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Conditions That Bring Patients to Chiropractors

Below are some enquiries you may have about Chiropractic. If your question is not answered here, please contact us at Courtyard Chiropractic directly and we will be happy to answer it.

Q. What conditions do chiropractors treat?

A. Conditions include: restricted movement in back, shoulders, neck or limbs, stiffness, strains and sprains from daily activity, torticollis, colick etc. in infants, whiplash, back pain, sciatica, headache, migraine, work and sports-related injuries, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, Golfer’s/Tennis elbow, patello-femoral syndrome (knee pain), ilio-tibial band syndrome, hip pain, plantar fasciitis, foot pain, scoliosis care, pregnancy care, menstrual cramps, stretching & exercise advice, nutritional and weight loss coaching, WSIB injuries, Motor Vehicle Accident injuries, repetitive strain injuries, fallen arches, over-pronation, shin splints, wrist/hand pain, fibromyalgia, postural faults, ergonomic advice, postural and muscle imbalances.

Chiropractors are experts trained in the neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) system. They diagnose and treat disorders of the spine and other body parts by adjusting the spinal column or through other corrective techniques. Chiropractors provide conservative management of NMS disorders including, but not limited to, back, neck, limb and headaches. They also advise patients on corrective exercises, lifestyle and nutrition. Dr. Gerber tells her patients that she works from the tips of the toes to the top of the head, as long as the symptoms and diagnosis are NMS in origin.

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A. Many elite and everyday athletes regularly receive chiropractic care to, in part, optimize performance. Sports injuries are also an area which chiropractic and ART® can play an important role. Having a chiropractor on “your team” can help you to improve your performance, correct imbalances and discover a new level of performance. Athletes under regular care often report a faster rebound and recovery from injury and performance related setbacks. Our team loves to work with everyday and elite athletes to improve their experience of their sport or exercise regimen. Learn more about our Founder and Clinical Director.

Q. Should I see a chiropractor if I am pregnant?

A. Yes. Chiropractic care can be very helpful during all stages of pregnancy, and Dr. Gerber is certified in the Webster Technique. There are so many hormonal and biomechanical changes that occur during pregnancy, which affect the expecting mother’s spine and body. The weight gain with pregnancy can cause muscle strains and pelvic tilting due to a forward shift in the centre of gravity. Many women experience back pain and headaches for which this natural, hands-on, drug free approach is often very effective. Massage therapy is also an excellent adjunctive treatment choice for pregnancy.

Chiropractic care can play a vital role in a comfortable pregnancy, pain reduction, prevention and a more comfortable delivery. Many Obstetricians & Gynaecologists refer their patients for safe and effective chiropractic care during pregnancy.

Modifications to the adjusting table, specific pregnancy techniques and pelvic exercises are a few of the ways chiropractors tailor treatment to this population. Some women wonder if chiropractic care may be harmful to the pregnancy, while the opposite is true. In fact, all chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women. Chiropractors will also recommend exercises and stretches that can help relieve some of the stresses and pains of pregnancy. Learn about some products that may help Dr. Gerber help you in your health journey.

Q. How does Chiropractic care relate to Wellness?

A. Do you want to increase your wellness and vitality? Health is much more than freedom from disease. To chiropractic patients, wellness is the state of health where your body is free of interruption or interference to any part of your nervous system, enabling you full expression and enjoyment of life. How well you feel is not a dependable indicator of your actual health. True health relies on an active focus on healthy diet, balanced and strong muscles, an environment of minimal physical and emotional distress, exercise, optimal weight and posture, and proper spinal alignment. With health coaching in these areas and chiropractic adjustments, your body is better able to heal itself. Sound good? To book an appointment, contact us at the Courtyard Chiropractic Health Centre.

Q. Can your care help with joint and muscle stiffness?

A. Chiropractic care that may include ART®, laser, other modalities and adjustments can significantly impact the “stiffness” you may experience. “Motion is lotion” for the joints and muscles. Restoring your body’s normal range of motion often eliminates the feeling of stiffness. Registered Massage Therapy is also an excellent option to relieve muscle tension and improve your wellness.

