FAQ's

Are Chiropractors educated as well as Medical Doctors (MD's) and Osteopaths (DO's)?

To receive the doctor of chiropractic degree, candidates must complete extensive undergraduate prerequisites and four years of graduate-level instruction and internship at an accredited chiropractic institution.  Comprehensive knowledge of all systems of the body and diagnostic procedures enable the DC to thoroughly evaluate a patient, address disorders relating to the spine and determine the need for referral to another health care provider.

I've heard that Chiropractic really doesn't have a scientific basis.  What are the facts?

The practice of Chiropractic is based on sound scientific principles.
The existence of the nervous system as the primary control mechanism of the body is an undisputed scientific fact.  It's relationship with the spine is the focus of the practice of Chiropractic.  The spine develops in utero to privide two primary function: 

    1. Allow for freedom of movement
    2. House and protect the spinal cord

When the vertebrae of the become misaligned through trauma or repetitive injury, two major consequences will result:

    1. The range of motion becomes limited
    2. Spinal nerves emerging from the spinal cord are compromised.  DC's use the term "subluxation" to describe such disruptions.

  Interruption of nerve flow can eventually lead to pain, disability, and an overall decrease in the quality of life.  Conversely, the removal of that interference has been shown to have significant, lasting health benefits.  Through the adjustment of the subluxation, the doctor of Chiropractic endeavors to restore normal nerve expression.  The body is then able to respond appropriately to any imbalance in the system, thus relieving symptoms and restoring health.

Is Chriopractic care expensive?

Doctors of Chiropractic provide effective, low-cost health care for a wide range of conditions.  Studies conducted according to the highest scientific standards and published by organizations not affiliated in any way with chiropractic institutions or associations continue to show the clinical appropriateness and effectiveness of Chiropractic care.  One of the most recent, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health, stated emphatically that:

"On the evidence, particularly the most scientifically valid clinical studies, spinal manipulation applied by Chiropractors is shown to be more effective than alternative treatments for low back pain...There would be highly significant cost savings if more management of low back pain was transferred from physician to Chiropractors."

Could I be hurt by Chirpractic Care?  Is it really safe?

The process of Chiropractic adjustment is a safe, efficient procedure which is performed nearly one million times every working day in the United States.  There is a singular lack of actuarial data that would justify concluding that Chiropractic care is in any way harmful or dangerous.  Chiropractic care is non-invasive, therefore, the body's response to Chiropractic care is far more predictable that its reactions to drug treatments or surgical procedures.  Of the nearly one million adjustemts given every day in this country, complications are exceedingly rare.  Perhaps the best summary statement on the subject of safety was published in 1979 by the Government of New Zealand which established a special commission to study Chiropractic.  They found:

"The conspicuous lack of evidence that Chiropractors cause harm or allow harm to occur through neglect of medical referral can be taken to mean only one thing: that Chiropractors have on the whole an impressive safety record."

What is subluxation?

When one or more of the bones of your spine move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves.

Can a person who had back surgery see a Chiropractor?

Yes.  It's an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original syptoms months or years later.  They then face the prospect of additional surgery.  This too common occurrence is known as "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome."  Chiropractic may help prevent repeated back surgeries.  In fact, if Chiropractic care is initially utilized, back surgery can often be avoided in the first place.

Is it OK to see a Chiropractor if I'm pregnant?

Anytime is a good time for a better functioning nerve system.  Pregnant mothers find that Chirpractic adjustments improve their pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby.  Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient's size, weight, age and condition of health. 

Do Chiropractors treat conditions other than back pain?

Chiropractors provide effective treatment for all types of soft tissue disorders and not just back and neck ailments.  This includes conditions of the joints of the extremities like the ankle, knee and shoulder.  What you may not be aware of is Chirpractic's success in treating a number of non-soft tissue conditions like dysmenorrhea (painful menses), ulcers, migraine headaches, and ear infections in children.  While we cannon claim to cure these conditions, we believe that many of these problems can be mimicked, aggravated and some times caused by disruptions in the nervous system as a result of spinal abnormalities.  By correcting these spinal abnormalities like the vertebral subluxation, Chiropractic has helped thousands of individuals overcome these conditions and regain control of their lives.

I have heard that once I start Chiropractic care, I'll have to continue with it for the rest of my life.  Is this true?

You may have heard the notion that once you go to a Chiropractor you have to keep going back.  Before we anser that uestion, ask yourself how many times you have visited the dentist?  Like most people, you've probably gone dozens of times.  Why?  Quite simply, to prevent your teeth from literally rotting out of your head.  Once Chiropractic care eliminates your pain and rehabilitates the injured tissues we do reccommend that you maintain a schedule of periodic spinal maintenance  Like your dentist and like many of the medical experts and now recognizing, prevention is the key to reducing the recurrences of existing health conditions and minimizing new injuries in the future.  Peridoic Chiropractic care minimizes spinal and nerve stresses, reduces recurrences of old injuries from developing, minimizes degenerative processes, which enhances overall health and wellness.