Chiropractic is a health care discipline which 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 (the spine and extremities, arm and legs) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.
The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The brain is divided into sections and stores and receives an incredible amount of information. But this information needs a way to get in and out. Nerves provide a pathway for this information to travel, and the spinal cord is made up of bundles of these nerves. The spine both houses and protects the spinal cord. Nerve dysfunction can result from any number of factors, such as falls, accidents, stress, tension, or over-use. These events can alter our “wiring” and create pain or discomfort in our bodies.
Chiropractors are trained to locate the source of the pain or discomfort — it may actually be far from the actual location where the symptom is occurring — and then we correct or adjust the joints in the body and set it up to heal on its own. Of course, the type of correction or adjustment employed by the chiropractor depends on the condition being treated. The important thing to remember is that chiropractic success occurs by addressing the source of the problem, not just masking the symptoms.
Because helping the body heal itself involves many facets, chiropractors also provide lifestyle advice to help prevent illness and injury. Diet & nutrition, fitness, ergonomics, and other areas in your life contribute, or diminish, your overall health. By making the right choices, one can live a life full of wellness and vitality.
What do Chiropractors do?
Chiropractors specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the neuromusculoskeletal system. Although this typically involves focusing on the biomechanics of the spine, chiropractors are also proficient at evaluating all other joints and muscles of the body. Treatment is hands-on and usually includes spinal and extremity manipulations, also known as adjustments, as well as soft tissue treatments, exercise prescription, and lifestyle recommendations. The intent of spinal and extremity manipulation is to introduce movement to joints with restricted motion, with the result of decreasing pain and improving motion at the joint of interest.
What can Chiropractic treat?
- Overuse injuries
- Low back pain
- Disc injuries
- Whiplash
- Sciatica
- Shin splints
- Headaches
- Neck Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Sports injuries
- Strains and Sprains
- Postural imbalances
What are the benefits of a Chiropractic treatment?
Chiropractic joint manipulation ensures that joints move freely and can function properly by slightly opening the joint being treated, thereby normalizing motion-sensitive nerves, blocking pain and reducing muscle spasms. Joint manipulation can be a key therapeutic aid to achieving proper joint function and pain management.
How is a Chiropractic adjustment performed?
During a manipulation, the patient is positioned in a way that isolates the involved joint and a gentle thrust is applied. This moves or separates the joint surfaces, restoring full motion of the joint and decreasing associated muscle tension.
Why is a Chiropractic adjustment effective?
Chiropractic joint manipulation is effective because it aims to restore normal and healthy joint function. In order to function properly, joints must move freely, and, usually, they do. Under unrestricted conditions, the nerves in and around the joints sense motion and relay important information to the spinal cord and brain. However, if motion is altered or reduced, nerves can relay inaccurate or insufficient information about a joint’s motion. When this happens, as is often the case in sudden injury or overuse, pain occurs. As the pain increases, the nerves create a guarding reflex that causes the surrounding muscles to tighten and spasm. Chiropractic manipulation normalizes joint movement so that correct nerve information is relayed to the spinal cord and brain.
Does extended insurance cover Chiropractic care?
Yes. WSIB and most insurance providers will recognize chiropractic care as a primary health care treatment. A receipt will be issued to you at the end of each treatment. If you don’t have an extended health care plan, save your receipts for income tax purposes.
