What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a healing discipline firmly grounded in science. Although its main focus is the relationship between the skeleton (particularly the spine) and the nervous system that runs through it, chiropractic is concerned with the care of the whole body.
Chiropractors use various diagnostic methods, including x-rays, to understand the state of your health, paying particular attention to your spine and bone structure.
Chiropractors are specialists in manual adjustment of the vertebrae of the spine and other joints.
What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustments loosen the joint to restore proper movement and optimum function. When a joint is adjusted, a gas bubble escapes causing the popping noise that you may have heard about.
When should I see a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors are highly educated and extensively trained to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent disorders of the spine, joints, muscles and nervous system. These disorders may include back pain, neck pain, headaches, referred pain into the legs or arms, etc.
There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care: work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores, even the stress of daily living can cause painful joints and spinal problems. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic care can help you maintain a healthy spine and nervous system.
Some of the most common reasons Canadians visit a chiropractor are:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Whiplash
- Strains and sprains
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Arthritis
- General health and well-being
What are some of the benefits of Chiropractic care?
- Improves movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso.
- Provides relief from headaches, neck and back pain.
- Helps prevent work-related muscle and joint injury.
- Leads to enhanced athletic performance.
- Improves flexibility and range of motion.
- Corrects gait and foot problems.
- Relieves pregnancy-related back ache.
Is Chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for neck and back pain. A Canadian study done in the medical journal, Stroke, concluded that “stroke associated with neck adjustments is so rare that it is difficult to calculate an accurate risk ratio.”
The study was conducted by the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and the authors have stated, “the evidence to date indicates that the risk associated with chiropractic manipulation of the neck is both small and inaccurately estimated. No serious complications have been noted in more than 73 controlled clinical trials.”
Does Chiropractic care require a referral from a medical doctor?
Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact health care professionals in every province in Canada, therefore no referral from a medical doctor is required.
Are there many athletes who use Chiropractic?
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 athletic performance. Treatment works to improve biomechanical function and enhance overall conditioning, important in situations where there is continuous repetitive movement.