What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a non-invasive, hands-on health care discipline that focuses on treatment and preventative care for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system and joints.

Who are chiropractors?
Chiropractors are primary care practitioners, trained to develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment / management plan, recommend therapeutic exercise and other non-invasive therapies, and provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counselling.

Visiting a chiropractor
Your treatment from the chiropractor will often include exercise, diet and other healthy living suggestions to help keep you healthy and strong.

What conditions does a Chiropractor treat?
Chiropractors treat problems of the musculoskeletal system. This includes lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, disk herniations, plantar fasciitis, jaw problems, muscle strainsm and sciatica. You do not always have to be in pain to consult a Chiropractor.  You may be interested in prevention of a problem.  You may want to learn more about your body.  You may want to improve your quality of life. These are all good reasons to consider consulting a Chiropractor.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?
Chiropractors are highly skilled in the hands-on art of spinal adjustment.  An adjustment involves applying a specific force in a precise direction to a joint that is troublesome (for instance, it may be locked-up or not moving properly).  The purpose of the adjustment is to help restore a more normal position or motion, often relieving pain. 

What is the cracking sound?
Chiropractic treatment involves the manipulation of joints, with the goal of decreasing pain by improving movement and function within that joint.  When a joint is adjusted (moved), there is a natural change in the internal pressure of that joint.  This change results in the release of gas normally dissolved in the fluid which lubricates the joint.  The release of this gas may produce a "crack" or "pop" sound similar to that produced when you open a can of soda.

Is chiropractic safe?
Research continues to support the safety and efficacy of chiropractic treatment.  Chiropractors do not use drugs or surgery, which have their place but may produce side effects and complications.  As each patient is unique, each treatment and each adjustment is unique as well.  Your age, size, and individual problem will determine which technique(s) will best put you on the road to feeling better.

What kinds of things can chiropractic help me with?
Chiropractors treat problems of the musculoskeletal system. This includes lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, disk herniations, plantar fasciitis, jaw problems, muscle strains and sciatica. You do not always have to be in pain to consult a Chiropractor.  You may be interested in prevention of a problem. You may want to learn more about your body.  You may want to improve your quality of life.  These are all good reasons to consider consulting a Chiropractor.