Q. Why would neck adjustments have an effect on anything other than neck pain or headaches?

A. Pain or discomfort in one area of the body may be linked functionally to discomfort arising from another area. That is why treating a problem in one part of the body may relieve symptoms in another part. If you look at a model of the spine, you can see that the spine is an interconnected structure. Adjustment at various points along the structure may be needed to help reduce stress and relieve discomfort on other parts of the spine. Keep in mind that holistic chiropractic care looks at the whole patient not just the “sum of your parts”.

Q. Can chiropractic care help me to feel less stiff?

A. Absolutely. Oftentimes, the presenting complaint of patients is not pain, but stiffness. This annoying symptom can be experienced in the neck, back or extremities. Stiffness may relate to a diagnosis of early degenerative joint changes, tight muscles, restricted joints, and adhesions between tissue layers or repetitive injury tissue damage. All of these causes of stiffness can be successfully addressed by a thorough exam, soft tissue therapy (ART, massage), and joint mobilizations and adjustments. As always, advice may be given about avoiding aggravating factors and home care intervention. Patients are thrilled to discover that they don’t have to “just live with it” any more.

Q. How can chiropractic care help to manage my arthritis?

A. Arthritis/Osteoarthritis (OA) is also known as degenerative joint disease. It is a progressive disorder that can worsen over time as cartilage is lost and bony spurs and cysts develop in the joints. It can appear at the age of 40 and is one of the most common disabilities in older patients. People assume that it is just a part of aging, and there is nothing that can be done about it.
There are interventions available to treat OA that may make you feel better and even reverse some of the damage done. For all joints, “motion is lotion”. This means that even degenerative joints can be healthier when joint capsule adhesions are released through ART® and when joints are gently mobilized into a better range of motion. Laser therapy can help with symptom relief and range of motion also. Dr. Gerber may advise you about a natural approach of supplements, antiinflammatory cream, ice and exercise that can significantly alter your experience of the symptoms of OA and even slow the degenerative progress.

Q. Do chiropractors treat plantar fasciitis?

A. Holistic chiropractors will assess and treat conditions from the ground up! This painful heel and foot condition presents a unique challenge to those who face it. Chiropractic care including ART®, laser therapy, home exercise and advice can help to resolve this aggravating and sometime stubborn condition. Foot biomechanics (gait analysis & orthotics), weight-loss coaching, footwear selection, dietary advice and foot conditioning may be included as part of a comprehensive treatment program. Dr. Gerber has seen great success in treating many patients with this disorder. Find out more about gait analysis and custom made orthotics.

Q. Does chiropractic care help with headaches and migraines?

A.Yes. So many of our Practice Members report significant improvement of these symptoms! Headaches and migraines may be caused or triggered by referred pain from structures in the neck. Several clinical trials indicate that spinal manipulative therapy (chiropractic adjustments) helps in the treatment of migraines and headaches. On top of the physical intervention, your chiropractor can provide you with advice on how to avoid aggravating factors such as postural strain, environmental triggers and stress. Supplements may also be useful in diminishing headaches and migraines.

Q. How can a chiropractor help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS?

A. Chiropractic care can be very effective in treating this condition, and can help to avoid unnecessary surgery. If surgery is necessary, chiropractic care can help in both the preparation and recovery from this procedure.

CTS affects a nerve running through a tunnel formed by bones and soft tissues in the wrist. It is a condition that causes a burning or tingling sensation to radiate up the arm, starting in the palm and fingers. It is generally associated with repetitive motion involving the wrist and is a common symptom in pregnancy. Chiropractic care has been shown to improve carpal tunnel conditions by reducing pain and enhancing wrist strength and range of motion through soft tissue therapy (i.e. ART), laser therapy and mobilizations of the arms, wrists, neck and spine. The nerve can also be compromised as far up as the neck and this “double crush” phenomenon is best assessed and treated by a chiropractor.

Our experts will give you advice on performing repetitive tasks, stretches, sleep posture, ergonomic devices, wrist supports, healthy body weight, exercise and diet. It is also important to check for any underlying conditions that can be associated with carpal tunnel symptoms.

