What is a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors are Doctors of the Musculoskeletal System.
Their education is very similar to that of medical doctors. Acceptance into
a chiropractic college requires a minimum of 4 years university, usually a
Bachelor of Science degree.
All chiropractic colleges require a minimum of 4 years training, which
includes basic and medical sciences, general diagnosis, radiology,
manipulative therapy, physical therapy and other specialized training. Many
chiropractic colleges actually require more hours of classroom training than
do medical schools.
How does Chiropractic work?
Central to chiropractic is the theme of restoring
normal joint motion. This motion is not only required for the development of
tendons, but also for their maintenance, structure and function. Without
stimulation, tendons will atrophy and lose both elasticity and tensile
strength. A joint, which loses its ability to move properly, also loses its
ability to derive nourishment, maintain its integrity, and will consequently
degenerate.
Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism
controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your
brain, down the spinal cord, out to every organ, tissue, and limb, and
signals are sent back to the brain confirming if your body is working
correctly.
Improper positioning or movements within the moving bones of
the spine are, called subluxations. Subluxations can interfere with the
vital exchange within the nervous system. Most primary symptoms are caused
by irritated nerves, which compromise the function of affected organs and
tissues. Chiropractic facilitates specific spinal adjustments, which can
help improve all mind/body communications. Health often returns with
improved nervous system control of the body.
Chiropractors adjust fixated joints which improves biomechanical and
neurological function by restoring normal motion to the joint complex
(usually the spine). The result of the manual adjustment is the improvement
of ones range of motion and coordination (important to athletes), relaxing
tight muscles reducing pain.
Are Chiropractic adjustments safe?
Chiropractic is safe and effective. Chiropractic care has
been well tested. Numerous research studies have confirmed that chiropractic
care is one of the most effective, safe and cost-efficient methods of health
care available. These same studies show that patient satisfaction with
chiropractic care is extremely high.
Does Alberta Health Care cover Chiropractic?
The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan provides partial coverage for
chiropractic services received in Alberta up to $200 a year (14-15 visits).
These services have benefit limits or maximums per benefit year, which runs
from July 1 to June 30. When the charge for the treatments exceeds the
benefit limit, patients must pay the difference in cost.
Does my work benefits cover Chiropractic?
The majority of health care plans from work will pay for a portion of your
chiropractic treatments, usually 80-100%. It is best to consult your
individual plan or speak to your companys health care representative to
determine the details of your coverage.
How does the Chiropractic adjustments feel?
A Chiropractic adjustment is the primary treatment used by Doctors of
Chiropractic to restore balance to your spinal column and nervous system, to
allow the natural healing powers of your body to function.
New patients are pleasantly surprised to find out that they typically feel
no pain and, in fact, afterwards they often report experiencing feelings of
relief, greater mobility and general sense of well-being.
Like regular dental checkups, once patients experience the value of
chiropractic, many choose to continue with some form of preventive or
wellness care. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is
always up to you.
What is that popping noise?
Gases are dissolved in joint fluid just like in a can of pop. When joints
(knuckles or vertebrae) are adjusted the gases escape very quickly resulting
n a cracking sound. Just like when you open a can of pop.
Chiropractic treatment can help:
Back pain
Neck tension
Feet problems
Arthritis
Headaches/migraines
Hip pain
Sciatica
Sleeping difficulties
Weakness & numbness
Tendonitis
Whiplash
And many other joint disorders