Chiropractic is a hands-on health care profession that focuses on the musculoskeletal system  or more commonly referred to the co-related muscular, nervous and skeletal systems.

 

There are a number of reasons why you might consult a chiropractor.  Back pain, neck pain, headaches, whiplash, sprains, repetitive strains,work and sports injuries, limited range of motion in the back, neck or limbs, as well as general health and well-being, just to name a few.

 

What to expect on your first visit?

 

Your chiropractor may be treating your back pain, neck pain, headache, or other aches and pains, but he or she needs a complete picture of your past health history and overall current health in order to provide the best possible treatment for you.

 

On your first visit, your chiropractor may ask about the following: personal and family medical history, major illnesses you have experienced, surgeries or operations you have had, medications you are taking, a description of your present condition, the steps you have taken to manage your condition, your diet and exercise, your sleeping habits, daily activities, work routine, stress level, and home life. 

 

It is a good idea to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for your visit to the chiropractor.

 

Your chiropractor may ask you to change into a gown in order to perform a thorough examination of the area of concern.  The examination could include a check of your blood pressure, pulse and breathing,  testing of your reflexes, strength and sensations, an analysis of your posture an X-ray of your spine an analysis of your movement — he/she will observe how you walk, turn, bend or lift things.    A hands-on evaluation of how well your spine moves, identifying restrictions and areas of improper motion will likley occur as well.  Be sure to bring a copy of any X-rays or radiology reports you have.

 

These assessments and examinations will give your chiropractor a better picture of your complete health.

 

He or she will make a diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment

 

If your chiropractor identifies a condition more appropriately treated by another health care professional, he or she will make a referral or provide you with advice for next steps.

 

Stages of care

 

Relief care is provided for relief of immediate pain, restricted mobility and discomfort. Depending on the diagnosis, your age, physical condition, how long you have had the current complaint, and previous injuries, a few or several visits over a relatively short period of time may be necessary.

 

Corrective care treats conditions that are more severe, recurring or that have existed with or without pain for some time. These may require a longer, more complex period of care. Once the severity of your condition has decreased through relief care, corrective care helps to restore normal function to your spine, muscles, supporting tissues and the nerves affected by them.

 

Supportive or maintenance care helps you maintain and preserve the benefits you’ve achieved from relief and corrective care.  Continuing to work with your chiropractor and having periodic spinal check-ups and treatments, if needed, will keep your spine as healthy as possible. Your chiropractor will work with you to find a maintenance schedule that suits your condition, health care goals, and lifestyle.

 

Your treatment from the chiropractor, regardless of the stage of care, will often include exercise, diet and other healthy living suggestions to help keep you healthy and strong.Your chiropractor will discuss a schedule of care, which will depend on your specific circumstances. For some people chiropractic treatment is like a regular tune-up, to help deal with the daily wear and tear of life. For others, it’s simply an effective treatment when pain or discomfort strikes.Take the time to discuss with your chiropractor the treatment plan that’s best for you.

 

Almost 2 million patients in Ontario rely on chiropractic care every year to help them live healthy, active lives.