Chiropractic is the natural choice for more families these days. It’s drug free and hundreds of thousands of Canadians have been helped by their Doctor of Chiropractic in the last 110 years. Rather than manipulate your body with chemicals we’ll dig deeply and figure out what we need to do to get your body to heal itself. From the inside. Naturally.
2. What is chiropractic? What is a subluxation?
Chiropractic is the healing art and science that helps your own body heal itself from above down, from the inside out. Your spine protects your nervous system. Your nervous system conducts ALL of the messages from your brain to your body. These messages are essential for your body to heal and function properly. When your spine is properly aligned and moving, your nervous system works better. A subluxation is a spinal misalignment. When one or more of the bones of your spine shift out of alignment they put pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. Chiropractors gently re-align your spine, take the pressure off and allow your body to function properly and heal naturally.
3. Can I adjust myself? Can a subluxation clear up on it’s own?
No, you cannot adjust yourself. Some people twist themselves in awkward ways and are able to make a ‘popping’ noise but this is not an adjustment. This non-specific mobilization of your spine will leave the misaligned vertebrae uncorrected. An adjustment is specifically focused on correcting or reducing the misalignments of your spine. Your body heals and corrects many of the misalignments in your spine. The ones it can’t correct are the most serious misalignments. They can fester under the surface without symptoms for years, even decades, causing spinal arthritis and degeneration. It is these misalignments that require the expertise of a Doctor of Chiropractic.
4. Does an adjustment hurt? What’s that sound during an adjustment?
Adjustments themselves are not painful. In fact, they’re very comfortable and often are followed by relaxation, less tension and a feeling of well-being. However, some people experience minor muscle tightness after the first few adjustments (like the feeling you get after starting an exercise program again after a break). We give our patients simple guidance on how to alleviate this tightness should it happen after your first adjustments. The popping noise is gas being released from a misaligned joint. Not all adjustments are accompanied by a popping noise. If you prefer “light touch” adjustments please contact Dr. Henderson to discuss your adjustment options at our office (and see the answer to the next question).
5. Are there other ways to perform an adjustment?
Yes. Some adjustments are done with the hands and involve an audible click or release. Other methods of adjusting use an instrument or a special adjusting table to accomplish the same thing – re-alignment of the vertebrae. We use a wide variety of adjusting methods depending on which one we feel will lead to the best healing and overall outcome.
6. Can I have chiropractic care after surgery? Can I have chiropractic care if I have osteoporosis?
In most cases, you can have chiropractic care immediately after surgery or if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Your adjustments may be modified to accomodate for the osteoporosis or tenderness as you heal from the surgery.
7. Why do children need chiropractic care?
Because their spines can become misaligned too. The birth process, learning to walk, falls and tumbles, all of these things create misalignments of the spine. We use child-sized adjustments for child-sized patients. They’ve been proven safe and effective for children of all ages, even newborns.
8. How long will I need to go? How long until I feel better?
The duration and frequency of your care plan depends on a number of factors including the amount of damage in your spine. Prior to beginning care at our office Dr. Henderson will discuss your exam results and help you understand what’s wrong, how long it will take to correct, how often you’ll need to come and the costs involved. Once all of your questions have been answered you’ll receive your first adjustment.
9. What is the education of a Chiropractor?
Today's Doctor of Chiropractic is well educated with an educational curriculum similar to medical school. Special emphasis is placed on anatomy, neurology, biomechanics, nutrition, x-ray, physiology, diagnosis, and spinal adjusting. Post graduate education totals 7 years and demanding national and provincial board examinations must be passed. A chiropractor is a specialist in your spine and nervous system and subluxations - something no other health practitioner is trained in.
10. Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral from a medical doctor to consult a Chiropractor directly. Simply call and schedule an appointment.
11. How can I schedule a consultation and examination?
Call our office at 217-3002 and Angela will find an exam time that works for your schedule. You’ll need about 40 minutes for your first appointment and don’t forget your Alberta Health Card.
12. How can I get more information?
Email Dr. Henderson at drcolin@livelifewell.ca to have your specific questions answered.
