Question 1

What are some of the benefits of chiropractic care?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

When should I see a Chiropractor?

Accepted Answer

Eight out of ten Canadians will experience back pain at some point in their life, and at least one third of people in Ontario will have back pain at any given time. 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 disorders of the spine, joints, muscle and nervous systems. These disorders may include back pain, neck pain, headaches, referred pain in your arms and legs, etc.
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.

Question 3

Is chiropractic adjustment safe?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of headaches, and neck and back pain. It has an excellent safety record. However, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. Even common over-the-counter medicines carry a risk.

Most patients experience immediate relief following an adjustment, however, some may experience temporary pain, stiffness or slight swelling. Some patients may also experience temporary dizziness, local numbness, or radiating pain. However, adverse effects associated with spinal adjustment are most often minor and short-lived.
 
Informed consent
Prior to starting treatment, all regulated health professionals are obligated by their regulatory standards to obtain informed consent to treatment, documented in a written form from their patients.  Health care consumers must receive appropriate and accurate information to assist them in evaluating their health care choices, and in balancing the relative risks of treatment options with the benefits. The chiropractic profession takes this responsibility seriously and has been a leader in obtaining informed consent.
 
Neck adjustment
Almost half of us experience some kind of neck pain at least once a year. Persistent or recurrent neck pain is reported by an estimated 50–85% of patients one to five years after initial onset.  Twenty-seven percent of patients seeking chiropractic treatment report neck or cervical problems. Thus, treatment of neck pain is an integral part of chiropractic practice. 
 
There are evidence-based clinical practice guidelines in place for chiropractic treatment of neck pain. For both chronic and acute back pain, the guidelines state that manual therapies, mobilization, and patient exercises and stretches are recommended.
 
Evidence also demonstrates that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulative therapy, can be an effective treatment for cervicogenic and tension-type headaches. More so, studies have demonstrated that care offered by chiropractors can also decrease the intensity and frequency of migraines. A plan of management should be individualized to the patient’s needs.
 
Chiropractic has been proven safe and effective for a range of conditions including neck pain.  Patients and their chiropractors work together to determine what treatment options appropriately balance risks with potential benefits.  Chiropractors work to limit their patients’ risk by performing thorough histories and examinations and frequently re-evaluating symptoms and progress.

Question 4

What is an adjustment?

Accepted Answer

An adjustment is a specific and precise force applied in an area where the joint is fixated or "locked".  Adjustments free up the joint to restore proper movement and optimize function. 
 Chiropractors can use just their hands, specific tables and/or instruments or gravity.  Your doctor will decide the appropriate amount of force, direction and technique based on your condition.

Question 5

How many Ontarians use chiropractic?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic is one of the largest primary care professions in Ontario, with more than 3,100 practicing chiropractors. Almost 2.7 million Ontarians use the services of a chiropractor each year to help them get back to work, and back to doing the things they love.

Question 6

Is Chiropractic just for back pain?

Accepted Answer

No.  Chiropractic care can benefit organs, tissues, systems and cells in your body by optimizing your body's ability to heal itself.  Although it is usually associated with back pain, Chiropractic has been shown to be effective in relieving headache, neck pain, arthritis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many other conditions.  Other conditions not commonly associated with spinal nerve dysfunction such as asthma, temporomandibular (jaw joint pain/clicking) syndrome and bedwetting may all improve, if the associated nerves are found to be underperforming.

Question 7

What is Sciatica?

Accepted Answer

The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the body.  It emerges from between the lower lumbar vertebrae and branches travel all the way down to the toes.  Sciatica is a painful condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling that radiates from the low back to below the knee.  It is often provoked by bending forward, coughing or sneezing.  The most common causes of Sciatica are lumbar disc bulges or herniation, spinal stenosis and degenerative bone spurs "poking" the nerve.  Less frequently the sciatic nerve may be pinched in the buttock area outside the spinal nerve roots, called "Piriformis Syndrome".
Early signs of Sciatica are tingling or numbness in the toes before it progresses to pain, so be sure to let your Chiropractor know if these symptoms emerge during care.

Question 8

Does chiropractic care require X-rays?

Accepted Answer

X-rays can play a role in diagnosis and are taken when a need has been determined after taking a patient case history and conducting a physical examination.  Some patients do not require X-rays, you may be asked to bring medical reports for studies ordered by your Primary care physician.

Chiropractors receive 360 hours of education in radiology covering a full range of topics from protection to X-ray interpretation and diagnosis. Governments in every province have recognized the training and competence of chiropractors to take and interpret X-rays and have granted them this right.

