What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is the third largest primary health care profession after medicine and dentistry, with approximately 6,000 chiropractors practicing in Canada. The term chiropractic is a Greek word, which means “treatment by hand”. The main focus of chiropractic practice is the relationship between the function of joints, ligaments, muscles and nervous system, primarily of the spine. The chiropractor uses their hands to treat the patient with an adjustment of a vertebral subluxation.

What type of Education does a Chiropractor receive?

Most chiropractic colleges require a minimum of two years of university with an emphasis on basic sciences to apply. Chiropractic training is a four year full time academic program which includes anatomy, physiology, neurology, orthopedics, pathology, biomechanics, radiology, nutrition, and spinal manipulation. There is also the requirement to complete a one year internship, followed by national and provincial board exams before entering practice. Ongoing continuing education is also required to maintain your license.

What is a Vertebral Subluxation?

A vertebral subluxation is the term used when a vertebrae has lost its normal position and/or motion causing a joint restriction. Vertebrae which do not function normally cause mechanical stress, and can accelerate wear and tear on the joints, muscles, ligaments and discs. Vertebral subluxations can cause irritation to the spinal nerves, which disrupts the nervous system, the controller of all body functions. Causes of subluxations include trauma/injury, repetitive motion, poor posture, prolonged sitting or standing, improper lifting, bad sleeping habits, weak or imbalanced spinal muscles, poor diet, exposure to toxic drugs and chemicals, and emotional stress causing muscle spasm and weakening the immune system.

What is an Adjustment?

A spinal adjustment or manipulation is a procedure in which a specific force is applied to a joint that is restricted. Correction of the vertebral subluxations reduces pain and inflammation, reduces muscle spasm and tension, restores normal joint motion, and can remove nerve irritation to improve overall health. Non spinal joints can also become restricted, and adjustments can restore normal function which can minimize wear and tear on the joint and increase joint range of motion.

How long will treatment take?

Treatment varies from patient to patient, different conditions, and pre existing health problems. One rule of thumb to follow is that most new injuries, if treated immediately and minimal tissue damage has occurred start to respond quickly, often within three or four visits. Conditions that are several months in duration, recurrent or where there is advanced damage, may be more difficult to manage and may require 10 or more visits to show significant improvement.

Chiropractic treatment involves three stages of care:

Acute or Relief Care

Is the initial stage where the primary goal is to reduce pain and improve range of motion so that individuals can continue activities of daily living. Patients are encouraged to stay mobile, but avoid activities that may cause further injury. Initially, more frequent visits are required at this stage, possibly two or three times a week.

Corrective Care

Consists of correcting the problem which contributed to the condition and rehabilitate the injured tissues. The patient may have little pain, but still need to improve strength, stability and function. Unless this is done, future reoccurrences of the problem are likely. Frequency of visits will decrease, possibly weekly or biweekly, depending on the stage of recovery.

Supportive or Wellness

Occurs when the tissues have fully healed and function has normalized. Spinal check ups, like dental check ups, are recommended to correct minor problems or to maintain the level of recovery achieved. Some patients are interested in wellness care to have optimal health. Frequency of visits may vary from monthly to every few months, depending on the condition.

How much will it cost?

A new patient visit is $40 and typically last 30 minutes, with a history and exam performed, a diagnosis explained, and recommended care options. Subsequent visits are $30 and typically last 15 minutes. Chiropractic treatment was de insured by the provincial government several years ago, but some clients may have 10 visits paid through the MSP plan. Coverage is also provided through most private health insurance plans, WCB and ICBC.