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What is chiropractic and how can it help me?

By Dr. Joyce Fu, DC, HBSc.

The most common questions about chiropractic answered for you!


What is chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care is a patient-centred, non-invasive care that focuses on your spine, nervous system and the surrounding joints and muscles. Chiropractors use the best available evidence and clinical expertise to diagnose issues that affect your body’s movement. They treat muscle restrictions/strains and joint issues without the use of medication or surgery.


Are chiropractors doctors?

Yes. Doctors of Chiropractic (also known as chiropractors) are not medical doctors, but go through a similar education process to become licensed in the field of chiropractic care. In fact, educational requirements for chiropractors are among the most stringent of any health care profession.


Who can benefit from chiropractic?

The short answer is everyone! Chiropractic care is an evidence-informed manual therapy that is safe and effective for the management of musculoskeletal conditions – from newborn babies to elderly adults to pregnant women to Olympic athletes. Book a consultation today to see how chiropractic can help you!


Why types of pains do chiropractors treat?

Chiropractors are known for their expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the spine, nervous system and joints. This includes neck pain, back pain, headaches and TMJ dysfunctions. They can also treat sports injuries and other disorders involving muscle, ligaments and joints that can range from ankle sprains, meniscal injuries to carpal tunnel syndrome. The benefits of chiropractic care go beyond pain management and extend into general health as our core body structure affects overall function and health.


What is a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is a high-velocity, low-amplitude force applied in a precise direction to release a spinal or extremity joint that is restricted or not moving well. The purpose of this hands-on, safe and effective procedure is to correct structural alignment and eliminate interference in the nervous system. For the patient, this would mean improved spinal function, reduction in pain, and an overall improvement in health and wellness (1).


What else can chiropractors do?

Thorough health and physical assessment, chiropractors examine each person’s posture, movement patterns and medical conditions to diagnose specific muscle and joint conditions. After discussing the examination of findings, options for treatment are presented. They can include:

- Manual therapies such as spine or joint mobilizations and manipulative therapies or adjustments;

- Conservative soft tissue therapy techniques such as active-release therapy or instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy;

- Physical therapy modalities such as acupuncture;

- Rehabilitative therapy such as postural strengthening exercises or yoga therapy for pain and stress management.

In addition, chiropractors will monitor your progress and modify treatment based on what is needed.


Can I see a chiropractor if I’m pregnant?

As pregnant women move into their second and third trimesters, their centres of mass shift anteriorly, causing an increase in lumbar lordosis, which causes low back and pelvic girdle pain. Increasing recent evidence attests to the effectiveness and safety of treating this pain using manual therapy. Massage therapy and chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, are highly safe and effective evidence-based options for pregnant women suffering from mechanical low back and pelvic pain (2).


Do I need a Doctor’s referral to see a chiropractor?

No, you do not. Because we are primary health care practitioners, no referral is required.


What’s Next?

If you would like to learn how chiropractic can help and support your health, whether you are working from home, have a sports injury or are newly expecting, book an appointment or consultation with Dr. Joyce today at Darou Wellness. Virtual options available!


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