Question 9

Are there many athletes who use chiropractic?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Many amateur and professional athletes use chiropractic treatment as part of their overall health care, fitness and maintenance program.  Chiropractic is often used to improve muscle and joint conditioning, which has a direct effect on an athletic performance.  Treatment works to improve biomechanical function and enhance overall conditioning, important in situations where there is continuous repetitive movement. Chiropractic care also help athletes fine-tune their muscles and joints for high level performance, and may reduce long term wear and tear.  Finally, treatment can be used to prevent, and sometime shorten, the healing time of injuries.
 
Athletes most often select treatment to improve their performance, whereas the average consumer will select chiropractic care to help manage aches and pains. In some cases treatment will be similar, but in all cases a treatment plan will be developed according to the goals and condition of each patient.  In the case of professional and elite athletes, team Chiropractors often work in conjunction with other health care professionals, including medical doctors and/or sports medicine doctors, massage therapists and physiotherapists.

Question 10

I have osteoporosis.  Is chiropractic treatment safe for me?

Accepted Answer

Many patients with osteoporosis benefit from chiropractic!  In addition to weight bearing exercise and appropriate supplementation, adjustments can improve exercise performance and endurance.  Depending on your examination findings, and bone density test results the adjusting techniques will be selected for your individual case.  The instrument-assisted Activator® method is the most commonly used for seniors at high risk for fracture.

Question 11

I am expecting.  Is adjustment safe for me?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic adjustments are "customizable" for all stages of life.  Many expectant mothers experience a high degree of back pain or sciatica.  First and foremost, the safety of the unborn child is our top priority.  Specially designed pregnancy pillows are utilized to aid in the comfort of the mother, and adjusting techniques are modified (sitting, side lying or supine) to minimize excessive twisting of the trunk and torso.  Most mothers under regular chiropractic care report that the delivery process is faster and easier when the pelvis is properly aligned.

Question 12

How does Chiropractic work?

Accepted Answer

Your brainstem and spinal cord create a "highway" for your nerves.  Nerves send messages to and from your brain which control the health and function of virtually every cell in your body.  Chiropractic care focuses on maximizing the body's potential for self-healing by detecting, correcting and preventing spinal dysfunction which may lead to nerve interference. It may include spinal adjustments, exercises, nutritional advice and/or other healthy lifestyle recommendations.

Question 13

Is spinal dysfunction caused by physical factors only?

Accepted Answer

No.  We are exposed to various factors which may cause interferences on a regular basis.  They can arise from physical, emotional or chemical reasons.
 
The physical causes can result from accidents, slips and falls, repetitive motions, posture or improper lifting and bending.  Emotional causes include stress, anger, depression and fear.  Chemical causes include drugs, alcohol, pollution and poor nutrition.

Question 14

Can dysfunction clear up on its own?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes.  Since our body is constantly trying to self-heal and optimize, it can sometimes correct interferences when we bend, stretch or have a good night's sleep.  However, many do not clear up and may start a chain reaction throughout the body.  Regular visits to your chiropractor can correct small problems before they snowball.

Question 15

How can I tell if I need an adjustment?

Accepted Answer

Most of us can't tell if we have spinal dysfunction or need an adjustment.  Like early tooth decay, there are often no warning signs letting us know that we need an adjustment.  After a course of chiropractic care we may, however, develop a sense of when our body is not functioning at its best.  To be sure, include a regular spinal check-up as part of your balanced healthcare.

Question 16

What education does a Chiropractor have?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractors are doctors, so not surprisingly their education is extensive and there are a lot of similarities with a physician's training.  They have a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education, including 4500 hours of classroom and clinical instruction.  Their studies include anatomy, physiology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques and other related subjects.  In addition, Chiropractors are required by their regulatory boards to maintain continuing education to upgrade their skills and knowledge at seminars and symposiums.

Question 17

Will my Chiropractor prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

No.  The goal of chiropractic is to provide safe, gentle, effective treatment without the use of drugs or surgery.  Vitamins, minerals and natural supplements will likely be recommended to support and speed your recovery through the stabilization processs.  If you have conditions which require medications, your Chiropractor will refer you to your family physician.

Question 18

What if my condition cannot be helped through chiropractic?

Accepted Answer

Your Chiropractor's goal is your health and wellness.  If chiropractic care will not benefit your specific condition or if there are other more effective treatments available, they will refer you to an appropriate practitioner.

Question 19

Will my physician approve of my chiropractic care?

