Chiropractic

Restricted joint movement in the spine can cause pressure, inflammation and swelling that can cause illness and pain. In this manner, chiropractors believe that issues in the spine can affect your overall health. Injuries, accidents, stress and poor posture can all contribute to disturbances in the spine. Manipulation of the spine in an area that is experiencing pain or disorder can relieve the problem by gently manipulating the nerves that supply that area.

During your first visit, your posture and mobility will be assessed. In addition to testing mobility, the doctor may take an X-ray or take your blood pressure in order to gather more information. For treatment, the chiropractor may begin by massaging stiff muscles in order to loosen them up. Then manipulation is performed, in which the precise movement of a joint is used to regain mobility and relieve pain. You may hear sounds such as clicking or popping—these are normal noises made when the spine is adjusted and there is no cause for alarm. These noises are simply the displacement of gasses that may be trapped near the joint.

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Headache
• Whiplash
• Strains and sprains from daily activities
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Work and sports-related injuries
• Arthritis
• Restricted movement in the back, shoulders, neck or limbs
• General health and well-being

An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustment loosens the joint to restore proper movement and optimize function. When a joint is adjusted, a gas bubble escapes, causing the popping noise you may have heard about. Chiropractic adjustment techniques have been researched extensively. Complications are rare and side effects, such as temporary soreness, are usually minor. Your chiropractor is trained to determine if your problem will respond to chiropractic care or if you require referral to another health care provider.

Eight out of 10 Canadians will experience back pain at some point in their life. 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 your health care provider.

Chiropractors are highly educated and extensively trained to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent conditions such as disorders of the spine, joints, muscles and nervous systems. These disorders may include back pain, neck pain, headaches and recurring pain in your arms and legs, etc.

There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care: work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores or even the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and spinal problems. Many patients seek chiropractic treatment for wellness care. Others, like seniors, find that treatment helps them to maintain mobility and good range of motion.

Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic care can help you maintain healthy spine and joint function.

There are many benefits of chiropractic care, it 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

Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact health professionals in every province in Canada. This means that patients can consult them directly. Often, chiropractors work closely 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.

Chiropractic care cannot “cure” every ailment, but there is some evidence to indicate that adjustments may have a beneficial effect on a variety of conditions. Adjustment may alleviate some of the secondary or referred pain, arising from the response of the musculoskeletal structures to the primary cause.