Frequently Asked Questions •  Why should I see a chiropractor? •  What can a chiropractor do for me? •  Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor? •  Will my insurance, OHIP or WCB pay for my chiropractic care? •  What conditions do chiropractors treat? •  What methods of diagnosis and treatments do chiropractors provide? •  How is the chiropractic approach different from other types of treatment? •  What is a Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC) and what causes it? •  Is VSC an unusual condition, in that it may cause no symptoms? •  What is Subluxation Degeneration and how does it occur? •  How is Subluxation Degeneration different from normal tissue aging? •  What will a chiropractor do during my first visit? •  Are there actually different kinds of chiropractic care? •  I thought chiropractors were just for back pain! •  What types of chiropractic care are there? •  If I see a chiropractor, do I have to keep going? Why should i see a chiropractor? Are you suffering from lower back pain? Or, do your headaches never seem to go away? Have you been injured at work or in a car accident and are having trouble dealing with the pain? Are you active in sports, but after the game have stiff joints and shooting pains? Are you pregnant with an aching back? Are you in your Golden years and having trouble enjoying retirement because those aches and pains are getting in the way? Are you concerned with the health of your whole body, and are looking for a different approach to health care? Are you concerned with your newborn's or child's long term well being and growth? Are you looking to enhance your sporting performance? Are you looking for ways to invest in your health to ensure your quality of life is at an optimum while helping to prevent illness and disease? If you answered yes to any of these questions, You should visit your local chiropractor. (see the Subluxation Survey on this website for a personal evaluation to see if you are a chiropractic candidate) Every day in Canada, over 120,000 people receive treatment from Doctors of Chiropractic. Your chiropractor is a doctor with over 7 years of university education in the art of hands-on healing. Chiropractors use a combination of treatments for your condition. They are specialists in using exact, gentle manipulations of your spine to make you feel great. Chiropractic treatment also includes diet and exercise programs to get you back into tip-top shape. back to top What can a chiropractor do for me? If you have a painful musculo-skeletal condition, like back or neck pain, chiropractic care is particularly indicated. In numerous studies, it has been found more effective than alternative methods of care in providing relief, in returning injured patients to work, and in preventing long-term disability. It has also demonstrated effectiveness in preventing the return of injury. If you suffer from a unwanted health condition that is not responding to mainstream care, a chiropractor can review your case, do an assessment of your spinal condition, suggest positive lifestyle changes, and offer advice on how to improve your body's natural healing ability, in an effort to regain your health. If you and your family have been missing preventive spinal attention, a chiropractor can arrange periodic check-ups, to restore your spinal health to its optimal potential. back to top Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor? No you don't. Chiropractors are primary health care practitioners, which means you do not have to be referred to them. back to top Will my insurance, OHIP or WCB pay for my chiropractic care? OHIP (Ontario Hospitalization Insurance Program)covers a portion of chiropractic services, without need for referral. In OHIP's 1996-97 fiscal year (April 1st through March 31st), $220 is available per patient, at $9.65 per visit. $40.00 of this amount can be used for x-ray studies. Most Ontario chiropractors charge patients between $8 and $15 per visit above this coverage. The initial visit is usually more, because of the time taken in doing a consultation and examination. This user fee is an allowable health expense, claimable at tax time. Many private health plans cover chiropractic fees above OHIP. Some, however, have deductibles while other only cover visits fee after OHIP's coverage has been used up (20-22 visits). Changes are in the way to allow chiropractic expenses to be covered from the first visit. Motor vehicle accident injuries are completely covered for chiropractic care by "no-fault" insurance, again without need for referral. After a period of 6 weeks, an insurer may request an independent assessment to determine the need for care, usually from another chiropractor, accredited as such. Patients receiving medical care under a Workers' Compensation claim may require a referral from the treating physician before transfering to a chiropractor. Patients who consult a chiropractor immediately after their injury do not require any referral. Treatments are covered initially for up to six weeks, after after which an extension of coverage (usually 4 weeks) must be requested. Most injuries improve before that time. back to top What conditions do Chiropractors treat? Most patients