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About Chiropractic Care

Q. What is chiropractic health care?

A. The word “chiropractic” comes from ancient Greek and means “done by hand”. Adjustment of the joints of the body has been used in healing for many centuries and is at the heart of modern chiropractic care. Chiropractors are specialists in diagnosis of spinal dysfunction and the manual adjustments of the vertebrae (bones and joints) of the spine and other joints of the body. Adjustments help to relieve pain and restore normal function to the nervous system, spine and supporting structures so you can enjoy every day in greater health.

These adjustments are offered in conjunction with other modalities that are appropriate to examination findings, patient tolerances, informed consent, short and long-term health expectations. Our Chiropractors are also well trained to prescribe therapeutic exercise, provide nutritional advice and counselling, and recommend rehab and injury prevention strategies.

Q. How does Chiropractic work?

A. Chiropractic treatment works! It treats the cause of your back and joint pain, not just the symptoms. The spine has two vital functions in your health and wellness. Ligaments, muscles and cartilage connect the bones or vertebrae and they support your body weight and allow you to move. Your spine also protects your spinal cord and nerves that bring information to and from the brain allowing you to move and feel sensations from the skin and body. A healthy spine and nervous system is what chiropractic care is all about.

When your spine and limbs are all working and moving as they should, you are balanced, aligned and flexible. Activities of daily life, repetitive movements, emotional and physical stress, accidents and poor posture can cause these bones to shift out of their normal alignment and function. Normal ranges of motion, movement patterns, muscle activation and nerve firing are affected and these changes put pressure on joints, muscles and nerves creating a sub-optimal state of health.

Chiropractors are experts in finding these “subluxations” or dysfunctions. They make “adjustments” to the spine and give advice that will help your joints and nervous system work properly again. We will perform a thorough health history and exam, investigate your ergonomics and environmental factors, and deliver appropriate care that may include chiropractic adjustments.

Q. What is a Subluxation?

A.  New chiropractic patients are often amazed that their chiropractor points out subluxations, before they even indicate they feel tenderness at that spinal segment. They say, “how did you know that I hurt there, can you feel that?” – the answer is YES, your chiropractor can detect, by hand, spinal subluxations, tight muscles and adhesions in tissue that interfere with your optimal health.

Subluxations can be caused by physical, emotional or chemical factors. You may have subluxations and not even know it. Like early tooth decay, subluxations are often present long before you notice any symptoms. Your chiropractor will perform a thorough examination and describe to you the location and severity of subluxations.

Q. What is a spinal check-up?

A. Just as dental check-ups can help detect the early signs of decay before symptoms, and optometrist exams are performed proactively, regular chiropractic check-ups help identify and correct small problems before they become serious. Patients that commit to good spinal hygiene tend to have fewer setbacks and when injured through accidents, they seem to “bounce back” faster. It only takes a few minutes to have your spine checked – you’re worth it! Remember, your spine is every bit as susceptible to wear and tear as your teeth and your eyes – the difference is, there is no such thing as “spinal dentures”.

If you have more questions, be in touch to book your appointment today!