How It Works

– Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery

– The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.

– Doctors of chiropractic recognize the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient

– Chiropractors are leaders in wellness, often emphasizing to their patients the value of nutrition, exercise and mental health, in addition to the physical care provider in the office

What to Expect

 

Common Conditions

 

FAQ

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?

No. Chiropractors are primary contact health care professionals in all provinces of Canada which means that a patient does not need a referral to make an appointment with a chiropractic doctor and can consult them directly.

Is chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic is a non-invasive, drug-free discipline meaning that the risks associated with it are very low. Adverse effects are very rare and your chiropractor will assess you individually for any risks before commencing treatment.

Is chiropractic covered by my provincial health plan in Nova Scotia?

In the province of Nova Scotia chiropractic is not covered by provincial health care. However, most federal government departments, all workers’ compensation boards and most employer and third party insurance plans cover chiropractic services.  Contact your insurance carrier for more details.

What type of education does a chiropractor have?

Chiropractors are trained as primary health care practitioners with an emphasis on diagnosing and treating neuromusculoskeletal conditions. To obtain a doctor of chiropractic degree you are required to have a minimum of 3 years post-graduate education with a further 4 years of study at a recognized chiropractic Institute.  In Canada there is a French speaking program at Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres and an English program at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. More than half of all chiropractors practicing in Canada have graduated from either of these schools with the remainder studying in the USA or abroad.

Is chiropractic appropriate for infants?

The birthing process is one of the most traumatic and physical events in a child’s life which can lead to an imbalance in muscles and joint restrictions. Infants can also benefit from the extremely gentle treatment of chiropractors and there is clinical evidence to show that such conditions as infant torticollis and colic may be improved thru chiropractic. Studies in this area are ongoing to verify the effects seen in clinical practice.

Is chiropractic appropriate for children?

Children make great candidates for chiropractic treatment. With their active lifestyles, many bumps and falls can lead to pain and discomfort.  Treatments are always adjusted for the specific individual and in the case of children, it is very gentle.

Are neck adjustments by chiropractors safe?

Spinal manipulation for neck pain and headaches is found to be one of the safest treatments when compared to other common treatments. However, all health interventions have the potential for adverse effects. There have been studies in the past to suggest that there is a very small chance, 1 in 1-5 million adjustments, that a stoke or stroke-like symptoms may result. A recent study in 2008 found that there is no increased risk to those visiting a chiropractor compared with those visiting another primary care physician (Spine , 2008).

Does adjusting the neck require moving it beyond its normal range?

No. If a neck adjustments is recommended it is because the joints in the neck are moving in a limited range and so the adjustment improves function and range of motion of the joint while reducing pain. This is all done within normal range of motion of the neck, often less than you would use when backing up your car.

What is the difference between physicians and chiropractors?

In the same way that a dentist is trained primarily in oral health, chiropractors are trained on neuromusculoskeletal health.  These professions, along with physicians and some others, are all primary health care professionals who work together on the health care spectrum. All are entitled to use the title “Doctor”, MD is for medical doctor just as DC is for doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors are not a substitute for traditional medical care but offer a complementary drug and surgery-free alternative.

Can chiropractors treat common colds, earaches, asthma and other aliments?

Chiropractic treatments cannot cure any of these conditions but may provide some relief to the secondary or referred pain that one experiences through the neuromusculoskeletal system from conditions like these and many others. Studies are continuously being carried out to find clinical and quantitative support for the relief that many patients feel secondary to chiropractic treatments.

What results should I expect from chiropractic treatment?

Depending on your specific condition, your age, and whether it is acute or chronic, you may expect different results from chiropractic treatment. After a thorough history and physical, your chiropractor will explain how many treatments you may need and how long until you can anticipate feeling better. Conditions that came on quickly often resolve faster than those that have been long standing or those which are constantly being re-aggravated such as repetition at work. In general, you should anticipate a decrease in pain/discomfort with an increase in range of motion and functioning as a result from chiropractic.

If I start going for chiropractic treatment do I always have to go?

No. Once a person benefits from chiropractic care they certainly do not have to continuously come in for care. However, most people notice a valuable difference in how they feel and how their body is able to function when being treated occasionally on a maintenance basis rather than waiting until they are in pain again. Maintenance care varies with the type of lifestyle that you lead and your health care goals. Typical chiropractic maintenance can be from once every few weeks to once every few months. You can discuss an option that works for you with your chiropractor. Just as have your teeth cleaned and checked occasionally to prevent cavities or you see your eye doctor annually to prevent eye disease, you should have your spine checked regularly. It is every bit as susceptible to wear and tear as your eyes and teeth but the symptoms may be more vague in nature telling you something is wrong.

Is chiropractic painful?

Chiropractic treatment is generally not painful as our doctors are trained to use gentle techniques.  Depending on the severity of your specific condition, you may experience slight discomfort during the exam and/or treatment.

Will I have to remove my clothes for a chiropractic treatment?

Most treatments / examinations do not requre the removal of clothing.  However depending on the area being treated, it may be necessary in certain situations to remove some clothing.  We will only ask you to remove clothes if necessary, and we provide gowns for patients to wear if needed.