Frequently Asked Questions

01.

What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is a highly-skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to the vertebrae of the spine or other joints of the body. Adjustment to the joint restores proper movement and improves function. When a joint is adjusted, an air bubble may escape causing a popping noise, similar to when you crack your knuckles.  

02.

How are chiropractors educated?

Following a 3 or 4-year university degree, chiropractors continue on with a 4 year accredited program including a year-long internship.  Chiropractors must then pass comprehensive Canadian qualifying examinations in order to become licensed to practice in the province of their choice. Chiropractors are regulated health professionals.

03.

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?

No.  A patient does not need a referral.  Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact healthcare professionals in every province in Canada.  This means that patients can consult them directly.

04.

What to expect on the first visit?

On your first visit, you will fill out forms that will tell your chiropractor about you. Next, you will meet with the chiropractor who will ask you many more questions and do a physical examination to determine what your problem is and whether you are a good candidate for chiropractic care. They will then discuss their plan for treatment, risk factors and benefits with you. On your first visit, you may or may not receive treatment depending on what you and your chiropractor decide. An initial visit will usually take between 30-45 minutes.

05.

I’ve heard that once I go to a chiropractor I have to go forever. Is this true?

Once your body is properly adjusted and moving at its best you will feel good. If you are like most people you will then go back to all of your habits that ended with you in pain in the first place. Regular adjustments will help you to maintain the gains you made through chiropractic care and continue to feel good (and remind you of the exercises you should be doing). That being said it is always up to you whether you keep going to a chiropractor. Nobody can tell you what to do with your body except you!

06.

Will it hurt?

Chiropractic care should not hurt. It can feel weird, it can be exciting and it can be scary but it should not hurt. Because many people come into the chiropractor in a significant amount of pain at the beginning, any movement can be uncomfortable. You should always communicate with your doctor to tell them how things are feeling so they can make sure the movement of your body and any treatment they are performing are within your comfort level.

07.

What makes the sound during the adjustment?

The lubricating fluid surrounds the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluid in the joint shift. It is like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn’t necessary for the therapeutic benefit of the adjustment.

08.

How do we get joint restrictions?

When you were a baby the first thing you did was lift your head, and then dropped it. Then you sat up and fell, and walked and fell, and fell down the stairs, and off your bike, and on the ski hill, and got checked into the boards. Then you sit at school at a desk, and walk with a backpack bigger than you, and sit at a computer stressed out at work… All of these things can cause joint restriction (subluxation). Most of the time these small strains will accumulate and before you know it you are in a lot of pain.

09.

Do Chiropractors work on anything other than the spine?

Your chiropractor is trained to work on all of the musculoskeletal systems in your body. Every muscle and joint in your body can be worked on. So that means your sore knee, your baby finger, your carpal tunnel syndrome, and your headaches can all be part of your chiropractic care.