An adjustment is a highly skilled move applied either by hand or instrument to the vertebral joints of your spine, or any other joint in your body. The adjustment itself consists of a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust once the joint has reached a point of tension. An adjustment restores joint movement and function.

Yes! Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest non-drug, non-invasive forms of health care for treatment of musculoskeletal complaints, and can help to avoid drugs and risky surgery. The risk of injury with chiropractic care is very small; statistics show that adjustments are many times safer than taking over-the-counter pain medications. Many patients will experience relief of their symptoms immediately, however some patients may experience some local soreness, swelling, or stiffness after treatment that will subside in about 24 hours; much like after exercising. Your chiropractor can assess you thoroughly and let you know if chiropractic care is right for you. A patient’s initial examination will include screening protocols to minimize risk. These screening protocols may include taking an in-depth history, taking the patient’s blood pressure, listening to major arteries through a stethoscope, reviewing any medications the patient is taking, and more. Chiropractors are well trained health care professionals who provide patients with safe, effective care for a variety of common conditions. Their extensive education prepares them to identify patients who have special risk factors and to ensure those patients receive the most appropriate care, even if that requires referral to a medical specialist.

A chiropractic adjustment uses a highly skilled movement that a chiropractor develops during their extensive education. The adjustment is typically done by hand, but can also be done using very specific instruments. When performing an adjustment, a chiropractor will move the joint so it is at its point of tension. Once the joint is at its point of tension, the chiropractor will deliver a very specific thrust into the joint. You may hear a click or pop when the chiropractor delivers the thrust. This sound is the release of a gas bubble in the joint, which is completely normal and expected.

When a chiropractor delivers a specific thrust into a joint that is at tension, there is often a click or popping sound. This sound is the release of a gas bubble in the joint, which is completely normal and expected. The gas is released because of the pressure change in the joint. This click, pop, or cracking sound is the same as when someone “cracks” their knuckles.

If a patient does not want their neck adjusted, your chiropractor is able to perform other treatments that can help your symptoms. If a patient is okay with having their neck adjusted, just not by hand, a chiropractor can use an Activator to deliver a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust into the problematic joint(s). If a patient is against having their neck adjusted by hand and with an instrument, their chiropractor can perform treatment on the muscles, ligaments, and fascia affecting the joint while also providing joint mobilizations and stretches.

A chiropractor will determine the necessity for taking x-rays following a patient’s case history and conducting a physical examination. X-rays are an incredibly helpful tool that plays an important role in diagnosing certain conditions.

At roughly 125 years old, chiropractic is a relatively new healing discipline, but one that is firmly grounded in science. Chiropractors offer a safe, non-invasive treatment option for various musculoskeletal problems. There is extensive research that has been done in Canada and internationally supporting the safety and effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy (adjustments) provided by chiropractors.

Chiropractors, or Doctors of Chiropractic are educated as primary-contact healthcare providers, with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system (the muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine and extremities) and the nerves that supply them. Educational requirements for chiropractors are among the most stringent of any of the healthcare professions. The typical applicant has nearly completed all the requirements for graduation of an undergraduate degree (usually in health sciences) before applying for a chiropractic program. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college you begin a four-year, full-time program at an accredited chiropractic program, which includes an internship. Chiropractors are educated in orthopaedics, neurology, physiology, human anatomy, clinical diagnosis including laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging, exercise, nutrition, rehabilitation and more. Because chiropractic care includes highly skilled manipulation and adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical technique training to master these important manipulative procedures. Along with graduating from the accredited chiropractic program, a chiropractor wishing to practice in Canada must pass three comprehensive national examinations. These national examinations allow for regulation of chiropractors as health professionals.