Chiropractic

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What is Chiropractic?



Chiropractors are one of the largest primary-contact health care professions in Ontario. Like your family doctor, you do not need a referral to see a chiropractor. Chiropractors are one of only five classes of health care professionals in Ontario that are able to use the title Doctor.

Chiropractic is a non-invasive, hands-on health care discipline that focuses on the neuromusculoskeletal system.

This means that Chiropractors treat many conditions related to nerves, muscles, and joints. Chiropractors are highly educated and extensively trained to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent disorders of the spine, joints, muscle and nervous systems. These disorders may include back pain, neck pain, headaches, referring pain in your arms and legs, etc.

 

Chiropractors may use a combination of treatments, all of which are based on the specific needs of the individual patient. After taking a complete history, examining and diagnosing a patient, a chiropractor can develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment/management plan, recommend therapeutic exercise and other non-invasive therapies, and provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counselling.

Your chiropractor may be the primary health professional treating your condition although they can work in collaboration with your family doctor and other health professionals in managing your condition.



Why should I see a Chiropractor?



Eight out of ten Canadians will experience back pain at some point in their life, and at least one third of people in Ontario will have back pain at any given time. For many people, the pain can keep them away from work, school or even their day-to-day activities. If pain causes interruptions or restrictions in the activities of your daily life then you should consult a health care provider.

Many patients seek chiropractic treatment for wellness care. Others, like seniors, who find that treatment helps them to maintain mobility and good range of motion. Pain should never become a way of life, especially when there is qualified help available.

Many Canadians seek chiropractic care for a variety of reasons. Some common reasons include:

Back pain
Neck pain
Headache
Whiplash
Strains and sprains
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Work and sports injuries
Car Accident Injuries
Foot Pain
Arthritis
Limited range of motion in the back, shoulder, neck or limbs
Pregnancy related back pain
General health and well-being
To improve performance related to sports

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Is Chiropractic covered by OHIP?



Chiropractic is not covered by OHIP but most employee health benefit plans cover Chiropractic.

 

 

What can I expect on my first visit?



Dr. Vukovic will perform a thorough history, physical examination and first treatment on your initial visit. Set aside at least 30 minutes for your first visit to the chiropractor. It is a good idea to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for your visit to the chiropractor. Bring a copy of any X-rays or radiology reports you have. These assessments give your chiropractor a better picture of your complete health and help guide your doctor to a more precise diagnosis and thus more effective treatment!. He will then make a diagnosis, prescribe a course of treatment, and once the matter of informed consent has been discussed, treatment begins.

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Do I have to see a chiropractor for the rest of my life?



No. There are different reasons why people seek treatment. Depending on factors such as nature of the condition, age, health history, lifestyle, nutrition, exercise and health goals the duration for treatment will vary.

Your chiropractor will discuss a schedule of care based on your diagnosis and other relevant factors. For some people chiropractic treatment is like a regular tune-up, to help deal with the daily wear and tear of life. For others, it’s simply an effective treatment when pain or discomfort strikes. For some, it may provide symptom relief to help manage chronic conditions. Think of therapy like taking your medication, there is always a frequency and duration recommended. 



What is an adjustment?



An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustment loosens the joint and surrounding tissues to restore proper movement and optimize function.

 

 

What is that ‘cracking‘ sound made from an adjustment?



The sound you hear is the shifting of gas and fluid that lubricates the spinal joints causing the popping or cracking noise. The amount of noise you hear on a particular adjustment varies on how much your spine is out of alignment that day.



Are Adjustments and Chiropractic treatments safe?

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Chiropractic adjustment techniques have been researched extensively. Complications are rare and side-effects, such as temporary soreness, are usually minor. Your chiropractor is well-trained to determine if your problem will respond to chiropractic care or if you require referral to another health care provider.

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of headache, and neck and back pain. It has an excellent safety record. However, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. Even common over-the-counter medicines and other alternative therapies carry a risk. After taking a comprehensive history and performing a physical examination your chiropractor will be able to discuss any potential adverse affects.