What to expect

An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustment loosens the joint to restore proper movement and optimize function.

When a joint is adjusted, a gas bubble escapes causing the popping noise you may have heard about.

Chiropractic adjustment techniques have been researched extensively. Complications are rare and side-effects, such as temporary soreness, are usually minor. Your chiropractor is well-trained to determine if your problem will respond to chiropractic care or if you require referral to another health care provider

Eight out of ten Canadians will experience back pain at some point in their life. For many people, the pain can keep them away from work, school or even their day-to-day activities. If pain causes interruptions and restrictions in the activities of your daily life then you should consult a health care provider. Chiropractors are regulated primary care professionals, are highly educated and extensively trained to assess, diagnosis, treat and prevent conditions disorders of the spine, joints, muscle and nervous systems. These disorders may include back pain, neck pain, headaches, referring pain in your arms and legs, etc. Many patients seek chiropractic treatment for wellness care. Others, like seniors, find that treatment helps them to maintain mobility and good range of motion. Pain should never become a way of life, especially when there is qualified help available. There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care: Work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores, even the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and spinal problems. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic care can help you maintain healthy spine and joint function. Here are some of the most common reasons why more than 4 million Canadians visit a chiropractor each year:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Headache
• Whiplash
• Strains and sprains from daily activities
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Work and sports-related injuries
• Arthritis
• Restricted movement in the back, shoulders, neck or limbs
• General health and well-being

Adjustment (or manipulation) of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound. The same thing occurs when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint, which results in gas bubbles being released. There is usually minimal, if any, discomfort involved.

The number of adjustments you will need varies with each client and their individual health goals. Many clients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits with a reduction of pain or other symptoms. Visits are reduced in frequency as your spine stabilises and you regain mobility and improved function. In chronic cases, healing can take months or even years. Many clients continue with their care even after they feel and function better, in order to maintain the benefits and reduce the likelihood of the condition recurring.

All childbirth methods can negatively impact an infant’s spine. Studies suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Paediatric adjustments are extremely gentle. A sleeping child or infant usually won’t even wake during an adjustment. A typical toddler or child can fall multiple times in any given day. For the most part these falls do not cause serious harm but in some cases they can cause spinal problems. Many childhood health complaints are brushed off as “growing pains” can often be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults. In this office the children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and parents share that they seem healthier than other children.

More and more people are consulting chiropractic doctors, especially in their later years. With concerns about -medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Many patients report improvements with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments. Your chiropractor will modify their adjusting technique for maximum comfort and results.

Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care

Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short period of time most patients sense enough progress to fully complete their doctor’s recommendations.

Chiropractic care can:

• Improve movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso
• Improve your posture
• Provide relief from headaches, neck and back pain
• Help prevent work-related muscle and joint injuries
• Lead to enhanced athletic performance
• Improve your flexibility and range of motion
• Relieve pregnancy-related back ache
• Correct gait and foot problems

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of headache, and neck and back pain. It has an excellent safety record. However, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. Even common over-the-counter medicines carry a risk. Most patients experience immediate relief following an adjustment, however, some may experience temporary pain, stiffness or slight swelling. Some patients may also experience temporary dizziness, local numbness, or radiating pain. However, adverse effects associated with spinal adjustment are typically minor and short-lived. Informed consent Prior to starting treatment, all health professionals are required by law to obtain informed consent to treatment from their patients. Health care consumers must receive adequate and accurate information to assist them in evaluating their health care choices, and in balancing the relative risks of treatment options with the benefits. The chiropractic profession takes this responsibility seriously and has been a leader in obtaining informed consent.