What is chiropractic ?

Chiropractic is a primary contact health profession, which means that no medical referral is necessary to consult us. The chiropractor is an expert in maintaining neuromusculoskeletal functions (nerves, muscles and joints of the body). It is with the taking of X-rays, manual therapy, personalized exercise rehabilitation programs and self-management advice that we are successful in curing our patients. Our goal is to optimize your health and reduce your pain with a natural and non-invasive approach.
 

What are chiropractic adjustments ?

The chiropractor treats patients with spinal manipulations, which are applied with skillfull hands, to increase the range of motion of the spine. These manipulations are gentle and can emit a slight crackle (cavitation would be the exact word: noise emitted by the suction that holds the joints). The treatment can also be accompanied by muscle therapy (therapeutic massage) and also by complementary therapy, if necessary.
 

What is the noise or “crack” that is often heard during a chiropractic adjustment ?

This noise is called cavitation. It is a suction effect that occurs in a joint during chiropractic adjustment. In all our joints there is a viscous fluid called synovial fluid. In this liquid, there is a gas which is dissolved in it, it is nitrogen. When the chiropractor makes an adjustment, he “gently” and quickly stretches the joint, which creates a decrease in intra-articular pressure. The gas then comes out of the liquid and this is where cavitation (audible cracking) is heard. There is nothing that rubs or breaks, it is only a suction that restores joint movement. 
 

Is it painful to get adjusted ?

No, cavitation (joint noise) may startle patients a bit, but there is no pain involved. The majority of patients tell us that they feel a “pleasant relief” effect following a treatment. In addition, the patient often feels invigorated and more alert. By changing the position and movement of the joints, the muscles and ligaments move better. It is therefore normal, sometimes, to feel some temporary stiffness / aches. Adjustments are not used consistently to address all conditions. Don't hesitate to discuss your preferences or fears with your chiropractor. 

​

Why is it ideal to continue with “maintenance” treatments when there is no more pain ?

Symptoms or pain are often the tip of the iceberg. Chiropractors focus part of their attention on pain, but they also want to address the “real” cause of an injury. Patients who limit themselves to relieving their pain will not solve their problem in the long term. They just make sure to appease it temporarily. Generally, from crisis to crisis, the state of health deteriorates. In addition, the pains are likely to return later and they are, most of the time, stronger than the previous episode.

 

Do I need x-rays for treatment ?

Everything depends on the consultation and the examination that has been done beforehand. If your chiropractor decides that X-rays are needed, they are necessary in order to:

• Specify your diagnosis

• Rule out larger health issues that may be present

• Check the health and degeneration of the vertebrae and joints

• One should not worry about the dose of x-rays used in chiropractic clinic. This dose is minimal.

​

Why don't chiropractors prescribe medication ?

The chiropractic approach recognizes that the human body has the ability to heal itself and that the role of the chiropractor is to eliminate interference with this ability. Your doctor of chiropractic follows the laws of homeostasis and looks for the underlying causes of the patient's symptoms. In the event that a pharmacological treatment is deemed "useful", your chiropractor will refer you to your family doctor for appropriate care. 
 

When do you start to feel better ?

Some patients will feel better after the first adjustment. Others will find that progress occurs over several weeks. Each person reacts differently. Children generally react faster, while adults need more time, especially if their condition has been present for several years. Lifestyle habits, posture, diet, exercise and keeping to your appointments are all factors that positively influence your progress.
 

Will I need chiropractic care for the rest of my life ?

It all depends on how long you want to benefit from the effect of chiropractic care. They are conservative in nature, aimed at prevention and long-term maintenance of your health.
 

Do chiropractors treat children ?

Certainly, especially since several vertebral traumas can occur during childhood, from playing, falling even birth. It is therefore important for parents to have their children examined to ensure that they do not have vertebral subluxations. Children respond quickly to chiropractic care. Monitoring ensures that they grow up healthier.
 

​