Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

If you are new to Chiropractic care, we understand that you might have some questions. We are confident that we have the answers to your inquiries.

Below are the answers to the questions that are most commonly asked about chiropractic treatment. Should you have additional questions please feel free to contact us.

Question: Is Chiropractic Effective?

Answer: Scientific evidence, suggesting that chiropractic care is safe and effective, is compelling. In any controlled and independent research studies have shown repeatedly that chiropractic care is safe and effective for treating low back pain, neck pain, headaches and other conditions related to the spine. Based on these scientific studies, chiropractic care can be the treatment of choice for many spinal and pain problems.

Question: Why should I see a Doctor of Chiropractic?

Answer: From professional athletes to homemakers, engineers to electricians, children to seniors, chiropractic care helps you improve your health. Many people see a Doctor of Chiropractic for back, neck or joint problems, while others may seek relief from the pain caused by headaches. Still others find that regular visits to their chiropractor help keep them in peak condition for sports and other activities.

Question: What can I expect when I go to a chiropractor?

Answer: As a licensed doctor, your chiropractor will do the following:

• A thorough review of your specific problem , including relevant past history and overall health.
• Physical tests movement analysis, palpation to help identify the problem.
• If required, an x-ray may be used to determine the source of your problem and investigate for pathological developments.
• Provide a diagnosis to make certain choices clear. If it is not a chiropractic problem, a suitable referral is done. If it is, a plan of treatment is communicated.
• Provide a prognosis taking into account your general health habits, occupation, stress and activity levels.
• Monitor your response to treatment for your specific condition, as well as for changes in your overall health. Utilization of exercise, along with nutrition and lifestyle modifications may be suggested to improve your overall well being and promote active, patient-centered care.

Chiropractors attempt to take an integrated and holistic approach to the health needs of their patients, and refer to specialists when needed. They provide care and support by reducing pain and disability and restoring function.

Question: Is every patient's treatment the same?

Answer: No, the treatment a patient receives is related to the specific condition diagnosed by the chiropractor, and will vary depending on each persons' unique situation.

Question: Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?

Answer: The hands-on nature of chiropractic treatment is essentially what sends patients back to the chiropractor's office. A treatment plan varies for everyone, depending on your age, health status, previous injuries, and so on. Some conditions have people attending a few times, some have people back for more. Some chiropractors only see patients a few times and only when they are in severe pain, some chiropractors opt for wellness and preventative care, which has the patient attending on a fixed schedule over time. Whatever type of care that you choose, it is always up to you how long or how much you wish to benefit from chiropractic!

Question: Is a neck adjustment safe?

Answer: Yes, chiropractic treatments are very safe. In the last decade, a large amount of research has looked at the incidence of neck manipulation and vascular incidents, like stroke. There are reported cases of stroke associated with visits to medical doctors and chiropractors. Research and scientific evidence does not establish a cause and effect relationship between chiropractic treatment and the accurrence of stroke, rather, recent studies indicate that patients may be consulting health care providers (medical doctors and chiropractors) when they are in the early stages of a stroke. The possibility of such injuries occurring in association with a cervical adjustment is extremely remote.

Question: What are the risks of chiropractic care?

Answer: Like light exercise, massage or physiotherapy, some patients may experience short term aggravation of symptoms. There are occasional reports of muscle and ligament strains or sprains as a result of manual therapy techniques. Although uncommon, rib fractures have also been known to occur following certain manual therapy procedures.

There are rare reported cases of disc injuries identified following cervical and lumbar spinal adjustments, although no scientific evidence has determined such injuries are caused, or may be caused, by spinal adjustments or other chiropractic treatments.

There are infrequent reported cases of burns or skin irritation in association with the use of some types of hot packs or physical therapy treatments offered by some doctors of chiropractic.

Question:  How long do chiropractors go to school?

Answer: Your chiropractor is a primary contact provider just like your family physician, optometrist or dentist. You do not need a referral from your medical doctor to see a chiropractor. Today's graduating Doctors of Chiropractic have studied and trained at the university level for at least seven years. Just like medical or dental students, they must first complete undergraduate study before applying for admission to a chiropractic college. Becoming a chiropractor requires a minimum of 4,600 hours of intense academic study including classroom instruction, clinical science and internship. During the course of their training, he/she will have studied the following three areas:

• Basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, microbiology, clinical sciences and X-ray diagnosis.
• Specialized training in the science and art of chiropractic.
• Clinical internship with an emphasis on hands-on practice (manual medicine).

Question:  What if I've been injured in a car accident or on the job?

Answer:  It is important that you consult with your family chiropractor as soon as possible regarding treatment for your injuries. The longer you wait, the longer it can take for treatment and recovery time. Remember, no referral is necessary from your family physician. If the condition warrants, the chiropractor will refer you to other providers.