Accepted Answer

With the wealth of research demonstrating the benefits of chiropractic care more physicians are recommending chiropractic care for their patients and seeing Chiropractors themselves. 
Historically the medical community has looked at "alternative" treatments with skepticism but chiropractic is now considered a valid form of treatment by many government agencies and health insurance boards.

Question 20

How long before I feel better?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the condition you were in when you started your chiropractic care.  For some, there is immediate relief while others require more frequent visits over a longer period of time to feel better.  You may have been developing your condition for years or even decades so it is not unreasonable to think that your treatment may take some time.

Question 21

How long will I need chiropractic care?

Accepted Answer

That depends on two things: your condition when you started and your overall health goals.  Relief from current pains may take only a few weeks of care after which it is up to you whether you want to continue your care.  For many, Chiropractic is part of their balanced healthcare just like trips to their dentist.  They have regular spinal check-ups to maintain the spinal health they achieved after their initial care.

Question 22

I'm feeling fine, why should I continue getting adjusted?"

Accepted Answer

During your inital treatment there will come a time when you feel better, but in all likelihood your body still needs regular adjustments to correct underlying problems.  Stopping your care at this stage may lead to a relapse, particularly if the posture and aggravating factors(eg long hours at a computer) are not modified.  Your doctor can provide you with a treatment plan and regular progress reports of where you are on the "Wellness Trail".

Question 23

What happens if I stop going?

Accepted Answer

In all likelihood your symptoms may resurface.  Do not be embarrassed to return if you do relapse, your doctor will be happy to treat you on a relief or corrective care basis as required.  How long you benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

Question 24

Will it hurt?

Accepted Answer

In some cases there is the feeling of a light pressure on your spinal joint and/or you may hear a popping sound but there is rarely pain associated with an adjustment.  If you came to your appointment in pain, you may feel some pain relief or improved mobility after spinal adjustments.  Remember:  "hurt does not mean harm".
 
Laser therapy, ultrasound or Interferential Current (IFC) therapy and heatpacks are often used to relax tight muscles in preparation for adjustment, in order to minimize any discomfort during the adjustment itself.

Question 25

What is the "popping" sound?"

Accepted Answer

Between each joint of the spine and extremities are lubricating fluids.  With some adjustments these fluids or gases shift and produce a popping or cracking sound called "cavitation".  You may often hear similar sounds when stretching and you are able to release tight areas.  Chiropractic adjustments are always designed to open the space between bones, not press them together.  Not all adjustments will create a sound so the adjustment didn't "fail" because you didn't hear anything.

Question 26

Can I adjust myself?

Accepted Answer

No. Even Chiropractors get adjusted by other doctors.  An adjustment requires a specific, directed force designed to affect an individual joint in a precise way.
Some people can "crack" their own joints but this is not an adjustment.  It may cause more irritation, hypermobility(too "loose") or problems to an already unstable joint.  Oftentimes the areas we can release on our own are hypermobile due to restricted movement in adjacent areas.  Your Chiropractor is trained to assess which area needs to be adjusted, and which needs to be left alone.

Question 27

Is it bad to "crack" my own joints?"

Accepted Answer

Generally when you feel the need to "crack" a joint on a regular basis, it is a sign that there is an instability in the area.  Cracking the joint yourself may provide temporary relief but the need to crack soon returns.  Often the joints affected by your "crack" are not the ones that are fixated, they are ones with too much mobility.  They may have weakened muscles and ligaments and you may cause more problems to the area.

Question 28

Why should children be adjusted?

Accepted Answer

Like the rest of us, children are exposed to the bumps, strains and pressures of every day life.  They carry heavy book bags, play sports and often have stress at school.  Your doctor will modify their adjusting technique based on your child's age, size and condition.  Many parents report that their children have fewer childhood illnesses than their friends and classmates when under regular care.

Question 29

I have had back surgery.  Can I still be adjusted?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Spinal surgery often causes instability in the areas above and below the surgically modified areas of your spine.  Many patients benefit from chiropractic care after back surgery.  Chiropractors are highly trained.  Your specific condition will be analyzed and evaluated during your initial examination.  If your surgery entailed fusion of spinal vertebrae no attempt will be made to adjust this area, but soft tissue techniques may be readily employed.

Question 30

Are all people adjusted the same way?

Accepted Answer

No.  Each patient is evaluated based on their age, size, consultation and examination findings.  A treatment plan is created with these factors in mind.  Adjustments techniques will also vary based on the patient's circumstances and the doctor's assessment, training and patient preferences.