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Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care

What is Chiropractic Adjustment?

A Chiropractic adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement applied by the hands – or a specialized tool – to the spine or any other joints in the body. Adjustments are gentle, and use minimal pressure to restore proper function to the joint and stimulate the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Dr. Ginette uses a special instrument, there is no twisting, cracking or popping.

   

How does my spine affect my health?

Your spine is an integral part of virtually all movements of the body, and helps maintain good posture and efficient mobility. A healthy spine is critical in order to go about your daily activities comfortably, and move freely in life.

Very importantly, your spine also protects your central nervous system, including your spinal cord and its nerve root, which control all other systems in your body. It does this in much the same way that your skull protects your brain.

   

When should I consider Chiropractic care? Is it just for back pain?

People seek Chiropractic care for many reasons. Chiropractors are experts trained in the nervous system and care is very effective for back, neck and headache pain.

Chiropractic care can also help your body function at its best, and facilitate your body’s ability to heal itself – in that regard, the possibilities are endless.

Many health problems respond well to Chiropractic, including:

  • Relief from back and neck pain.

  • Relief from headaches and migraines.

  • Strains, sprains and tendinitis.

  • Sciatica, numbness/tingling.

  • Arthritis, osteoarthritis, degeneration.

  • Better posture and improved flexibility.

  • Prevention of work-related muscle and joint injuries.

  • Enhanced athletic performance.

  • Relief of pregnancy-related back ache.

Since Chiropractic care can benefit organs, tissues, systems and all cells by optimizing your body’s ability to heal itself, many patients have reported (and studies have shown) Chiropractic to be helpful with many other problems such as digestive issues, sleeping disorders, lack of energy, anxiety and stress, and bed wetting among many others.

Whatever your reason, we welcome you and invite you to contact us to book an initial assessment.

 

Why would an Infant, child or teenager see a Chiropractor?

A great deal of research has been done on the benefits of Chiropractic care for children. Parents seek out Chiropractic care for their children for the resolution of a particular symptom or conditions, such as colic, ear infections, asthma, allergies and headaches, just to name a few.

The expertise of the Chiropractor is in checking the child’s spine for dysfunctions that impair nervous system function therefore affecting overall body function. It’s important to understand that Chiropractors do not treat conditions or diseases.

Dr. Ginette has a post-doctoral certification with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and has lots of experience treating children. She modifies her techniques based on the child’s size and condition, and may use special instruments.

  

What is a subluxation?

‘Subluxation’ is the term we use to describe a joint that is not functioning properly. Chiropractors are trained to identify and correct these dysfunctions to restore proper movement to the spine and to improve the function to the nervous system.

Although it is often asymptomatic, dysfunction can present itself in various ways such as pain, inflammation, and restricted movement of the joint.

Chiropractors typically use a combination of tests such as special scans and physical examination to determine what is taking place physiologically, and where subluxations exist.

 

Do you ‘crack’ people? What is the popping sound?

There is often a popping sound associated with “manual” adjustment. It is caused by gas being released from the joint – similar to what happens when you open a soda can and the pressure is released. It is not painful. Dr. Ginette uses a special instrument, there is no twisting, cracking or popping.

  

Are adjustments safe?

Yes. A Chiropractic adjustment is a natural approach that is gentle and safe. As with any kind of treatment though, contraindications exist. This is why Dr. Ginette does a thorough initial assessment prior to creating a treatment plan. If she identifies any contraindications, she will make modifications where necessary and refer you to another health professional if appropriate.

While complications resulting from an adjustment are rare, we will thoroughly discuss any possible risks that may affect you before we begin.

 

Will an adjustment hurt?

Because most adjusting techniques use minimal force and gentle pressure, few people feel discomfort during the adjustment. In fact, most say that it feels good.

On occasion, those who come in with tense muscles due to pain or discomfort may feel some residual discomfort and/or sensitivity – but it is temporary, and not a sign that anything is wrong.

 

What kind of education and training do Chiropractors have?

Becoming a Chiropractor in Canada requires a minimum of seven years of post-secondary education including four years of full-time classroom and clinical instruction at an institution approved by the Council on Chiropractic Education Canada.

Here in Ontario, Chiropractic is regulated by the College of Chiropractic of Ontario and Chiropractors participate in continuing education courses every year.

Also, some Chiropractors choose to do additional training to refine their knowledge and gain new skills. For example, Dr. Ginette has post-doctoral certifications in pediatric Chiropractic from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, and animal Chiropractic through the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Centre.

 

If I start Chiropractic care, will I have to continue forever?

How long you continue with Chiropractic care is up to you – and depends on the reason for seeking out care. Whether you come to us for relief care, corrective care, or preventative/optimization care, we will recommend a treatment schedule based on your needs, goals, and situation.

 

Is Chiropractic care covered by Insurance?

Most extended health care plans cover Chiropractic care. We recommend contacting your provider for full details. We will provide you with a receipt for you to submit it to your insurance company so you can get reimbursed as quickly as possible. For those who don’t have extended health care, your receipt can be claimed as a tax write-off.

 

If I had a back surgery, can I still see a Chiropractor?

Yes. Many patients benefit from Chiropractic care after back surgery. Dr. Ginette will evaluate your specific condition to see if you can benefit from Chiropractic care.

 

“In 30 years of seeing chiropractors, I can say that Dr. Ginette’s is my favourite method of care.  It is gentle and completely pain free.  I visit regularly and it helps me sleep better, feel better, and truly enjoy my time.  My experiences with Dr. Ginette and her staff are so good that I continue to come in even though I now live in Michigan!”

 

Have more questions and want to find out if chiropractic would be good for you? Contact us today!