Q. I thought my knee pain was because of running… do I have to give it up to avoid knee damage & symptoms?

A. No. Often symptoms are brought out by activities that are more challenging or taxing on our bodies. Running is one such activity, but not everyone who runs gets knee pain. Therefore, running may not the cause. This means that a thorough assessment of gait, posture, muscle strength and balance, soft tissues around the joint and spinal function is necessary in order to find out what the primary cause is. Knee pain is often as a result of improper tracking of the kneecap (patello-femoral syndrome), poor foot biomechanics (over-pronation) or scar tissue development around the joint. Sometimes referred pain from the hip or a structure that affects both the knee and hip (iliotibial band syndrome) is actually the cause. Releasing adhesions, using healing modalities and correcting biomechanical faults is the role of your chiropractor. Once these issues are addressed, you can lace up again, and get out and enjoy that exercise that your body loves so much.

Q. How will my chiropractor know if I need orthotics?

A. As part of every examination, Dr. Gerber will assess posture. If there are reasons to suspect an alteration in your gait (the way you walk/run), she may suggest a more thorough gait analysis. This will involve looking closely at leg length, pelvic imbalances, foot posture/function, and performing a computerized gait analysis. This will help her to assess your need for custom-made orthotics. She will give you advice on what type of orthotics you need based on the types of shoes you wear, and will decide which modifications should be made to best correct your foot function.

Your feet are your functional foundation and orthotics can play a huge role in symptom resolution and may help to diminish wear and tear on your joints. These effects can be far reaching. Even headaches, neck pain, back pain, hip and knee pain can be positively affected by high quality orthotic wear. Find out more about gait analysis and custom made orthotics

Q. Can chiropractic care help with my posture?

A. Yes. Correcting spinal subluxations, muscle imbalances and poor habits can significantly help to correct postural faults. Advice on home and work habits, and simple tips on how to improve posture can be so helpful. Just knowing how to shift your attention to posture and making minor changes in how you hold your body can take so much unnecessary strain away from the body. Strengthening weak muscles and lengthening tight ones can go a long way to remove mechanical insults and symptoms associated with chronic postural strain.

Q. What is referred pain?

A.This is a term used to describe the phenomenon of pain felt at a site near to or at a distance from the site of an injury’s origin. For example, headaches are frequently caused by structures in the neck. Also, people who are having a heart attack often feel arm symptoms or pain. Gall bladder attacks often present as shoulder pain. It is crutial that your health care provider examines and explains this phenomenon so that the actual cause of symptoms is uncovered and can be effectively treated.

Q. How can chiropractic help with repetitive strain?

A. Repetitive use of equipment such as computer keyboards, factory machinery and other workplace apparatus has lead to a swell in people suffering from tissue damage and pain. A chiropractor is well trained to diagnose these conditions and offer effective treatment and advice. Active Release Techniques will focus on breaking up scar tissue and releasing adhesions between the soft tissue layers. Laser therapy helps with improved healing time and pain reduction. Ergonomic and stretching and strengthening guidance will help to alleviate the causative factors. Spinal adjustments ensure that the nervous system is firing adequately and is that subluxations are not a contributing factor.

Q. Should I see a chiropractor when I’m in a lot of pain?

A. Yes. A chiropractor treats each individual patient with the type of care that is best suited to his or her present condition. With acute pain, oftentimes the initial treatment used is only about reducing pain. Interferential current, laser therapy, ice, anti-inflammatory cream and pain relieving gels go a long way to bringing comfort to patients in severe pain. Once the initial pain is managed, the focus of treatment will shift to causative factors and mechanical changes that need to be addressed. Often patients who walk in doubled over in pain are so happy to leave our office with a significant reduction in their pain, and importantly, a better understanding of their presenting diagnosis.

Q. Can chiropractic care help with menstrual symptoms?

A. Yes. Patients often report improvement in organ related symptoms as a result of normalizing spinal function. When corrections are made through adjustments, the nervous system is able to function more optimally and this can play a vital role in normalizing organs and reducing associated symptoms like painful periods. Combined with in office care, your chiropractor may advise you on caffeine use, exercise, supplements and dietary factors that can contribute to alleviation of your symptoms.

Find out how your condition can benefit from our care, book a spinal check-up today!