly refined skills developed during the intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractor typically uses his/her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to reduce pain, and restore or enhance joint function. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.
Do I need a referral from an M.D.?
No. Chiropractors are primary health care providers that can consult you on many of your health care concerns. Your chiropractor will determine from a detailed history and examination, whether you may benefit from chiropractic care. If your condition and symptoms are outside the scope of chiropractic care you will be referred to the appropriate health care provider.
Does MSP and extended health insurance cover chiropractic care?
Many Extended Health Plans cover fees for chiropractic services. Your employer/insurance carrier will be able to supply you with this information.
The Workers Compensation Board will provide coverage for office visits and x-rays for work related injuries. Injured persons should consult their doctor of chiropractic immediately upon injury.
ICBC coverage is provided for office visits and x-rays for injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents. For more information, contact our office or your ICBC adjuster.
The Medical Services Plan of British Columbia (MSP) provides coverage for people on premium assistance (individuals or families with combined revenues less than $24,000 and adults over the age of 65).
How many chiropractic treatments will I need?
There is no one answer to this. Frequency and number of visits needed will depend on each individual’s condition. This will be determined by your history and examination and contributing lifestyle factors. The goal of the chiropractor is to get you functioning better as quickly as possible.
Once I start seeing a chiropractor do I have to keep going?
The short answer is no. Frequently, people have a complete resolution to their problem and treatment stops. Some people choose to continue having treatments after their problem stops in order to prevent further imbalances from developing. Factors that determine recurrence of problems are stress(physical, emotional and chemical), lifestyle, ergonomics and activity level.
Do chiropractic treatments hurt?
Adjustment of the spine is not typically painful. There is however some discomfort associated with mobilizing muscle tension and imbalances. The chiropractor will always work within your tolerance level to ensure any discomfort is minimized.
How will I feel after a chiropractic treatment?
Response to chiropractic treatment is wide and varied. Most people experience a lessening of symptoms and report feeling “lighter” after treatment. There can be some residual discomfort for a day or two pos- adjustment however, this is a normal part of your body responding to treatment and will lessen with time. Should you be concerned about your response to chiropractic treatment contact you chiropractor immediately.
What is the “cracking” or “popping” sound that happens with a chiropractic treatment?
This sound is called “cavitation”. Moveable joints in the body are lubricated with synovial fluid and when a joint is moved beyond a certain range of movement pressure changes in the fluid and joint cause the formation of bubbles of gas which “pop” when released. There is no “cracking” of bones involved. The result is an increase in mobility of the joint as well as a relaxation of the muscles around the joint.
The “cracking” or “popping” sound scares me. Do I have to have my joints “cracked”?
The goal of the chiropractor is to work within you comfort level. If you do not want your joints “cracked” then the chiropractor will use other techniques to help mobilize your joints. You never have to have anything done that you are not comfortable with.