WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE?
The word “chiropractic” comes from ancient Greek and means “done by hand.” Adjustment of the joints of the body has been used in the healing arts for many centuries and is at the heart of modern chiropractic care.
Chiropractors are specialists in manual adjustment of the vertebrae of the spine and other joints of the body. Adjustment helps relieve pain and restore normal functioning to the joints and supporting muscles and ligaments – so you can enjoy your everyday activities again as quickly as possible.
Your chiropractor will recommend a course of treatment specific to you that may also include mobilization of the joints, ultrasound, muscle release techniques, muscle stimulation and therapeutic exercises. Chiropractors are also trained to provide nutritional counselling, and recommend rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies.
IMPORTANCE OF BACK HEALTH
The body’s information highway – your nervous system – is protected by the spine. The nervous system travels out between the vertebrae or joints of the spine to carry messages from the brain to every corner of your body. Stress and strain on the vertebrae can put pressure on the nerves in the affected area. That is why a problem with your spine can have far-reaching effects causing symptoms such as arm or leg pain.
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Strains and sprains from daily activities
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Work and sports-related injuries
- Restricted movement in the back, shoulders, neck or limbs
BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE
- Improved movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso
- Better posture, flexibility
- Improved flexibility
- Enhanced athletic performance
- Relief from headaches, neck and back pain
- Prevention of work-related muscle and joint injuries
- Correction of gait and foot problems
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is a highly-skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to the vertebrae of the spine or other joints of the body. Adjustment corrects the joint to restore proper movement and improve function. When a joint is adjusted, an air bubble may escape causing a popping noise, similar to when you crack your knuckles. Depending on the nature of the problem, your chiropractor may also utilize joint mobilization, muscle release techniques, muscle stimulation and therapeutic exercises to relieve your pain and get you moving again.
How are chiropractors educated?
Following three years of university education, chiropractors acquire their skills through a rigorous four-year, full -time accredited academic program including internship. Chiropractors must then pass comprehensive Canadian qualifying examinations in order to become licensed to practice. Chiropractors are regulated health professionals.
Is chiropractic care covered by health insurance?
Chiropractic care is covered extensively by third party payers. These include the federal public service, worker’s compensation boards, the automobile insurance industry, private health care insurers, employee benefit plans, the RCMP, and Veteran’s Affairs Canada. Chiropractic services are also partially funded by the provincial health plan of Manitoba.
Do I need a referral?
No. A patient does not need a referral. Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact health care professionals in every province in Canada. This means that patients can consult them directly.
Does chiropractic treatment need x-rays?
X-rays can play an important role in diagnosis and are taken only when a need has been determined after taking a patient’s case history and conducting a physical examination. Governments in every province have recognized the training and competence of chiropractors to take and interpret X-rays and have granted them this right.
What is Subluxation?
“Subluxation” is a term used to describe a problem with a spinal joint. The World Health Organization defines a “subluxation” as a functional problem related to a joint and the structures associated with the joint such as the muscles, tendons and nerves. Dysfunction can present itself in various ways such as pain, inflammation and restricted movement of the joint. Some types of dysfunction, such as a sprain, will not appear on an x-ray. Chiropractors are trained to identify dysfunction that does not appear on imaging through the use of manual examination and non-imaging diagnostic tests.
What research has been done on chiropractic care?
Chiropractic is a healing discipline firmly grounded in science. Spinal manipulative therapy (adjustment) provided by doctors of chiropractic has been researched extensively both in Canada and internationally. Chiropractors offer a safe, non-invasive approach to joint and muscle problems.