Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts concerned with the restoration and maintenance of health by manipulation of the spinal column and peripheral joints. It is primarily involved with the relationship between the spinal column and the nervous system. Along with treating many different kinds of disorders, because of the vast distribution of the nervous system, chiropractic has proven effective with many other conditions, such as certain headaches, chronic pain, muscle tension, stress and helping the body maintain a sense of well being. Chiropractic uses the body’s inherent ability to heal itself, with the aid of a properly functioning nervous system. The Chiropractor without drugs or surgery, deals with body engineering, postural stability, joint mechanics and the self—regulating physiological control systems of the body.

On your first visit to the Chiropractor you will be given a physical examination. You will also receive a spinal examination which includes studies of spinal motion and integrity, orthopaedic testing and a complete neurological exam, when warranted. After a comprehensive differential diagnosis is given, the Chiropractor will arrive at a prognosis and either treat the patient or refer to another health discipline for appropriate cure.

The Chiropractor’s main treatment mode is spinal manipulation. Using the hands, the Chiropractor will adjust specific segments of the spinal column with a quick, painless specific thrust that mobilizes the vertebrae. Such adjustments may have to be repeated regularly over a period of time to achieve the desired correction. The relief of these spinal misalignments and nerve irritations will help the body in its effort to return to normal health, Along with spinal manipulation such matters as posture, nutrition, exercise, work and recreational habits are all considered.

Spinal x-rays are invaluable to the Chiropractor to help rule out disease and to aid in the diagnosis of certain spinal anomalies that are not readily visable during the physical examination. Each case is unique and x-rays will only be taken if required.

Chiropractic care has long and short-term goals. The short-term goal is to get the presenting complaint under control and the patient in a pain free state. Long-term goals are to correct the structure imbalances in the spine that led to the problem originally and to prevent recurrence. Again, the concept of preventive care must be stressed. Through regular chiropractic care the body will be better able to deal with the many difficulties that you confront each day. You do not have to be ill to benefit from chiropractic care. Many athletes utilize chiropractic to help improve performance.

The Doctor of Chiropractic training requires a minimum of six years intensive college study including a one year clinic internship prior to entering private practice. A Chiropractor is a primary contact practitioner and is therefore well trained in diagnostic procedures. Thus, you may consult a Chiropractor directly, without medical referral. There are over 2,800 Chiropractors in Canada, approximately 360 in the province of British Columbia. Chiropractic is the third largest provider of health care in Canada after medicine and denti stry.

• British Columbia Medical Insurance insures chiropractic care. (12 visits p.a., over 65 15 visits p.a.)
• Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia insures chiropractic care.
• I.C.B.C. insures chiropractic care.