Chiropractic is a medical profession that focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Chiropractic care is a safe, all-natural (without the use of drugs or surgery) and effective health solution to help you live a life of health and wellness. Chiropractors perform a full body assessment looking for joints that are fixated (locked up) or not moving properly. Chiropractors adjust these joints, helping the body regain normal movement and function.
2. What Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat?
Many people see a chiropractor for back or neck pain. Others seek relief from the discomfort caused by headaches or joint problems and still others find that regular visits support their health and well being. Chiropractors do all these things and more. The best way to know if you are a good candidate for chiropractic is to have a chiropractic assessment. Your chiropractor will examine you for any postural problems, joint fixations or movement restrictions that may lead to decreased health and vitality.
3. What Does A Chiropractic Adjustment Feel Like? Does It Hurt?
Chiropractic adjustments involve a precise, controlled thrust or impulse into the spine that helps to restore normal movement and function to the joints. If you have never experienced an adjustment it is normal to feel a bit uneasy but if you have ever “cracked” your knuckles, you already have a good idea of the feel of an adjustment. Most people feel a sense of relief or release when they are adjusted.
In general, adjustments are painless, however they might feel slightly uncomfortable for a moment depending on the amount of tension or inflammation in the adjusted area.
4. How Often Will I Have To See My Chiropractor?
Treatment frequency will vary from patient to patient. For example, if you have chronic back pain, initially, you may need to see your chiropractor 2 to 3 times a week to see results whereas someone seeking chiropractic care for overall health and well being may only need a treatment once a month. Your chiropractor will work with you to make a treatment plan that fits your specific case.
5. Why Do I Hear A Cracking Sound When My Chiropractor Adjusts Me?
During a spinal adjustment for back pain, you may hear a large popping noise. It sounds a bit alarming doesn’t it? Rest assured this is completely normal. This sound is caused by small pockets of air or bubbles, which are in the fluid that surrounds your joints. When you are adjusted, the pressure in the joint changes which results in the bubbles being released and making the sound. This is the same mechanism that creates the sound when you pop a bottle of champagne. (Think of it as “your joint is having a little celebration”)
If the sound still makes you uncomfortable it may help to know that there are many chiropractic techniques that achieve the same results without any cracking or popping! Talk to your Chiropractor if you would like to try an alternative technique.
6. What Type Of Education and Training Do Chiropractors Have?
All healthcare practitioners undergo a rigorous course of study and chiropractors are no exception. Students must complete a minimum of three-year university program or equivalent before they are accepted into chiropractic college where they undertake four years of full-time study. A significant portion of time is spent in clinical technique training to master highly skilled adjusting techniques. In total, the chiropractic college curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. Graduates are required to pass the Canadian Licensing Examinations to become licensed in Canada.
7. Is Chiropractic Care Appropriate For Children?
Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from normal daily activities as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.
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