An introduction to Chiropractic care

Unlike drugs, chiropractic care focuses on correcting subluxations to alleviate nerve pressure and promote overall health.

Our techniques:

Chiroworks mainly utilizes Diversified Technique, which is a widely used type of chiropractic manipulation and adjustment that includes most of the procedures taught at chiropractic colleges. This technique is the most commonly used of all chiropractic techniques and is likely familiar to most patients.

The Diversified manipulation or adjustment entails a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust that usually results in a joint cavitation (the quick, shallow thrusts that cause the popping noise often associated with a chiropractic manipulation or adjustment). As the name implies, the Diversified Technique can be used to treat many of the joints in the body.

Step one:

The chiropractor will locate the source of your pain by:

  • Listening to you explain your symptoms

  • Using his or her hands and knowledge of the spine to locate the precise source of pain

  • Using x-rays, orthopaedic tests (e.g. checking how you walk, bend or lift things) or neurological tests (e.g. checking hand-eye coordination and/or reflexes)

Step two:

Once the problem is located, the chiropractor will test your range of motion by:

  • Testing how far you can move by yourself without any pain

  • Testing how far you can move with a little help

Step three:

Chiropractor determines your range of motion, he or she:

  • Carefully positions you to isolate the problem and move your affected joint to the limit of its range of motion

  • Uses his or her hands directly on your back to carefully apply the pressure required to move the affected joint

  • Relieves the pressure on your joint to improve mobility and allow the joints, muscles, and nerves to function properly

Common treatable musculoskeletal conditions

Chiropractic treatment has provided effective relief to millions of individuals suffering from back and neck ailments. Chiropractic treatment has also provided relief from many other musculoskeletal complaints, ranging from knee and ankle problems to carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow.

  • Low back pain and stiffness

  • Neck and upper back pain and stiffness

  • Mid-back pain and stiffness

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Leg pain, weakness, numbness and tingling

  • Arm pain, weakness, numbness and tingling

  • Joint pain and dysfunction of the extremities

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome Much more!

Common treatable non-musculoskeletal conditions

In addition to musculoskeletal problems, chiropractic treatments have also been shown to benefit many individuals suffering from “medical” ailments such as chronic ear infections in children, menstrual pain and irregularities in women and arthritis in the elderly.

  • Asthma

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  • Dizziness and dysequilibrium

  • Infantile colic

  • Low energy levels

  • Ear infections

  • Ulcers

Common treatable injuries

  • Vehicular accident and whiplash injuries

  • On-the-job and lifting injuries

  • Sports/athletic injuries

  • Slip and fall injuries

Common questions:

“How often should I see a Chiropractor?”

A common question we are often asked is, “How long should Chiropractic treatment continue?”

The need for any ongoing care will depend on your unique physiology and specific condition. We will make a professional recommendation and discuss your options for ongoing treatment.

For most patients, the most pressing need is for immediate relief. That said, we can provide you with several different levels of care:

  • Relief Care is provided for immediate pain and discomfort. Depending on the diagnosis and your age and physical condition, one visit or several visits over a short period of time may be required.

  • Corrective Care treats long-term spinal problems. Because these problems have likely existed for some time, they require a longer, more complex period of care, which may include a customized exercise program.

  • Supportive or Maintenance Care helps you maintain and enjoy the benefits you’ve achieved from relief and corrective care. This means continuing to work with your chiropractor and having adjustments once in a while to keep your spine as healthy as possible.

Every individual is different, and Chiroworks will recommend a course of care that is right for you. If Chiropractic care is not the best solution for your specific health problem, Chiroworks will make an appropriate referral.

Common misconceptions:

One of the most common myths surrounding chiropractic is the idea that a chiropractor “cracks” your back, but that’s not the only one. Here’s the real deal:

MYTH: Chiropractic treatment involves cracking my spine.

FACT: One part of chiropractic treatment involves applying quick, precise pressure to joints, which creates a cracking or popping noise. This is called an adjustment. The popping noise doesn’t come from your bones, but rather from a the release of a gas bubble that occurs when two joints are separated. This process is just like what happens when you pop your knuckles or scrunch up your toes first thing in the morning.

MYTH: Nobody should use so much pressure on my spine. That can’t be right.
FACT: A chiropractic adjustment actually does not involve a great deal of force. Skill, positioning, speed and timing are more important than force.

MYTH: I’ve heard that cracking your joints can cause arthritis.
FACT: There is no evidence-based reason to think that there is a connection between cavitation and arthritis. In fact, a chiropractic adjustment increases mobility; reduces pressure on the joints, muscles and nerves; and allows the spine to return to a natural position.