Body Ailments & Descriptions Acupuncture

What does the word "chiropractic" mean?

The word comes from ancient Greek and means “done by hand”.

What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement, usually applied by hand, to a joint of the body (usually the spine).  Adjustments loosen the joint to restore proper motion and optimize function.  It also relieves any pressure or tension on the spinal cord and the nerves that exit the spine.  When a joint is adjusted, a gas bubble escapes causing a popping noise, called a “cavitation”.

What is the education of a chiropractor?

Following the completion of a university degree, a chiropractor must then complete a rigorous four-year education program and pass comprehensive Canadian qualifying board examinations in order to become a licensed doctor.  The subjects and number of classroom hours is very similar to that of a medical doctor, and in the US, chiropractors are utilized as primary health care providers in many of the states.  In every province, chiropractors are regulated health professionals and are governed by the licensing college that protects the public and sets the standards of practice for the profession.

How is your spinal column and nervous system related?

Your brain sends messages to your body via the spinal cord and nerves.  There are millions of nerve fibers that travel all over your body to various different tissues and organs.  The nervous system is made up of your brain, spinal cord and nerves.  Your skull and spinal column are the bones which protect the delicate tissue of the nervous system, so it is important that they, too, are protected.  Occasionally, your spinal column becomes unbalanced.  When this occurs it may put stress on your bones, spinal cord, and nerves causing pain, fatigue, weakness, of loss of health or wholeness (dis-ease).  Chiropractic adjustments can ensure proper alignment and mobility of the spinal bones, thus helping to remove stress from your nervous system and help restore health and wholeness to your body.

How often should I receive chiropractic care?

Depending on the chronicity and the symptoms associated with the problem, some patients may receive adjustments multiple times during the week for many weeks.  Others respond quickly to the effects of the adjustment and “hold” the benefits longer, so they space out their appointments accordingly.  Lifestyle habits may also “sabotage” the positive effects of chiropractic care, and some patients need more regular care to keep their symptoms at bay.  Each individual differs in how often they will need to receive care, but one thing in common with patients is that after receiving regular care, they become much more “in tune” with their body and won’t let their condition worsen by waiting.

Will I become “dependent” on chiropractic?

No one has ever become “addicted” or “dependent” on chiropractic care.  What happens is that a patient may experience benefits that, prior to receiving chiropractic care, they had never had before with other health care.  The patient then gains knowledge about how their body works, how it responds to stress and injury, and what needs to be done to correct the cause of any health concerns they may have.  Patients learn not to wait until the problem becomes a crisis, thus, if they responded well to chiropractic then they would naturally come to choose this drug-free approach to many of their health concerns. Regular care can keep the nervous system operating optimally and address any new conditions that may arise in the natural course of our lives.  Chiropractic care is for people of all ages, from infants to seniors.  The only thing “addictive” is feeling great after an adjustment and the lasting health benefits that you’ll receive from safe, effective, and drug-free chiropractic!

Can chiropractic adjustments to the neck cause stroke?

No.
The most recent research into the safety of neck adjustments confirms the safety of this procedure.  In fact, one reported that the probability of stroke caused by a cervical adjustment was equal to that of a office visit to your family physician!  Neck adjustment is performed well within the normal turning range of the head.  There is less movement than it takes to look over your shoulder.  It is skill---not strength that is needed to perform a safe, effective adjustment.

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