Chiropractors are primary care physicians who have undergone over 4500 hours of academic and clinical education at a nationally accredited chiropractic college. At least three years of undergraduate university education is required prior to applying to chiropractic college. Following graduation, chiropractors must pass provincial and national regulatory examinations before acquiring a license to practice.
Do I Need A Referral From My Family Doctor To See A Chiropractor?
No. As chiropractors are considered primary health care professionals, patients are able to consult them directly. In some cases, chiropractors do refer patients to medical doctors and receive referrals from medical doctors.
Do Insurance Plans Cover Chiropractic?
The majority of all insured Canadian workers have some coverage for chiropractic services in their extended health care plans. Chiropractic is partially covered by MSP for those who are on premium assistance.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe For Adults And Children?
Yes. Scientific research in peer-reviewed medical journals provides evidence that chiropractic care is one of the safest types of healthcare in the world.
It is also safe for a child or senior to receive chiropractic care. Techniques are adapted to use less pressure with these patients. If you are interested, please ask Dr. Izard for further information on this topic.
What Causes The Sound Made During Some Chiropractic Adjustments?
That sound is not your spine “cracking” or “popping”. That sound is created by gas (nitrogen) rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated. This sound is similar to the sound you hear when you open a bottle of pop.
Not all chiropractic adjusting techniques produce this noise. Contrary to popular belief, this noise is not needed for an adjustment to provide relief to the surrounding tissues
Do Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt?
No. In fact, an adjustment can relief pressure in the area and feels very comfortable.
Some patients experience mild soreness for up to 48 hours after treatment. This soreness feels similar to that after a new type of workout or yoga class. Applying ice for 10-15 minutes after treatment usually relieves this symptom.
Is It Bad To “Crack” Your Own Back Or Neck Frequently?
Yes. This question is commonly asked because people associate the “cracking” or “popping” of one’s back or neck with a chiropractic adjustment.
The two are not the same. When you “crack” your body yourself, you are actually moving a segment that is already moving too much (hypermobile). When you “crack” your back, you may be relieving the tension for a little while, but it generally return. This is because the tension is actually caused by another fixated or jammed area is not moving enough (hypomobile). Chiropractic focuses on the fixated segment and thus addresses the root of the problem.
I Am Experiencing Some Discomfort, But It Is Not In My Back. Can A Chiropractor Help Me?
While many people associate chiropractic care with back injuries, chiropractors also treat all other joints of the body (ankles, shoulders, fingers etc).
Will It Get Better If I Just Leave It Alone
Some things may become less painful over time if you leave them alone. On the other hand, the pain and the condition may get worse. It is always good to get checked out though to see if the problem requires treatment, rest, ice or other options.
Once You See A Chiropractor, Do You Have To Go For The Rest Of Your Life?
No. Patients who have healthy diets, exercise regularly, and regularly stretch are often able to go for long periods of time without any chiropractic care. Catching early signs of discomfort often means that very few treatments are required to restore your body.
Some people who perform repetitive actions during their work or leisure activities may find that maintenance chiropractic care can help with stiffness, aches and pains from their daily activities. I leave the frequency of maintenance care at the discretion of the patient, who is generally able to recognize the signs that they should be adjusted.
What Alternatives Do Chiropractors Offer To Spinal Manipulation?
Some patients are uncomfortable with spinal manipulation. If this is the case, gentler, joint mobilization is often performed to help decrease any stiffness and misalignment found.
Active Release Techniques® is also an excellent alternative and/or conjunctive therapy to chiropractic manipulation.