Chiropractic Care and You
What is chiropractic care?
Adjustment of the joints of the body has been used in the healing arts for many centuries. Today, it is at the heart of modern chiropractic care. (The word “chiropractic” comes from the ancient Greek for “done by hand.”)
Chiropractors are specialists in manual adjustment of joints, particularly including the vertebrae of the spine. For many patients, adjustment helps relieve pain and restore normal functionality to the spine, joints and supporting structures of the body. Chiropractic care allows you to enjoy your favourite and most important everyday activities again as quickly as possible.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustments loosen the joint to restore proper movement and optimize function. When a joint is adjusted, a gas bubble escapes, which causes the “popping” noise you may have heard about.
Why is spinal health important?
The nervous system, your body’s information highway, is protected by the spine. The nervous system travels out between the vertebrae or joints of the spine to carry messages from the brain to every corner of your body. Stress and strain on the vertebrae can put pressure on the nerves in the affected area. This is why a problem with your spine can have far-reaching effects, causing symptoms such as arm or leg pain.
THE EVIDENCE
Chiropractic is evidence-based and patient-centred. Chiropractic adjustment techniques have been researched extensively. Complications are rare and side effects, such as temporary soreness, are usually minor. Your chiropractor is thoroughly trained to determine whether your problem will respond to chiropractic care of whether you require a referral to another healthcare provider.
Following undergraduate university studies, a chiropractor is required to complete a rigorous four-year, full-time education program and pass comprehensive Canadian qualifying examinations in order to become licensed to practice. Chiropractors are regulated health professionals; the licensing college in each province is charged with protecting the public and setting standards for the profession.
CONSIDERING CHIROPRACTIC
When should I consider chiropractic care?
There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care. Workplace injuries, accidents, sports and exercise, household chores and 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.
Here are some of the most common reasons why more than four million Canadians visit a chiropractor each year:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headache
- Whiplash
- Strains and sprains from daily activities
- Repetitive strain injures
- Work and sports-related injuries
- Arthritis
- Restricted movement in the back, shoulders, neck or limbs
Chiropractic treatment is skilled, hands-on healthcare that relieves pain and helps your body be its best. Here are some of the ways it can help you.
- Improved movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso
- Better posture
- Relief from headaches and neck and back pain
- Prevention of work-related muscle and joint injuries
- Enhanced athletic performance
- Improved flexibility
- Relief of pregnacy-related back ache
- Correction of gait and foot problems
Can I trust that chiropractic care is safe and effective?
The safety and effectiveness of chiropractic treatment have been studied in depth and very carefully. Studies have found chiropractic to be extremely safe and most effective in alleviating back pain, neck pain, headaches and most other musculoskeletal conditions. If your chiropractor diagnoses a condition more appropriately treated by another healthcare professional, he or she will make a referral.
Adverse reactions from chiropractic treatment are rare. Like all health professionals, the Chiroworks team will discuss potential side effects and risks along with the benefits of any care you receive.