What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is the largest natural health care profession in the world. Chiropractic care is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism. This healing is controlled by your brain, spinal cord and nerves. The bones of the spine, or “vertebrae”, protect the brain and nervous system. If these bones become misaligned or “subluxated”, this causes pressure on the nerves which causes malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body. Chiropractors are the only doctors specifically trained to detect and correct these subluxations so that the body heals itself.

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How Does Chiropractic Work?

Chiropractic works by restoring your body’s inborn ability to be healthy. By restoring optimal spinal function with Chiropractic adjustments, nerve interference caused by subluxations is reduced, thus allowing your body to regain it’s potential health.

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What Type of Education Do Chiropractors Get?

Today’s Doctor of Chiropractic is highly educated with an educational curriculum that is similar to medical school and in some areas exceeding it. Special emphasis is placed on anatomy, neurology, biomechanics, nutrition, x-ray, physiology, diagnosis, and spinal adjusting. A Doctor of Chiropractic’s post-secondary education totals a minimum of 7 years. Following this your Doctor must pass demanding national and provincial licensing board examinations.

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Is Chiropractic Expensive?

Chiropractic care is very affordable. Compared to other healing arts, chiropractic is extremely cost-effective. Most Extended Health benefit programs now provide coverage that includes Chiropractic care. Our office will prepare the most cost-effective care programs for our patients and strives to ensure that Chiropractic can be available to everyone.

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Is Chiropractic Safe?

Chiropractic has proven itself as the safest of all healing arts. In the words of the New Zealand government’s inquiry, Chiropractic care is ”…remarkably safe.” It is safer than back surgery, over the counter muscle relaxants, any medication - even aspirin… in fact - thousands of times safer! All ages from babies to the elderly enjoy safe, gentle and effective chiropractic care. We find that the most common side effect our patients notice is “improved heath and well-being”.

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Is Chiropractic Scientific?

Research from New Zealand, Australia, the United States, England, Denmark and Canada have validated Chiropractic. Recently, the “Manga Report” produced at the University of Ottawa has validated Chiropractic for its safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness for Chiropractic and low back and spinal related problems. On-going research is now validating Chiropractic for neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, asthma, ear infections and a variety of other health issues.

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How Long Will I Need Chiropractic?

There are 3 types of care in Chiropractic:

Initial Intensive care to address initial crisis phase. Corrective care continues to correct the underlying cause of the problem - the subluxation. Wellness Care to maintain and promote optimal health.

Similar to brushing teeth, tuning up your car or regular visits to a dentist, Chiropractic Wellness care is important for maintaining optimal health. Our patients find it an effective way avoid health problems and health costs and enjoy an active and healthy life-style. How long you decide to benefit from Chiropractic is always up to you.

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Do I Need a Referral to Visit a Chiropractor?

Absolutely not! A Doctor of Chiropractic is a primary contact provider. This means you do not need a referral. Although the vast majority of our patients are referred by other satisfied patients, no referral is required by a patient or doctor.

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Why does my child need Chiropractic?

The remarkable health benefits available for children through Chiropractic care. The expression, “As the twig is bent - So grows the tree.” rings especially true here. Chiropractic patients for years have seen results from a variety of childhood health problems such as growing pains, asthma and ear infections. Recent research out by Dr. Nilsson in Denmark reports dramatic results with colicky infants under gentle and specific chiropractic care. Other studies have shown that children under Chiropractic care are healthier than other children, miss less school, are more attentive and take significantly less medications. Kids need chiropractic check-ups too! For more info: www.icpa4kids.com

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What If Chiropractic Doesn’t Work?

If we’re unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help. Your health is our primary goal.

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How do I find out if my insurance company covers these services?

Ask your insurance carrier the following questions:

1. How much Chiropractic/Orthotic/Massage/Acupuncture/Naturopathic medicine, craniosacral therapy Services are covered for the year?
2. Is my spouse and children covered?
3. Do any of these require a medical referral?
4. What is the insurance calendar year?
5. How much is covered per visit?
6. Is there a deductible?

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More information

Chiropractic Related Links

Canadian Chiropractic Association	www.ccachiro.org
College of Chiropractors of Ontario	www.cco.on.ca
Ontario Chiropractic Association	www.chiropractic.on.ca
York Peel Chiropractic Society	www.chiropractic4health.com
International Chiropractic Pediatric Association	www.icpa4kids.org
Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association	www.jcca-online.org
New York Chiropractic College	www.nycc.edu
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College	www.cmcc.ca

Naturopathic Medicine Related Links

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine	www.ccnm.edu
Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors	www.oand.com

Acupuncture

Acupuncture Council of Ontario	www.aco-web.com

Registered Massage Therapy

Canadian Massage Therapist Alliance	www.cmta.ca

Other

Health Canada	www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Diane Kent, Medical Herbalist	www.dianeherbalist.ca