What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a health care profession that provides a natural, drugless approach to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of neuro-musculo-skeletal conditions (problems arising from the discs, joints, muscles, ligaments and/or nerves). Treatment generally focuses on restoring normal joint motion and proper alignment to help facilitate the body's natural ability to heal and recover from injury.

While chiropractic is well recognized as an effective therapy for back and neck pain, sciatica and other spinal problems, chiropractic care is also beneficial in the treatment of most non-surgical peripheral joint and muscle injuries (ie, sprains & strains of the knees, shoulders, wrists, ankles, hips, etc.).

How Does Chiropractic Work?

A healthy spine

Under ideal conditions, the pelvis and individual bones of the spine (called 'vertebrae') move freely in precise alignment to form a strong, balanced "S"-shaped column that efficiently supports the weight of the body and serves as an attachment point for a number of the body's muscles.

How problems develop
Poor posture, improper lifting, whiplash, stress, old injuries, desk/computer work, long hours of driving, etc., are just a few examples of common stresses and strains that can alter the proper function and alignment of the spine by exerting abnormal, uneven forces on it. This abnormal pressure causes a repeated strain on the spine and supporting muscles, promoting misalignments of the vertebrae, which reduces spinal mobility and compromises its ability to support weight efficiently. This weakened and dysfunctional state makes the spine more prone to injuries, degenerative wear, pain, stiffness and nerve compression.

The chiropractic approach
Chiropractic treatment focuses on restoring normal joint mobility and correcting spinal misalignments that cause pain or symptoms. In many cases, chiropractic care also incorporates other therapies and procedures to addresses muscular imbalances, poor posture, and other factors that may have contributed to the initial problem or injury. The aim of chiropractic care is to safely and effectively alleviate pain or symptoms by identifying and correcting the cause of the problem.

What Does Treatment Involve?

On the first consultation, the chiropractor will take a full health and medical history and perform a comprehensive physical examination before diagnosing the problem and deciding which treatment interventions will be appropriate and most effective. In general, however, chiropractic care typically involves the application of specific, gentle manipulative procedures, called "adjustments", which are used to restore normal joint mobility and alignment. Additional therapies, such as massage therapy, assisted stretching, functional exercises, etc., will also be used to assist with pain management and to address weakened or injured muscles and supporting tissues.

Depending on the nature of the condition, clients may also receive relevant advice on posture, lifting technique, home or workplace exercises, and dietary and lifestyle advice to help maintain the benefits of treatment and prevent re-occurrence. Regular check-ups may also be recommended to further help manage the condition in the long-term.

(*The application of any therapy is dependent on the type of injury or condition, and will be discussed with each patient before treatment begins.)

What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is a highly skilled, carefully administered manual procedure that involves the application of a quick and very precise pressure to a specific area of the spine or body to restore normal joint motion and alignment, which helps to reduce pain & inflammation, improve function and speed recovery.

Chiropractic patients usually feel a painless "popping" or "clicking" sensation during an adjustment (like the feeling of "clicking a knuckle"), which is simply the release of pressure from within a joint when its motion has been corrected and restored by the procedure. Chiropractic adjustments are safe, painless and often provide immediate relief.

What types of conditions do we treat?

Treatment at our surgery focuses primarily on neuromusculoskeletal complaints (problems arising from the discs, joints, ligaments, muscles and nerves).

In general, we treat:

• Neck and back pain
• Sports injuries
• Poor posture
• Sprains and Strains
• Joint and muscle conditions

Conditions most commonly seen in our practice:

Low Back Pain