Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a non-invasive, conservative approach to treating the muscles, joints, bones and nerves of the body. Your chiropractor is highly educated and extensively trained to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors are skilled in hands-on healthcare, specializing in manual chiropractic adjustments of the vertebrae of the spine and other joints. Chiropractic treatment may also include joint mobilizations, muscle release therapy, therapeutic exercise, nutritional counseling and recommendations for injury prevention strategies and lifestyle changes to help you achieve your optimal wellbeing.

An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement, usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustments help to relieve pain and restore normal function to the spine, joints and supporting structures of the body. When a joint is adjusted, a gas bubble escapes causing the popping noise you may have heard about. Most patients experience immediate relief following an adjustment, however, some may experience temporary pain, stiffness or slight swelling.

Chiropractors are primary health care providers that treat all neuro-musculoskeletal injuries in the body, even though most people only associate their treatment with lower back pain. Although there are a variety of treatment methods commonly used by Chiropractors, the most common approach is the use of hands-on treatment to target and adjust areas of stiffness and immobility in the body.

It is possible for there to be some discomfort during a treatment session, depending on what kind of technique is being used. However, any discomfort experienced is usually very transient and followed by immediate relief.

In terms of safety, Chiropractic treatment has been found to be very safe and is used to treat a wide variety of conditions. If there is a technique that your Chiropractor would like to use that carries greater risk, they will always inform you of those risks and obtain consent before proceeding.

It is very common for Chiropractors to make use of “spinal adjustments” or “spinal manipulations” in their treatment of neck and back problems. This technique causes the joint being manipulated to release small air bubbles of gas within the joint, causing that sound. This is similar to the sound heard when cracking your knuckles, and is just as safe. 

An initial visit with your Chiropractor with usually involves a thorough history taking and assessment of your condition, in addition to an initial treatment to help set you on your road to recovery. Follow up appointments will usually involve substantial manual treatment of your muscles and joints, as well as some therapeutic machines (e.g. Shockwave Therapy), acupuncture, and a home exercise program as needed. The Chiropractor may also recommend that you see a massage therapist to complement your treatment plan.

Most EHP’s cover Chiropractic treatment. If you are unsure what your coverage includes, feel free to stop by any of our chiropractic clinics and one of the skilled receptionists can help you find out.