What is chiropractic care and what do chiropractors do?

Chiropractic is a regulated health profession that centers on the musculo-skeletal system and nervous system. Derived from the Greek words “chiro” and “praxis” meaning “done by hand”, Chiropractic takes a hands-on, proactive approach to health. Chiropractors focus on your musculoskeletal (MSK) system and treat the bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints and connective tissues that you use every day. As MSK experts, chiropractors provide qualified, effective treatment to promote health, alleviate pain and improve your quality of life.

What are the benefits of chiropractic care?

Who can benefit from chiropractic care?

EVERYONE. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive treatment supporting the body’s musculoskeletal (MSK) system and associated neurological function, primarily by providing comprehensive, evidence-informed manual therapy. Chiropractic care is primarily a hands-on, non-invasive and drugless practice that is safe and effective for the management of MSK conditions – from small children to elderly adults to pregnant women to Olympic athletes. MSK conditions can range in severity from minor sprains and strains to back and neck pain to disc herniations and spinal stenosis. As mentioned, MSK conditions can be mild or severe but they can also be acute or chronic, common or rare, and localized to one body region or widespread. MSK conditions come in all shapes and sizes and chiropractors are here to help.

How do chiropractors help and treat?

Chiropractors are extensively educated in the prevention, assessment, diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and associated neurological system and will recommend a course of treatment to help relieve pain and improve function without surgery or pharmaceuticals, such as manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue therapy, exercise, education, modalities (i.e. ultrasound or laser) and rehabilitation. Chiropractors are also trained to provide nutritional counselling, as well as recommend injury prevention strategies.

During the physical examination phase chiropractors utilize a series of tests and assessment tools to make the proper diagnosis. These includes orthopedic tests, neurological examinations, muscle tests, joint movement assessments, MSK tests, functional movement screening, palpation, and observation.

Specific training in spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) allows chiropractors to provide adjustments or manipulations using highly-skilled and precise movements to the vertebrae of the spine, correcting joint motion to restore proper movement and improve function. (This motion can be accompanied by an audible pop. When a joint is adjusted, an air bubble may escape from the joint capsule causing the popping noise, similar to cracking your knuckles.)

What is an adjustment or manipulation?

An adjustment is a highly-skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to the vertebrae of the spine or other joints of the body. Adjustment to the joint restores proper movement and improves function. When a joint is adjusted, an air bubble may escape causing a popping noise, similar to when you crack your knuckles. Depending on the nature of the problem, your chiropractor may also utilize joint mobilization, muscle release techniques, muscle stimulation and therapeutic exercises to relieve your pain and get you moving again

Do you need a referral from a family doctor to see a chiropractor?

No. A patient does not need a referral. Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact healthcare professionals in every province in Canada. This means that patients can consult them directly.

Is chiropractic care covered by extended health insurance?

Yes. Most Extended Health Care (EHC) plans, also called supplementary health or supplementary medical plans, are complementary to provincial health coverage. Most EHC plans include chiropractic services in paramedical services, and it is the primary source of third-party coverage for most patients. Check you extended health insurance to find out about your chiropractic coverage.

Is chiropractic care safe and effective? What is the link between neck manipulation and stroke?

To answer this question let’s look at what the research is suggesting regarding the risk associated with neck manipulation and stroke in comparison to other routine procedures.

• Almost all researchers and scientists studying this issue agree that whatever the risk of stroke in association with neck adjustment, it is exceedingly rare.
• Recent studies suggest risk of stroke from neck manipulation = 1 in 1,000,000 manipulations
• This is significantly lower than risks that have been reported for other routine procedures:
  • Strokes from birth control pills = 1 in 24,000 persons
  • Fatalities caused by NSAIDS (Aspirin, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, Motrin) = 1 in 1,200 persons
  • Fatalities in association with cervical spinal surgery = 1 in 145 surgeries
  • Canoeing = 1 in 100,000 persons
  • Playing soccer – 1 in 25,000 persons
  • Automobile driving (United Kingdom) = 1 in 5,900

    ** Information courtesy of “NECK ADJUSTMENT: BENEFITS AND SAFETY” provided by the College of Chiropractors of BC. **

Where can you get evidence based chiropractic care?

Dr. Soroush Khoshroo is an evidence based chiropractor and provides chiropractic care in North Vancouver at QubeCore Sports & Rehab.

What role do chiropractors play in the Canadian health care?

Information courtesy of BC Chiropractic Association and Canadian Chiropractic Association