Chiropractic care is an increasingly popular treatment option among residents in the greater Hamilton area and all around Canada. In fact, according to the Canadian Chiropractic Association, around 4.5 million Canadians pay a visit to a chiropractor annually.
Yet, despite the prevalence of licensed chiropractic practitioners (9000+ across Canada) and the widespread use of this treatment modality many Hamilton area residents have questions about Chiropractic care that they need answered.
The team at Main Street Health Centre for chiropractic care helped us explore some of the most frequent questions they run into at their practice.
1. What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Doctors of Chiropractic, also known as DCs, treat a variety of different painful conditions including back pain, neck pain, headaches, herniated discs, car accident injuries, and Sciatica with their therapeutic expertise in chiropractic therapy, and joint manipulation and adjustments.
According to Main Street Health, chiropractors are experts of disorders and injuries that involve issues and conditions impacting muscles, ligaments, and joints. This makes them an often preferred specialist for issues of the musculoskeletal system. Along with their physical expertise and treatments, DCs are often trained in counselling patients on nutrition, diet, exercise, and overall general health habits and lifestyle modifications.
2. How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?
Effectively employing chiropractic manipulation or adjustments requires intensive years of specialized education that develops sophisticated skills and techniques. Chiropractic care consists of non-invasive, drug-free treatment protocols that support the patient’s musculoskeletal system and associated neurological functions.
Therapies leverage evidence-informed manual intervention, with treatment generally being “hands-on”, applying precise pressure and adjustments to joints.
3. How do I select the right care provider?
There are several ways to select the doctor of chiropractic that is right for you — the most common way to find a DC is through a referral from a family member or friend. You may also receive a recommendation through a healthcare provider.
If you are searching on your own, a few things you can look for are:
- Years in practice
- Ratings and reviews online
- Areas of expertise
- Licensing and education
We always suggest making an initial consultative appointment to get to know the chiropractor and staff. It is important that you feel comfortable with your practitioner and that they answer your questions and concerns.
4. Is chiropractic treatment safe?
This is an especially common question for those who have never experienced chiropractic care before. It’s perfectly natural to have concerns and even a certain element of anxiety or fear of the unknown.
However, chiropractic care is considered one of the safest therapies, being both non-invasive and not requiring the use of drugs or any other harmful substances. Risks associated with treatment are generally considered mild. For example, while many patients feel instant relief, some may become sore, stiff, or feel mildly achy immediately following care.
In order to minimize any risks, it is important that you are as detailed as possible when explaining your symptoms and medical history to your healthcare professional, especially when it comes to neck pain. This will help your provider avoid the rare but potential cause of headaches, achiness, or muscle stiffness.
Chiropractic doctors are intensely trained to execute effective and safe care for patients in need, having over 4200 hours of musculoskeletal competency training (according to the Canadian Chiropractic Association).
Chiropractors are trained to identify those who may have unique risk factors and provide safe care accordingly. If they have concerns or think that chiropractic treatment may not be appropriate, they will refer you to the correct medical practitioner (such as your physician) for further evaluation or to coordinate care options.
5. Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?
Chiropractic treatments that require ongoing visits may be appropriate for chronic conditions or preventative care plans. Further, depending on the severity of the case, a patient may need ongoing care. However, in many cases a single treatment is sufficient.
6. Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
Patients often notice a loud “popping” sound when chiropractic adjustments are made. This popping sound is known as “Joint Cavitation” and is perfectly harmless. The noise is caused by the release of tiny air pockets that have built up in the joints. The release of this air can reduce pressure and provide relief.
Ready to Schedule an Appointment?
Chiropractic care provides relief for millions of residents across Canada each and every year. This safe, effective therapy may be just what you need to improve quality of life, reduce or eliminate pain, improve mobility and more. Reach out to Main Street Health to learn more about why so many GTA and Hamilton area residents trust them for care they can trust.