Chiropractic involves the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the neurological, muscular, and skeletal systems. Treatments can include manual therapy including spinal manipulative therapy/adjustments, soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilizations, myofascial release along with many other rehabilitative, functional and movement-based exercises and techniques.
Chiropractors can successfully treat and manage conditions that range from chronic postural dysfunctions, headaches, osteoarthritis, peripheral nerve entrapments, and repetitive strain injuries, to acute joint irritations, sprains and strains, and foot pain/dysfunction to name a few. The majority of conditions relating to the musculoskeletal system can be positively managed to some degree via chiropractic care. Most people associate chiropractors with the treatment of low back pain or neck pain but the truth of the matter is that chiropractors are specialists responsible for treating conditions all over the body and treat far more than just the spine.
An adjustment is a high velocity and low amplitude movement usually applied by the doctor’s hands to a joint in the patient’s body. Adjustments restore joint motion and optimize function. During an adjustment, theory suggests that the joint surfaces are gapped, creating an intra-articular vacuum that draws gas into the joint producing vibrations in addition to the ‘pop’ sound. This noise, combined with the gapping of one or multiple facet joints is thought to directly relate to the clinical effects of the adjustment in numerous ways. Whether through the break-up of connective tissue adhesions within the joint, stimulation of afferent nerve fibers in the joint capsule or surrounding musculature, or a neurological or immunological reflex, it is thought that joint gapping and cavitation can both result in clinical and measurable effects. This “popping” phenomenon is the same as when you open a carbonated beverage and the pressure changes from high to low.
Doctors of Chiropractic, or Chiropractors diagnose, treat and prevent mechanical disorders of the joints, muscles and nerves of the body. Research shows that chiropractic care is safe and effective. Chiropractors study for at least seven years in order to achieve their Chiropractic degree. Most Chiropractic colleges involve a four-year program and students must complete at least three years of undergraduate university education prior to this.
No referral from a medical doctor is needed prior to seeing a Chiropractor. Chiropractors are Primary Health Care Providers. All you need to do is call and book an appointment. Treatments are covered by most Extended Health Insurance Plans.
