Frequently Asked Questions

What Do Chiropractic Doctors Do?

Helping to restore proper spinal biomechanics and improved nervous system function begins with a case history. This gives the doctor a background about your health, such as surgeries, accidents, the onset of your condition, and other details affecting your current health.

After reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem, a thorough orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination is performed. X-rays may be taken to uncover structural and functional problems associated with the spinal column. These examinations help identify areas of spinal malfunction and resulting nervous system deficit.

The findings of these examinations are explained and a plan of chiropractic adjustments may be recommended. Progress is monitored with periodic examinations and follow-up reports.

Since the word "doctor" comes from the Latin word meaning teacher, regardless of your doctor's unique clinical approach, he or she has a strong commitment to patient education.

What is Chiropractic? How does it work?  

Chiropractic is a wholistic, science driven, profession aimed at restoring normal biomechanical and nervous function. The philosophy behind chiropractic is based on the body's natural ability to heal itself and resist disease and illness.

Rather than treat the symptoms of a problem, like many prescription medications do, chiropractic facilitates healing by treating the root of the problem, removing any interference, and restoring normal biomechanical function.

A chiropractor's primary treatment utilizes manipulation, or "chiropractic adjustments". These adjustments are typically performed to the joints of the vertebral column, which helps restore normal function at these joints. Due to the intimate relationship between the spinal cord, the spinal nerves and the vertebral column, restoring normal function to the spine has far ranging affects resulting from improved nervous system function. The "adjustments" are safer than most other types of treatments for the same problems, and are typically comfortable to receive.

In summary, chiropractic works by identifying the root cause of a problem, and correcting the function of those tissues, thereby allowing the body to heal itself. It is a natural, non-invasive, drug-free approach to healing.

Do I Have a Slipped Disc?

Technically, a disc can't "slip".

The intervertebral disc is the tissue between individual vertebrae in your back. Their presence creates the flexible spine you enjoy, otherwise it would be a bony rod. Healthy discs help allow normal turning and bending and are primarily made of a type of cartilage called, fibrocartilage. As the name implies, fibrocartilage is fibrous. When these fibers are stretched too much, or in the wrong directions they can become damaged or inflamed.

Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebrae above and below, a disc cannot "slip". However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause the damage to the fibrocartilage which can lead to tears, buldges, herniations, or worse, ruptures. These can be extremely painful, as the soft center of the disc leaks, putting pressure on the adjacent nerve roots and spinal cord.

While results cannot be guaranteed, many patients have avoided unnecessary surgery or a dependancy on dangerous pain medication, by choosing chiropractic care for their disc-related health problem.

Do I have a Pinched Nerve?

Many patients consult a chiropractic doctor because they think they have a pinched nerve.

Because of the way your spine is designed, abnormal spinal function caused from physical trauma, emotional tensions, or chemical toxins can affect the delicate tissues of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

While commonly associated with the spine, the pinched nerve (compressive lesion) is actually rare. Researchers suggest that only 10% to 15% of spine related problems are caused by direct pressure of bone on nerve tissue! This can result in numbness, burning, or a "pins and needles" feeling.

More frequently, nerves are irritated (facilitative lesion). This is caused when nerve tissue is rubbed, scraped, stretched by a loss of spinal curve, or irritated by malfunctioning spinal joints.

These spinal joints themselves are often the culprits when someone thinks they have a "pinched nerve".

What is an adjustment, and does it hurt?  

An adjustment is a highly controlled, very quick, precise force applied to very specific areas of the spine. Usually, there is a "popping" noise heard when the adjustment is performed. This noise is nothing more than gas bubbles forming within the joint as the pressure drops inside the joint due to its suddenly increased volume. The goal of the adjustment is to improve and restore function of the joint and to stimulate the nervous system. Occasionally, an adjustment can be uncomfortable, but under normal circumstances, it is painless, and can often provide immediate relief.

Can children be helped with chiropractic?  

Yes! The youngest child I treated was a two week old. There are several conditions that may be a result of birth trauma. Some of the more common conditions I see with kids are neck pain, asthma, headaches, and colic. Although these conditions are often treated medically, they also tend to respond quickly and effectively to gentle chiropractic adjustments. As kids get older, the often hurt themselves playing sports and will also experience "growing pains." Chiropractic care can definitely be an important component of a child's health care.

What is subluxation?  

The word as it is used by chiropractors, is unique to the chiropractic profession. It is used to describe the changes that occur at a spinal joint to all of the different tissues involved. A spinal subluxation is a combination of a vertebral misalignment, or fixation, muscle spasm, and abnormal neurological function that may influence organ system functions and general health.

If I go to the Chiropractor will I have to go the rest of my life?  

Chiropractic care can be used in many different ways. Some just use it when they have an injury or feel sore, or tight, but many others use chiropractic care to maintain a healthy spine and proper nervous system function. How you chose to use chiropractic is entirely dependant on you and your personal health care goals and choices.

"Why should I go to a Chiropractor?"  

Because having a healthy spinal column makes good common sense. Chiropractic care offers you the chance to take an active role in preventing degenerative changes to your spine and maintain a body that is resistant to injury and disease. Even though you may "feel fine", chiropractic helps identify and remove problems before they become problems. Much the way a dentist helps identify early dental changes and cavities before they become serious oral health problems. It boils down to whether you want to FEEL healthy, or actually BE healthy.

Do I need a referral from my medical doctor to see a Doctor of Chiropractic?

No referral is necessary in Alberta to see a chiropractor. A Doctor of Chiropractic is a primary health care professional and therefore able to diagnose and refer as needed.

Chiropractic for pregnancy?  

Absolutely! The extra weight and pressure, combined with the hormonal changes, increases the stress placed on the spine's holding elements. It is not surprising that the low back pain suffered by so many mothers-to-be is alleviated by chiropractic care, especially when pharmacological remedies may have effects on the unborn baby.

Do I have to come in for more than one treatment?   

That depends on your goals, a single treatment can relieve the tension and/or pain from some conditions, BUT one adjustment cannot reverse a lifetime of compensating for day-to-day stresses. Your chiropractor will often prescribe a treatment schedule that spans a specific period of time. Because each person is an individual, so is each treatment schedule.

I've heard that once you go to a chiropractor, you have to go forever. Is that true?  

No. Each individual responds differently to care. We will tailor a treatment plan to your specific condition and response to care. However, once your symptoms disappear, you may be tempted to quit care. It is important to understand that even though your symptoms are gone, this does not necessarily mean that your problems are corrected.

Who needs Chiropractic care?  

Everyone if you have spinal misalignment you are a candidate for care. People that have spinal misalignments include you, me, children, the elderly, and everyone in between.