FAQS
You Have Questions - We Have Answers
WHEN SHOULD I SEE A CHIROPRACTOR?
Chiropractors are highly educated and extensively trained to assess, diagnosis, treat and prevent conditions & disorders of the spine, joints, muscle and nervous systems. These disorders may include back pain, neck pain, headaches, referring pain in your arms and legs, and more.
Eight out of ten Canadians will experience back pain at some point in their life, and at least one third of people in Ontario will have back pain at any given time. 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 a health care provider.
Many patients including, seniors, find that treatment helps them to maintain mobility and good range of motion. Pain should never become a way of life, especially when there is qualified help available.
There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care: work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores, even the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and spinal problems. Even if you do not have symptoms, chiropractic care can help you function optimally as we explore any dysfunction(s) you may have.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON MY FIRST VISIT?
Your chiropractor needs a full understanding of your health history and overall current health in order to provide the best possible care for you. Set aside at least an hour for your first visit to the chiropractor. Future visits typically last 15-30 minutes, though the time required will depend upon the type of treatment you require.
On your first visit, your chiropractor may ask about the following:
a description of your present condition and how it’s affecting your daily life
the steps you have taken to manage your condition
personal and family medical history
major illnesses you have experienced
surgeries you have had
medications and supplements you are taking
your diet and exercise
your sleeping habits, daily activities, work routine, stress level, and home life
It is a good idea to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for your visit to the chiropractor. Your chiropractor may ask you to change into a gown to perform some of these tests:
a check of your blood pressure, pulse and breathing
a test of your reflexes, strength and sensations
an analysis of your movement — he/she will observe how you walk, turn, bend or lift things, as well as how your body moves in the affected area
a hands-on evaluation of how well your joints, muscles and other tissues are moving, identifying restrictions and areas of improper motion
Tip: Bring a copy of any X-rays or radiology reports you have. These assessments give your chiropractor a better picture of your complete health. He or she will make a diagnosis, discuss options and recommendations for treatment, and once the matter of informed consent has been discussed, treatment usually begins.If your chiropractor diagnoses a condition more appropriately treated by another health care professional, he or she will make a referral.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE?
Chiropractic care can:
Improve movement and function in your neck, shoulders, back, torso and extremities
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
IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE SAFE?
Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of headache, neck and back pain. It has an excellent safety record.
Most patients experience immediate relief following an adjustment; however, some may experience temporary pain, stiffness or slight swelling. Some patients may also experience temporary dizziness, local numbness, or radiating pain. However, adverse effects associated with spinal adjustment are most often minor and short-lived.
Informed consent
A chiropractor will use the information from your history and exam to recommend the most appropriate treatment option for your needs.
Prior to starting treatment, all health professionals are required by law to obtain informed consent to treatment from their patients. You have a right to receive adequate and accurate information to help you evaluate your health care choices and balance the relative risks of treatment options with the benefits. It is important to discuss any questions or concerns that you have prior to any treatment. If you do not feel comfortable with any recommended course of treatment you should always ask for alternate options.
All information on this page is provided via the Ontario Chiropractic Association's webpage. For additional information please visit the Ontario Chiropractic Association.