Introduction:
Chiropractic is a hands-on health profession that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the spine, other bones, muscles, and the nervous system. Chiropractors believe in finding and eliminating the cause of the pain, rather than simply treating the symptoms of pain. Chiropractors implement drug-free, non-invasive, conservative treatments, including the use of safe spinal manipulation, physical therapy modalities, preventative exercise programs and foot orthotics to treat a wide variety of conditions.
1. What type of education do chiropractors receive?
Chiropractors spend 4 years at an accredited chiropractic college, preceded by a minimum of three years of university courses in qualifying subjects. Graduates then must pass rigorous national and provincial licensing board examinations.
2. Who should be treated and who can benefit from chiropractic care?
Chiropractic is safe for people of all ages. Whether you want to maintain your health, improve your health or need to address a specific health concern or injury, your chiropractor will devise and implement a customized treatment plan or wellness program that is best suited for you.
3. What is the purpose of a chiropractic adjustment?
The objective of the chiropractic adjustment is to get the joint to move properly, which results in an increased range of motion, reduced nerve irritability, reduced muscle spasm, reduced pain and improved function. Adjustments are often accompanied by an audible release of gas in the spinal joints that sounds like a “crack” or “pop”.
4. What causes the popping noise?
The popping noise is the sound of nitrogen gas intentionally released from the joint fluid when two vertebrae or motion segments are mobilized in a safe and specific manner. The same noise can be heard when cracking your knuckles.
5. Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
Chiropractic care is a very safe, conservative and effective approach for treating ailments that occur during pregnancy. Many women experience posterior pelvic pain, upper back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome (to name a few) which can all be treated with gentle techniques and exercises.
6. Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Children of all ages benefit from chiropractic care, whether treatment is required due to a sports injury, growing pain, biomechanical issue or Osgood-Sclatter disease (to name a few). Like adults, all injuries or dysfunctions in children can be treated in a similar manner. The same treatment regimens used with adults such as adjustments, soft tissue mobilization and exercise therapy are very effective in treating children. Orthotics are also prescribed for children with gait and biomechanical dysfunctions.
7. Is chiropractic care covered by OHIP?
Chiropractic care is no longer covered by OHIP. Most patients have Extended Health Care Plans through their employer which covers chiropractic under their policy. Please call you extended health insurance company to find out more about your coverage.
If you were hurt at work, and are putting in a claim in to WSIB, Dr. Tania will work directly with WSIB regarding your claim and the clinic will bill WSIB directly for your care.
The same applies for motor vehicle accidents. If you were hurt in a car accident, Dr. Tania will work with your car insurance company directly to provide the necessary care. The clinic will bill the auto insurance company directly for your care.