Chiropractic Helps | BC Chiropractic Association

How Can Chiropractic Help?

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

Specific training in spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) allows chiropractors to provide adjustments using highly-skilled and precise movements to the vertebrae of the spine, correcting joint motion to restore proper movement and improve function.

When Should You See A Chiropractor?

The best time to see your chiropractor is immediately after you suffer an injury or within two days of feeling the pain associated with the trauma. If you find that aches are limiting you from sleeping well, sitting or walking, we recommend that you see your chiropractor as soon as possible.

You never need a referral to see a chiropractor. The earlier you see your chiropractor, the greater chance there is for a full recovery. Sometimes, small problems can escalate into big medical challenges that can significantly impact your life.

Chiropractors are primary contact providers and can support your recovery from start to finish. Patients who suffer for a long time without chiropractic care may wish to seek out a second opinion from a chiropractic doctor if their current medical treatments are not effective.

Many patients get to know their bodies and can sense the need for a visit to maintain optimal spinal health. They may feel like something is “off”, unbalanced or tight in their posture and seek out treatment to correct it.

What To Expect At Your 1st Visit?

A visit to the chiropractor is very similar to what you might expect at any other health clinic. Please expand the accordion below to find out more.

Initial Information

You will complete a health history form and be asked for contact information for your patient file. The reception staff will answer any questions you may have about what to expect.

Case History

Once in the examination room, your chiropractic doctor will introduce themselves, review your paperwork and ask further questions about your condition and history. Further notes are made to your chart depending on your answers.

Informed Consent

Your doctor will discuss the informed consent form with you and request your signature before the examination. Informed consent is about ensuring the patient is clear as to the diagnosis, treatment options and anticipated outcomes of the treatment.

Examination

Your chiropractor will conduct a physical examination which may mean touching or palpating areas of your body. They will also look for neurological symptoms that could point to an injury involving your nerves. An x-ray or other imaging is recommended in some cases. This will also include some physical tests such as leaning your body to one side and then the other, checking your reflexes and or moving your arms and legs. Depending on your symptoms, you may be asked to wear a gown for examination and treatment purposes.

Diagnosis

The examination provides clues for your doctor as to what is causing the problem. After they have gathered all of this information, your doctor will provide a diagnosis. If your doctor suspects that the problem is caused by something out of chiropractic scope of practice, they will refer to a specialist or other health care provider.

Treatment

Your doctor will propose and discuss a treatment plan including the number of visits required. Once you understand your treatment plan and feel comfortable moving forward, your doctor will treat you which may include an adjustment. Adjustments are generally performed on a chiropractic table, similar to a massage table. If you are not comfortable with an adjustment, your chiropractor will utilize other therapies to treat you.

Prevention

Your doctor will help you identify the cause of your condition, whether it is from poor posture, a repetitive strain injury or anything else in between. They will prescribe various exercises and offer lifestyle advice to accompany your treatment plan. The goal is to get you well sooner faster and keep you well.

After treatment, patients may feel some discomfort or fatigue but this should not last more than 24 hours. Many patients feel relief and increased mobility immediately after the treatment while others notice changes more gradually. Following their treatment plan, patients notice a difference in 3 to 5 visits and full recovery in 6 to 8 visits* on average, depending on the nature of their condition or injury. Your chiropractor will review and discuss what you can expect from your treatment.

*Although the provincial average is 6 to 8 visits the range is broad with some patients responding faster than others.