Frequently-asked Questions
If you have any query regarding chiropractors or the treatments available for physical injuries, read our FAQs.
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Question: What do chiropractors do?
Answer: Chiropractors are skilled and have hands-on experience in spinal adjustment. An adjustment involves applying a specific amount of force in a specific direction to a troublesome joint (for example, it may be locked-up or not moving properly). The objective of the adjustment is to help restore your joint to a normal position or motion, often relieving pain. Using this technique, chiropractors can treat any joint in your body, from your spine to fingers and toes. During the process, chiropractors will ensure that the treatment is within your comfort level and relaxing.
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Question: What is a chiropractic adjustment?
Answer: Chiropractic treatment involves the manipulation of joints, with the objective of reducing pain, improving movement and function within that joint. When a joint is adjusted or moved, you will experience a natural change in the internal pressure of that joint. This change will lead to the release of gas that is generally dissolved in the fluid lubricating the joint. The release of this gas may produce a "crack" or "pop" sound.
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Question: When should you visit or consult a chiropractor?
Answer: It is possible that eight out of ten Canadians and at least one-third of people in Ontario will experience back pain. For many people, the pain can keep them away from work, school, or even their day-to-day activities. If pain causes interruptions and restrictions in the activities of your daily life, then you should consult a health care provider.
Several reasons to seek chiropractic care are work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores, and more. In addition to these, the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and spinal problems. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic care can help you maintain a healthy spine and joint function.
Chiropractors are knowledgeable and well trained to assess, diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions and disorders of the spine, joints, muscle, and nervous systems. These disorders may include back pain, neck pain, headaches, recurring pain in your arms and legs or other body parts. Many patients including, seniors, will find that treatment helps them to maintain mobility and a good range of motion. -
Question: What are the benefits of chiropractic care?
Answer: The advantages of chiropractic care are:- Improve movement and function in your neck, shoulders, back, torso, and extremities
- Improve your posture
- Provide relief from headaches, neck, and back pain
- Help prevent work-related muscle and joint injuries
- Improve your flexibility and range of motion
- Relieve pregnancy-related backache
- Provide relief from gait and foot problems
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Question: Is a chiropractor covered under medical benefit plans?
Answer: Yes, chiropractic care is included in most of the health insurance plans, including major medical plans, WSIB, motor vehicle insurance, and more.
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Question: Do you need a referral from a medical doctor?
Answer: Generally, a referral is not needed to visit a doctor of chiropractic (DC); however, your health plan may have specific referral requirements. You may need to contact your employer’s human resources department—or the insurance plan directly—to find out if there are any referral requirements. Most plans allow you to just call and schedule an appointment with a DC.
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Question: Is it covered by OHIP?
Answer: Chiropractic care is not covered by OHIP.
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Question: What forms of payment do you accept at the clinic?
Answer: We accept debit cards, cash, and credit cards.
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Question: Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
Answer: Adjustment or manipulation of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, thereby making a popping sound. A similar thing occurs when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint, resulting in gas bubbles being released. There is usually minimal if any, discomfort involved.
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Question: Can chiropractic care cure other ailments besides back pain?
Answer: Chiropractic care cannot “cure” every ailment, but there is some evidence to indicate that adjustments may have a beneficial effect on a variety of conditions. For example, someone with asthma may find that they can breathe easier after an adjustment, which is not curing asthma itself but can provide some relief from associated symptoms.
