Frequently Asked Questions

What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustments loosens the joint to restore proper movement and optimize function. When a joint is adjusted, a gas bubble escapes causing the popping noise you may have heard about.

Chiropractic adjustment techniques have been researched extensively. Complications are rare and side-effects, such as temporary soreness, are usually minor. Dr. Jen and Dr. Shaun are extensively trained to determine if your problem will respond to chiropractic care or if you require referral to another health care provider.

Can't my friend just "crack"my back?

No! First of all, eggs are cracked, backs are adjusted! Dr. Shaun and Dr. Jen are highly trained in knowing when to apply an adjustment. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. When people try to self-adjust they can cause damage by over mobilizing a joint, this can lead to weakened muscles, tendons and ligaments.

I don't have any problems, why do I need to see a chiropractor?

A lack of symptoms is not always the best marker of overall health. Pain is often the last symptom to emerge and the first symptom to leave when dealing with dysfunction. Often pain is the body’s signal that it is reaching the limit of what it can handle. Often joint dysfunction will build and over time eventually reach a tipping point, where all of a sudden somebody’s back will “go out”. In many cases, problems don’t occur overnight but is a result of unaddressed issues (weather it be muscle weakness, muscle tightness or joint dysfunction). By seeing a chiropractor you are helping the body deal with life’s stressors and can help prevent the sudden onset of injury.

Chiropractic care has also been known to

Improve movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso
Improve your posture
Provide relief from headaches, neck and back pain
Help prevent work-related muscle and joint injuries
Lead to enhanced athletic performance
Improve your flexibility and range of motion
Relieve pregnancy-related back ache
Correct gait and foot problems

I heard that once you start seeing a chiropractor you can't stop?

Technically speaking you can stop after your issue is resolved, granted that you are committed to doing your rehabilitation exercises on a regular basis. Here are some questions we have for you – once you start eating healthy – do you stop? Do you go to the dentist on a semi-regular/regular basis for a check-up?

Chiropractic care is no different. It is important to keep your spine and nervous system in optimal shape and regular care can help. Some people like to come in when they feel like “they just aren’t moving right” and some people like to come in once a month, regardless if they are having any issues at that time. Whatever is right for you; remember that combined with regular exercise and real food, preventative care is one of the best ways to ensure that the same issues aren’t arising again and again.

We care for problems in one of 3 phases of care:

Acute Care/pain relief: the joints are given intensive care to help relieve symptoms
Corrective/Rehabilitative Care: the goal here is to keep the correct motion and strengthen the muscles around the joint
Wellness Care: periodic adjustments correct minor problems, prevent reoccurrence and help to assure optimum healing

What should I expect during my first visit?

In order to fully understand your condition, Dr. Shaun or Dr. Jen will first conduct a thorough history in regards to your condition and your past/current health status. The history is vital to understanding how your body is functioning as a whole. After the history, Dr. Shaun or Dr. Jen will complete a focused physical on the joints, muscles that have been bothering you. After the history and physical Dr. Shaun or Dr. Jen will advise you if you are a good candidate for chiropractic care. Set aside at least 45 to 60 minutes for this first appointment. Bring along any X-ray imaging or reports that you have on hand. Subsequent appointments usually take less time depending on the type of treatment you require.

Do I need an X-ray?

X-rays can play an important role in diagnosis and are taken when a need has been determined after taking a patient case history and conducting a physical examination. Chiropractors receive 360 hours of education in radiology covering a full range of topics from protection to X-ray interpretation and diagnosis.

Should babies and kids see a chiropractor?

Absolutely! Birth is one of the most stressful events in a child’s life. Chiropractors can treat newborns to teenagers! Spinal trauma is common during birth and many parents opt to have their children checked. According to the international chiropractic pediatric association the first two-years of life is the most important time for a child to receive chiropractic care. Chiropractors use adjustments that are adapted for the child’s spine and are extremely safe – often using no more pressure than what you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato.

Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?

Absolutely. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe for both mother and fetus. Typically spinal adjustments are especially gentle during pregnancy, as far less force is required to correct dysfunction. This is due to the increase in hormones that cause significant muscle and ligament relaxation. Adjustment positions are altered to provide comfort and safety for both mom and fetus. By correcting dysfunction, we can help optimize the function of your spine and nervous system to provide a sound foundation for a healthy pregnancy.

Other Chiropractic benefits have been noted as well, and our care may help:

Provide pain relief
Control morning sickness
Shorten & ease deliveries

Are you a real doctor?

We don’t hear this very often, but the answer is YES we absolutely are real doctors. Chiropractors are regulated under provincial statute in every province, granting us the right to use the title “Doctor”. Doctors of Chiropractic, like physicians, are educated and trained to diagnose as well as treat disorders and conditions. Chiropractors focus on neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment.

The Canadian Federation of Chiropractic Regulatory and Educational Accrediting Boards require that all chiropractors must comply to the following”

7-8 years of post secondary education
graduation from an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic Programmes with full time study hours totaling no less than 4,200 hours covering topics such as anatomy, phisology, biochemisty, neurology, embryology, radiology, immunology, microbiology, pathology, nutrition, pharmacology and clinical sciences
a hands-on clinical experience that includes clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment
all chiropractors must pass the written and practical examinations offered by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board and the provincial regulatory board
continuation of their studies after graduation with yearly education components

Do I Need a Referral to Visit a Chiropractor?

Absolutely not. Doctors of Chiropractic are primary health care providers, meaning you do not need a referral. If yours is not a Chiropractic case, a responsible Chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate health care provider.