Chiropractic adjustments are designed to correct subluxations, or areas along your spine that are not in alignment. To do this, your Chiropractor applies gentle pressure to the bone to unlock it from its improper position. Many people think the chiropractor “forces” the vertebrae back into its proper place, but this is not the case. Once the bone responds to the pressure and is unlocked from its subluxated position, it is free to re-align itself correctly. Chiropractors learn and use a variety of adjustment techniques so that they can perform safe, specific adjustments customized to your individual needs.

Because most adjustment techniques emphasize the use of gentle pressure and minimal force, it is rare to feel any discomfort during the adjustment. If patients are very tense and involuntarily stiffen to resist the adjustment, they might feel slight discomfort, but only until their bodies relax. As well, it is normal for “popping” sounds to be heard during an adjustment. Many people mistake these sounds for bones moving or “popping” back into place, which is not the case. The unusual sounds are caused by gas and fluid in the joints shifting as they are being adjusted, which is completely normal. Many patients report feeling a tremendous sense of relief, relaxation and improved well being following an adjustment.

Chiropractic is recognized as one of the safest types of health care in the world. The World Health Organization states that “employed skillfully and appropriately, Chiropractic care is safe and effective for the prevention and management of a number of health problems.” In 1993, the Canadian Government responded to public demand to include Chiropractic as a covered benefit. The Ontario Ministry of Health hired a renowned health care economist to undertake a comprehensive study of the safety and effectiveness of Chiropractic care. In 1994, Dr. Pran Manga, PhD released the “Manga report” which concluded that “there is no clinical or case-control study that demonstrates or even implies that chiropractic spinal manipulation is unsafe in the treatment of low-back pain”.

The source of public concern in this regard is a condition known as vertebral artery syndrome (VAS), which occurs when sudden head movements disrupt the blood flow in the vertebral artery, possibly leading to stroke. The risk of this complication arising from upper cervical (or neck) manipulation by a chiropractor is extremely remote. Up to 75% of chiropractic patients receive cervical manipulation as part of their individual chiropractic care. It may be performed as part of your care for total spinal health and wellness, or for specific causes such as muscle tension and stiffness, headache or injury. After a detailed history and examination, if there is any indication that you would be at risk, your chiropractor will not include a neck adjustment in your treatment.

The core curriculum that chiropractors study is similar to that which is taught in medical school. Chiropractors complete 4 years of graduate study, including over 4,500 hours of combined study in anatomy, physiology, neurology, microbiology, pathology, radiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pediatrics, geriatrics, nutrition, physical and laboratory diagnosis, as well as many hours of training in spinal manipulation and adjustment. Chiropractic institutions grant the “Doctor of Chiropractic” degree. Post doctoral training is also available for Chiropractors who wish to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, orthopedics, neurology, sports injuries, rehabilitation, nutrition, radiology, and applied chiropractic sciences.

The number of adjustments needed will vary from patient to patient depending on the nature of the problem and how quickly you respond to your care. Consistent visits at the beginning of your Chiropractic care help to create the momentum necessary to correct your spine. As your spine stabilizes and your health improves, the number of visits needed decreases. Your Chiropractor will work with you to recommend a program of care suited to your needs, with your health goals in mind. Maintenance care is always suggested for continued spinal health.

As often as is needed! Your Chiropractor will determines a program of care which best suits your needs, and will recommend the frequency of adjustments accordingly. Even if you do not feel like you are having problems, the health of your spine should always be checked, just as you get your teeth checked. Subluxations of the spine, like cavities can often be present for long periods of time before symptoms appear.

Many patients feel great after completing a program of Chiropractic care and choose to continue with a maintenance program. Maintenance visits help support the final stages of healing and also help to detect and resolve new problems before they become serious.

The activator is an instrument used to replace manual adjustments. It is often used on children, those with osteoporosis, or patients who prefer a lighter, low force adjustment.

Yes! Chiropractors spend much of their education and training on the study of pediatrics. They learn adjustment techniques focused exclusively on smaller frames of children, and how to deliver adjustments in a gentle manner which children respond well to.

Chiropractic care is essential for children as childhood is the most active stage in our lives. The jumping, falling, running and bumping of normal childhood activities can cause spinal misalignments which can lead to health problems. Sitting in desks at school, computer activities, and participation in dance, gymnastics and sporting activities can also cause spinal stress. With a healthy spinal column, a child’s body can better deal with the headaches, sore throats, ear infections, stomach aches, fevers, measles, mumps, bedwetting, growing pains and many other problems that affect children. Chiropractic adjustments can also improve the neurological and emotional health of children. This includes children with learning disabilities, anxiety, concentration and attention problems, hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, discipline problems and low IQ.

The birth process can be very traumatic for newborn babies. It is common for babies as young as one day old to receive spinal adjustments, especially after a difficult birth. Chiropractic adjustments can be very effective for treating infant colic and fussing. Also babies develop and begin to sit, crawl and walk it is important to ensure their spines are functioning properly.

“As the twig is bent so grows the tree.”

Definitely! Pregnant women benefit greatly from Chiropractic care, and have since the inception of Chiropractic. Pregnant women undergo many structural and hormonal changes that affect the spine, nerves, joints, ligaments, connective tissue, and center of gravity and stability. Chiropractors can ensure that the spinal column, pelvis and related structures are free from subluxations or misalignments and are balanced and moving freely and easily. Adjustments can also help control pregnancy related vomiting, and by relieving stress on the pelvis and uterus, help the fetus to turn and position itself properly for an easier birth.

Anyone with disc problems, especially if faced with the prospect of spinal surgery should get at least one opinion from a Chiropractor before deciding on further care. While spinal surgery is occasionally necessary in cases of trauma or severe bone, disc and nerve destruction, the vast majority of people with low back pain and/or sciatica never need it. Often those who do have surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. Chiropractic can provide relief from the returning symptoms and often prevent the necessity of repeated operations.

The desire to “crack” or “pop” the neck or back is caused by tension from a jammed vertebra. This causes another part of the spine to compensate by moving too much creating this cracking or popping. The jammed vertebra should be adjusted by a Chiropractor so that the rest of the spinal column is balanced and the tension is properly corrected. Even chiropractors seek the services of a colleague to adjust their vertebra and realign their spines.

Yes, Alberta Health Care is subsidizing Chiropractic Care for SENIORS ONLY.  Other options are available through extended health plans. Please contact the office for questions.