Chiropractic
Chiropractic care optimizes the function of the spine to promote overall health.
Chiropractic is one of the largest primary-contact health care professions in Ontario. It is a hands-on health care discipline that focuses on the neuromusculoskeletal system. Chiropractors embrace a manual approach, providing diagnosis, treatment and preventive care for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system and joints.
Chiropractors customize their treatments to the specific needs and interests of the individual patient. Treatment and intervention are offered within the context of a comprehensive patient history and often involve:
- A comprehensive treatment/management plan
- Therapeutic exercise and other non-invasive therapies
- Nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counselling
Chiropractic care is a supportive resource
Chiropractic care can work independently or in many cases can serve as a complement to other medical interventions.
Chiropractic care may also be used to provide symptomatic relief for patients with chronic conditions. Patient surveys reveal that by treating the neuromusculoskeletal elements of such disorders, chiropractic treatment improves the general well-being of the patient, especially relative to:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headache
- Whiplash
- Strains and sprains
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- Work and sports injuries
- Arthritis
- Limited range of motion in the back, shoulder, neck or limbs
- General health and well-being
Unfortunately, chiropractic care is often misunderstood:
- It is more than dealing with pain.
- It involves more than just spinal adjustment
- It doesn’t just ‘fix your back’
Industry standards
Chiropractic is a regulated health profession, recognized by statute in all Canadian provinces and American states. Almost 2 million patients in Ontario rely on chiropractic care every year to help them lead healthy, active lives.
Doctors of chiropractic may assess patients through clinical examination, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and other interventions to determine when chiropractic treatment is appropriate. Chiropractors may also refer patients to the appropriate health care provider when chiropractic care is not suitable or when the presenting condition warrants multiple interventions across the health care spectrum.