Chiropractors are primary care practitioners, extensively trained to develop and carry out comprehensive treatment/management plans, recommend therapeutic exercises, and provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.
For many conditions, such as lower back pain, chiropractic care is frequently the primary method of treatment. Where other conditions exist, chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the neuromusculoskeletal aspects associated with the condition.
Chiropractic care may also be used to provide symptomatic relief for patients with chronic conditions. Chiropractors work closely with your medical doctor, 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 or specialists when necessary.
Chiropractic is a regulated health profession, recognized by statute in all Canadian provinces and American states. Almost 2 million patients in Ontario rely on chiropractic care every year to help them live healthy, active lives.
Chiropractic care may provide relief from many conditions, including:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches, including migraines
- Whiplash
- Strains and sprains
- Shoulder, elbow and wrist pain
- Hip, knee and ankle pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Vertigo
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Work related and sports injuries
- Arthritis
- General health and well-being
When should I consider chiropractic care?
There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care. Work, accidents, sports injuries, house- hold 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.
A Chiropractic Adjustment
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. Adjustment helps relieve pain and restore normal functioning to the spine, joints and supporting structures of the body
– so you can enjoy your everyday activities again as quickly as possible.
An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustments help loosen 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.
Patient-Centred Care
Chiropractic adjustment techniques have
been researched extensively. Complications are rare and side-effects, such as temporary soreness, are usually minor. Your chiropractor is well-trained to determine if your problem will respond to chiropractic care or if you require referral to another health care provider.
Following university studies, a chiropractor must then complete a rigorous four-year, full-time education program and pass rigorous comprehensive Canadian qualifying examinations in order to become licensed to practice. Chiropractors are regulated health professionals and the licensing college in each province is charged with protecting the public and setting standards for the profession.