posture is the window to your health
Discover how regular chiropractic care can help you today.
Millions of Canadians see a chiropractor for spinal problems and injuries each year. Early chiropractic treatment reduces the need for prescription drugs and can help you avoid surgery. It can also help prevent problems before they begin. Below are some common questions and answers to help you better understand how chiropractic treatment affects you and your health.
about chiropractic
how does chiropractic care work?
The spine is home to our nervous system, which is the communication system between your brain and all of your body's muscles, organs and tissues. Think of your brain as a central command post, sending and receiving information through telephone wires (your nerves), which branch out to connect all areas of a city (your body). A short circuit in a wire cuts off communication, just like misalignments in your spine can put pressure on the nerves, which interferes with your nervous system. This can affect your ability to self-heal and may prolong injury or illness. Chiropractic can restore the integrity of your nervous system and get rid of pain and dysfunction, so you can get back to feeling good... today!
why does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right. Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine, called a subluxation, can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and compromising the function of affected areas and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.
who should see a chiropractor?
Many people see a Doctor of Chiropractic for back, neck or joint problems, but you do not need to be experiencing symptoms or pain to benefit from chiropractic care. Lots of individuals find that a regular visit to their chiropractor contributes to their overall health, as a chiropractor can find subluxations before they start causing symptoms. Regular checkups of your spine can help you maintain better health. People of all ages, including babies, can benefit from chiropractic care.
chiropractic treatment may include:
An adjustment using hands or an instrument to apply a gentle, controlled & safe pressure directly on the problem area of your spine.
Exercise programs and/or soft tissue therapy.
Advice on how you can improve your health through nutrition and proper ergonomics.
Recommendations for other therapies, such as massage.
about subluxations
what is a subluxation?
A subluxation is an improper motion of position of the moving bones of the spine, which can interfere with the exchange of signals between the brain and the body.
what causes subluxations?
There are three basic causes of subluxations: physical, chemical & emotional. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet. Stress and emotions such as grief, anger and fear can also cause subluxations.
how do I know if I have a subluxation?
You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.
can subluxations heal on their own?
Sometimes. Today’s hectic lifestyles are a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations do not resolve, you need to see a chiropractic doctor!
do I have a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal bone irritates stretches, rubs or chafes a nerve. These subluxations distort the nerve messages sent between the brain and the body. This can produce unhealthy alterations to the area connected by the affected nerves.
about adjustments
what is a chiropractic adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to the spinal joints that are not moving properly. Some methods use the doctor’s hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.
are adjustments safe?
Yes. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are remarkably safe. By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough chiropractic examination determines if you are a candidate for chiropractic treatment. Compare the facts. Adjustments are far safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
will adjustments loosen my spine?
No. Only the spinal joints that are locked up or restricted receive adjustments. Having a restricted area of your spine is more likely to cause other areas to become loose. Adjusting the correct areas allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.
about chiropractors
how does a chiropractor become licensed to practice?
By law, every province requires chiropractors to earn a license before they can practice. Graduating chiropractors must attain passing scores on national and provincial board exams administered by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB).
Today's graduating Doctors of Chiropractic have studied and trained in a post-secondary college or university for at least seven years. Just like medical or dental students, they must first complete undergraduate study before applying for admissions to a chiropractic college.
As a result of the extensive education and licensing procedures, chiropractors have earned the right to the title Doctor. As such, a referral from a medical doctor is not required for a visit to a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic.
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