ABOUT

 

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1. What does Computerized Adjusting look like?

 

Click on the video to see an up-close demonstration of a
​computerized chiropractic adjustment on our spine model.

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2. What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement applied either by hand or other computerized/mechanical instrument (e.g. The ProAdjuster) to a joint of the body.  Adjustments loosen the joint to restore proper movement and optimize function. 

3.  When should I see a chiropractor?

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. 

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.

4.  Are chiropractors doctors?

Chiropractors are regulated primary health care professionals, and they are one of only five classes of health care professionals in Ontario that are able to use the title Doctor, with its accompanying rights and obligations to impart a diagnosis. 

Chiropractors are highly educated and extensively trained to assess, diagnosis, treat and prevent conditions & disorders of the spine, joints, muscles and nervous systems.  There is a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education required to become a licensed doctor of chiropractic, and hundreds of hours of clinical training and hands-on experience.

5. What are some of the benefits of chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care can:

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

• 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

 

6. Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

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 risk. 

Most patients experience immediate relief following an adjustment, however some may experience temporary pain, stiffness or slight swelling.  Adverse side effects associated with spinal adjustments are typically minor and short-lived.

7.  Does chiropractic care require a referral from an MD?

Chiropractors are legislated as primary health professionals in every province of Canada.  This means that patients can consult them directly.  However, chiropractors often work close 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.

8. How many Ontarians use chiropractic?

Chiropractic is one of the largest primary-contact health care professions in Ontario, with more than 3,100 practicing chiropractors.  Approximately 1.2 million Ontarians use the services of a chiropractor each year to help them get back to work,  and back to the things they love.

9. Are there many athletes who use chiropractic?

Yes.  Many amateur and professional athletes use chiropractic treatments 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 athletic performance.  Treatment works to improve biochemical function and enhance overall conditioning, important in situations where there is continuous repetitive movement.  Chiropractic care  also helps 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 sometimes shorten the healing time of injuries.

Athletes most often select treatment to improve their performance, where as 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, chiropractors often work in conjunction with other health care professionals, including medical doctors and/or sports medicine doctors, massage therapists and physiotherapists.

10. Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for children?

Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.

11.  Does chiropractic care require X-rays?

X-rays can play an important role in diagnosis and are taken when a need has been determined after taking a patient case history and conducting a physical examination. 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.
 

** FAQ information was provided by the Ontario Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association. **