Common Questions

Below you will find a list of common questions we receive and their answers. If you have any questions that aren’t covered here, feel free to contact us using the information at the bottom of this page.

Q. What happens during the Initial Visit?

A. The initial visit includes filling out new patient forms, and discussing your health history in detail with the chiropractor. A physical examination will follow and a decision is made if further diagnostic testing is necessary, such as x-rays. A report of findings is presented, explaining your diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis. If you feel chiropractic care is right for you, treatment will be initiated on the first visit.

Q. What is the Adjustment?

A. Chiropractors are highly trained in spinal and extremity manipulation, otherwise known as the adjustment. An adjustment involves applying a specific force in a precise direction to a joint that is not moving properly or is “locked-up”. The adjustment loosens the joint to restore proper movement to the spine, joints and supporting structures of the body to assist in faster recovery. Treatment is always within patient comfort level. When a joint is adjusted, a gas bubble (normally dissolved in the fluid which lubricates the joint) is released causing a popping or cracking sound. This sound is a natural change in the internal pressure of the joint.

Q. What conditions are treated?

A. Chiropractors treat problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system. For instance, this includes low back pain, neck pain, headaches, whiplash, disk herniation’s, wrist pain and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, knee pain, ankle pain, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, sciatica, muscle tightness and stiffness, repetitive strain injuries, work and sports-related injuries.

Q. What is Passive vs. Active Care?

Chiropractic treatment is considered passive care. Active care is when specific exercises such as stretching and strengthening is prescribed or incorporated into the treatment. As well, education on injury prevention strategies are provided to the patient to help minimize the occurrence of future episodes. The passive and active care, along with education provided, may help you learn more about your body and improve your quality of life.

Q. Is the chiropractic adjustment safe and what is the risk with neck adjustment?

Chiropractic treatment is one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neck pain, headache and back pain. Research continues to support the safety and efficacy of chiropractic care. Although adjustments help relieve pain in most patients, no health treatments or even common over-the-counter medications are completely free of potential adverse effects. Some minor side effects with adjustments, which are typically short-lived include temporary soreness, stiffness or slight swelling.

There are reported cases of stroke associated with visits to both medical and chiropractic doctors. Research and scientific evidence does not establish a cause and effect relationship between chiropractic treatment and the occurrence of stroke, however, this rare association of stroke and stroke-like symptoms with upper cervical adjustment ranges from one to two cases per million. Recent published studies to date suggest that patients may be consulting medical and chiropractic doctors when there is a stroke in progress. The risk is extremely low and considerably lower than those serious adverse events associated with many common health treatments such as long-term use of non-prescription pain relievers or birth control pills. There are many risk factors for stroke, all of which carry a greater degree of risk than spinal adjustment including blood clotting problems, hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, birth control pills, heart problems and head trauma from car accidents, sports injuries or falls.