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.

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.

Chiropractic Care Is Safe!

Chiropractic care has proven to be safe and effective for neck and back pain. A comprehensive review of scientific evidence noted that there is as much evidence supporting chiropractic care as for other treatments such as prescription and non-prescription drugs and surgery.

Doctors of Chiropractic work with patients to achieve and document informed consent, which involves describing the risks and benefits of all treatment options before performing the selected treatment. The most common side effects associated with chiropractic care are temporary. These are typical symptoms of increased pain, radiating pain, and/or stiffness that usually resolve within 24 hours of treatment. Serious complications are rarely associated with chiropractic care.

What About Neck Manipulation?

Millions of neck manipulations are performed safely each year. They provide patients with relief from neck pain and headaches and help them to get back to their normal activities. If you suffer from neck pain or headaches, be very specific about your symptoms. Clarity will help your chiropractor offer the safest and most effective treatment, even if it involves referral to another health care provider.

Do not hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have with your chiropractor. Depending on your clinical condition, they will recommend the most appropriate and safest treatment for your particular condition. Treatments may include joint mobilization, therapeutic exercise, soft tissue techniques, or other therapies.

Chiropractic Is Evidence-Based

Chiropractors are Canada’s MSK experts, with over 4,200 hours of core competency training in the musculoskeletal (MSK) system. Chiropractic care is a hands-on, non-invasive, safe and effective approach to treating and managing MSK conditions. MSK conditions can range in severity from minor sprains and strains to back and neck pain to disc herniations and spinal stenosis. 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. Day-to-day activities can put demands on your MSK system, which can cause painful joint and back problems. From motor vehicle accidents to sports injuries to repetitive stress, chiropractic treatment can help heal the specific injuries to your bones, muscles and nerves. With an individualized chiropractic treatment plan, chiropractors manage chronic conditions affecting the MSK system. The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) has compiled a reading list of research papers on various topics (neck pain, low back pain, headaches, etc.) curated by the profession and accessible to all. Learn about injuries and conditions associated with musculoskeletal pain and the effectiveness of chiropractic care.

WFC READING LIST

Research into the effectiveness of chiropractic care is ongoing and has shown benefits to many patients. Approximately 1 million British Columbians visit a chiropractor each year to recover from injuries and pains associated with everyday living. It is common for patients to report pain relief and improvements in their quality of life as a result of chiropractic treatment. Sometimes, changes are immediate, and in some cases (depending on the condition) changes are slow to occur. 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.

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