Chiropractic

What Is A Chiropractor And What Do They Do?

A Chiropractor is a doctor who specializes in the detection of spinal misalignments. These misalignments are found in the bones of the spine (vertebrae) and are called subluxations. When vertebrae become subluxated, interference is created in the body's tissues (ie. muscles, heart, lungs, stomach, immune system, bones, etc...). These spinal mis-alignments can cause a distortion in the body's nervous system, and may be expressed in many different ways.

In order to assist with these issues, a Chiropractor uses a specific and specialized hands on treatment called a Chiropractic Adjustment. The purpose of the adjustment is to remove any nervous interference caused by the mis-alignment, restoring the body's nervous system to its optimal level and enabling the body to restore its health. The wellness aspect of Chiropractic focuses on the maintenance and restoration of bodily functions (like regular tune ups for you car) thereby minimizing symptoms and optimizing health.

Who Does A Chiropractor Help?

A Chiropractor helps everyone, including newborns, children, adolescents, pregnant patients and seniors. The Chiropractic Adjustment is modified according to the age, size and condition of the patient. People seek Chiropractic care for many reasons including health optimization, pain reduction and control, as well as a natural approach to wellness care.

What Training Do Chiropractors Have?

Eligible applicants to a Chiropractic program must have an undergraduate university degree or a minimum of 3 years of university level education. Chiropractic College is a 4 year post-graduate program that encompasses training in Anatomy, Neurology, Orthopaedics, Physiology, Nutrition, Pathology, Body Mechanics, Radiology and Chiropractic Technique, to name just a few. The first 3 years of Chiropractic study consist of classroom training and Chiropractic Technique, while the fourth year consists of a clinical internship program that is under the supervision of a Doctor of Chiropractic. Once fourth year has been completed, the Chiropractic intern undergoes several rigorous National Board Exams and Provincial Board Exams to become licensed, and recognized as a Doctor of Chiropractic.

What Will Happen During My First Visit To The Chiropractor?

The initial visit to a Chiropractor will consist of:

A Medical History
A Physical Examination
A Diagnosis
A Plan of Management Illustrating Appropriate Care if Necessary

What is a Subluxation?

In simplest terms, a subluxation occurs when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position and irritate spinal nerves. Spinal nerves are the nerves that come out from between each of the bones in your spine. This pressure or irritation on the nerves then causes those nerves to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves.

How does this affect you? Your nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of your body. If you interfere with the signals traveling over nerves, parts of your body will not get the proper nerve messages and will not be able to function at 100% of their innate abilities. In other words, some part of your body will not be working optimally. It is the responsibility of the Doctor of Chiropractic to locate subluxations, and reduce or correct them. This is done through a series of chiropractic adjustments specifically designed to correct the vertebral subluxations in your spine. Chiropractors are the only professionals who undergo years of training to be the experts at correcting subluxations.