originally consult chiropractors with complaints of back pain, neck pain and sciatica. Other musculo-skeletal conditions include strains, sprains, bursitis, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, shinsplints, etc. Chiropractors also have a great degree of success in treating many conditions that involve irritation of the spinal joints, ligaments, muscles and nerves, such as tension headaches, migraines, intercostal neuralgia, and radiating arm or shoulder pain. Chiropractic care has also been shown of some benefit in the treatment of various conditions such as sinusitis, hyatus hernia, menstrual cramps, etc. The effectiveness of Chiropractic treatment for these problems is best explained by the effect it has on the Nervous System. back to top What methods of diagnosis and treatments do chiropractors provide? In Canada, the Chiropractic profession is the only one whose graduates are all trained in the full time practice of Manipulative Therapy. Practiced and perfected by chiropractors for the past 100 years, manipulative therapy is clinically proven to be one of the most effective methods of back care available. In Ontario, Chiropractic is one of only five health professions licenced and qualified to diagnose (the others being medecine, optometry, dentistry and psychology), and to have earned the title of "Doctor". In addition, chiropractors are trained at taking and reading their own x-ray studies, or those brought in from radiology labs. In fact, some chiropractors train to become x-ray specialists in their own field. Chiropractors are also trained to use therapies like exercise, rehabilitation, stretching, trigger point and massage techniques. In addition, many chiropractors use modalities like ultrasound, electro- and magneto-therapy, nutritional counselling and orthotics prescriptions. back to top How is the chiropractic approach different from other types of treatment? Chiropractors are spinal wellness specialists, who pay particular attention to the proper function of the Nervous System. The brain, spinal cord and spinal nerves form this communication network, which is in charge of controling all organ functions, supervise tissue repairs and maintain good health. Nervous System function can be impaired in several ways: lack of rest, injury, poor diet, excessive stress, lack of exercise. Chiropractors provide care and advice to remove these sources of interference to nerve control and good health . In addition, they are the only health professionals concerned with the detection, treatment and prevention of a particular form a nerve interference: the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. back to top What is a Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC) and what causes it? In medical terms, "subluxation" is a slight misalignment of two adjacent bones. Minor misaligments of the spine happen all the time, from day to day stresses. Stepping off a curb, sitting or laying too long on a chair or mattress that's too soft, walking on a hard floor, lifting at an angle, bending and twisting, contact sports, car accidents, even hereditary predispositions, all of these can contribute to cause temporary subluxations. VSC, however, occur when the body's natural righting mechanisms fail to correct these misalignments. The condition is self-sustaining. In chiropract ic terms, a VSC is an area of the spine where misalignment, abnormal movement or curvature is accompanied by a change in muscle tone, abnormal nerve function, irritation, swelling and inflammation of the local ligaments and joints, and degenerative changes and damage to tissue. VSC have been found in patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. It is suspected to be present in at least 4 out of 5 Canadians, though few suspect they have it because in their early stages, VSC are symptomless. back to top Is VSC an unusual condition, in that it may cause no symptoms? NO. Actually, VSC is one of many documented conditions which, in their early stages, are silent (without initial symptoms), and can cause damage and health problems if undetected and untreated. For exemple: high blood pressure: can lead to strokes, and heart and kidney failure; glaucoma: (increased pressure inside the eyeball) can lead to blindness; dental cavities: can lead to loss of tooth, nerve root infection, blood poisoning; Most Canadians, through public health information campaigns, know about problems like high blood pressure, glaucoma, and dental cavities, and the importance of regular medical, dental and eye exams. However, few people pay attention to their spine until it starts to hurt, long after the problems actually started. Chiropractors, though they form the second largest primary health care profession in Canada, only treat 10-15% of the population. With comparatively such little attention paid to the early detection and prevention of spinal problems like VSC, it is no coincidence that 80% of Canadian adults experience back trouble. back to top What is Subluxation Degeneration and how does it occur? When a VSC occurs, abnormal position or movement of the bones cause nerve irritation; this leads to protection spasm of the local muscles, which tends to keep the bones