Questions everyone wants to ask a Chiropractor

As a Chiropractor there are many questions that I get asked on a day-to-day basis about what I do, my role in the health care system and most importantly, how I can help you!

Information is key to make the right decision for you so let’s discuss how Chiropractic care may be a beneficial addition to your health care team.

Here are some of the questions I commonly get asked:

What is a Chiropractor?

A Chiropractor is an expert on diagnosing, preventing and treating conditions related to the musculoskeletal and nervous system. If you have any physical injury or pain that you want to address or would like a proactive check-up of how your body is functioning, a Chiropractor will be a great health care professional to go to.

Do you only treat the spine?

While the spine is a central focus for chiropractors, we also treat headaches, postural strains, workplace physical demands, acute/chronic injuries and pain to extremities such as hips, shoulders, knees, wrists.

What is an adjustment and how does it help?

An adjustment is a quick and gentle movement to any joint of the body including the spine and extremities.

Adjustments can help reduce pain, improve posture and restore movement to a joint restricted due to physical demands on the body, poor posture, acute/chronic injury.

Do you adjust or “crack” every patient?

Not everyone - After a thorough physical exam and collaborative discussion on what is best for your treatment plan, we will decide together if adjustments will be included in your plan of care.

What is the “pop”/ “crack” sound? Is it painful?

As we improve joint movement with an adjustment, you might hear a pop sound. This sound comes from the tiny gas bubbles released from the joint as it moves.

An adjustment is not painful - the real goal is to improve motion of the joint and release tension built up in the joint.

Other than adjustments, how do you treat patients?

A treatment plan is always tailored to each patient so I have a toolbox of treatment styles to find what works best for you. This can include mobilizations to the joints, soft tissue therapy, rehab exercises/stretches or modalities such as Laser therapy or shockwave therapy.

How much schooling do you have to go through to become a Chiropractor?

Chiropractors complete a 4 year undergraduate degree and a 4 year Doctor of Chiropractic degree to fulfill their schooling requirements. They also complete national board exams to become licensed to practice Chiropractic.

How old does a patient have to be to see a Chiropractor?

Chiropractors see patients of all ages! From a newborn assessment and going through their milestones of adolescence to adults trying to maintain their mobility, reduce pain or prevent injury, my goal is to get patients of all ages feeling their best.

I don’t have any pain, should I still see a Chiropractor?

We go through each day putting many physical demands on our body from working long hours at a desk, running after our kids, playing sports, cooking, cleaning, driving etc. Undoubtedly this puts strains on our physical bodies however pain is often the last signal to your brain telling you that something is going on.

A check-up on how your body is functioning can be so beneficial to improve your physical function before the cycle of pain begins. Just as one brushes their teeth everyday and regularly sees the dentist every 4-6 months for a check-up, a similar approach of care for our musculoskeletal system, being proactive is a great approach towards feeling even better every day.