“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.” – Ontario Chiropractic Association

No, only the joint space that is “stuck” will receive an adjustment for more mobility and range of motion.

The number of treatments vary with each patient and it also depends on their health history and other factors. After a thorough assessment with your health practitioner, he/she will give you a better idea of the treatment plan providing you with the information of how many times you should come in and how often.

No. Some people are mistaken when they make the same “pop” sound as their chiropractor they think they are adjusting themselves. But the truth is when you are “adjusting” yourself you are actually pulling on the joint that is hypermobile, meaning excess of a normal range of motion. You might feel good at that time but you are loosening your joints too much making your spine unstable and unhealthy, which would lead to chronic pain. When a chiropractor adjusts you, they assess and palpate first, they look for the joint that is hypomobile, meaning stiff, and they would only adjust that specific joint so that you can get more range of motion and feel more comfortable. Thus, even chiropractors cannot adjust themselves.

Jelly-like center called nucleus pulposus separates the bones of each spinal joint. Overtime the jelly-like material decreases as you age. By getting adjusted it prevents the joint space from decreasing that jelly-like material. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound which is air/gas releasing from the joint space like opening a can of pop. The sound is interesting, but it is not a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment. Some people would think that the sound seems painful but according to patients who have gotten adjusted, they say it’s painless and a great immediate relief.

Yes. Chiropractic is safe for people of all ages. Whether you want to maintain your health or have a specific health concern, the chiropractor will take it into consideration and provide a treatment plan that would be best suitable for you.

Pain of any kind, at any age, is a sign that something is not right. Pain is the way your body signals that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. Since we can adapt to minor aches, pain is often shrugged off and not giving it enough attention. While they may go away, if the underlying problem remains unattended, the problem can gradually worsen and become more difficult to resolve.

“No. Chiropractors are legislated as primary care professionals in every province in Canada. This means that patients can consult them directly. However, chiropractors often work closely with medical doctors, many of whom refer to chiropractors when they believe chiropractic treatment will help alleviate a patient’s condition. Similarly, chiropractors frequently refer to medical doctors when necessary.” – Ontario Chiropractic Association