misaligned; inflammation and swelling impairs proper circulation, and decreases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and the removal of by-products and toxins; nerve function can be reduced, keeping pain signals from reaching the brain: VSC can be silent; in time, healing is affected; wear and tear overtakes the natural tissue ability to repair; Subluxation Degeneration (damage) occurs. Eventually, this leads to an increased risk of painful injury or gradually developing health condition: Pain and other symptoms are often a later sign of long standing VSC. back to top How is Subluxation Degeneration different from normal tissue aging? Normal aging takes place gradually throughout the body. Aging skin, for instance, normally wrinkles and thins all over. Subluxation Degeneration, however, affects only those areas of the spine afflicted with VSC. It also occurs prematurely. It would be like a 25 or 40 years old having an isolated patch of old looking skin. Aging is a natural relentless process. Subluxation degeneration is abnormal, and preventable. back to top What will a chiropractor do during my first visit? On your first visit to the doctor's office, your Chiropractor will: Review your health history Learn important information about any surgeries, major illnesses or events in your past that could contribute to your current health problem Conduct a thorough neurological, orthopaedic, and chiropractic examination Perform essential diagnostic physical tests, such as reflexes and muscle strength If necessary, take an appropriate x-ray Get to know you as a person and what your health care needs are along with your personal goals for your health at that particular time and for the future. back to top Are there actually different kinds of chiropractic care? Just as there are different reasons for visiting a chiropractor, there are different types of care. Which approach you take depends on what you're trying to achieve. Some patients simply want relief from pain. Others are looking for a way to stay healthy. In either case, chiropractic care works. back to top I thought chiropractors were just for back pain! Chiropractic care addresses spinal problems (called subluxations) anywhere in your spine, not just in your low back. A subluxation exists where spinal bones and joint or joints in the rest of the body become misaligned or lose their normal range of movement. These problem sites irritate or put pressure on local nerves which interferes with communication between your brain and body (and vice versa). Using highly skilled, gentle adjustments the unhealthy effect on your body is reduced and corrected. In time, the spine, its nervous system and other related parts of the body (including the organs) can function normally again. To help you accomplish this, there are different types of chiropractic care available. back to top What types of chiropractic care are there? All chiropractic care begins with an initial examination, after which x-rays may be recommended to determine the seriousness of your condition. In addition to being adjusted, you may be given exercises to do, diet suggestions and ways to improve your posture. Relief Care is provided for acute pain and discomfort. Depending on the diagnosis, your age and physical condition, frequent visits over a relatively short period of time may be required. Corrective Care treats long term spinal problems. Because they have existed for some time they require a longer period of care, similar to crooked teeth slowly improving with braces. This is the most important part of chiropractic care and should definitely be considered in order to obtain the maximum benefit for your health both now and for the future. Maintenance Care helps you retain the benefits you've achieved from the relief and corrective care. Continuing to work with your chiropractor and having periodic adjustments will keep you as healthy as you can be in your particular lifestyle. This portion of care is highly personalized and varies from person to person depending on their health care needs, wants and desires. Chiropractic visits, exercise and a sensible diet will help you enjoy the best of health well into the future. So now, if you do happen to become a grandparent, it really can be grand. back to top If I see a chiropractor, do I have to keep going? That choice is yours. Some injuries respond quickly to minimal care, and may benefit from occasional check-ups thereafter. Others have deeper roots and require more attention to produce long lasting improvement. There is difference between providing you with shorter term relief, and giving you the attention and information you need to keep your injuries from returning or getting worse. After a thorough assessment, your chiropractor will review with you the options of care and set up a program of care that fits your needs and priorities. back to top Sign-up to receive Dr. Dave's bi-monthly newsletter, filled with helpful information to keep yourself healthy and happy. Add me Remove Me Email List Management by Ezine Director Download these two exclusive reports: "6 Secrets to a Healthy Pain-Free Body" and "6 Secrets to a Healthy Child". Copyright © 2003, Dr. David Koivuranta. All rights reserved.