FAQs by Markham Chiropractor

HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC CARE HELP?

Chiropractic care is a drugless and non-surgical approach to pain relief and overall body wellness and optimization.

Chiropractic care utilizes the unique power of the body to heal from the inside out by adjusting restricted, fixated or subluxated joints of the spine to relieve pressure and stress on the overall nervous system exiting between those joints on route to organ systems and muscles.  The nervous system is the master communicator of the body and it controls the functioning of all cells and organ systems. Chiropractic treatment addresses these joint dysfunctions that interrupts the body ability to allow the brain and nervous system to work together to keep the body in homeostasis and in optimal function.

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I DIDN'T HEAR A SOUND. DOES THAT MEAN THE ADJUSTMENT DIDN'T WORK?

Some chiropractic adjustments release oxygen dissolved with the joint causing a pop or cracking sound however the noise is not required to ensure the adjustment was successful.  In fact, Dr. Shelley uses a tonal chiropractic treatment style that is very gentle that does not involve any twisting, cracking, popping or noise.

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DOES INSURANCE COVER CHIROPRACTIC VISITS?

Many patients are lucky to have extended health care benefits that cover their Chiropractic care.  Dr. Shelley has the ability to directly bill to your insurance company facilitating your billing issues.

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IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE SAFE WHILE I'M PREGNANT?

Chiropractic is very safe during pregnancy.  Many women suffer with back pain during pregnancy and chiropractic care offers a drugless solution to managing the discomfort due to pregnancy as well as ensuring that the mother’s pelvis remains balanced while the baby grows in utero.  A balanced pelvis often allows the baby to remain in the desired birthing position ensuring the best chance for a faster and uncomplicated natural birth.  Dr. Shelley has a passion for working with children and women during pregnancy and she has invested in a post-doctorate program through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association to heighten her skills with moms and babies.

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CAN I BECOME ADDICTED TO CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS?

Although many patients enjoy and look forward to their chiropractic treatment the adjustments themselves are not addictive.

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IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE SAFE FOR CHILDREN?

Children's spinal adjusting techniques are designed to further protect the developing spinal structures. Pediatric spinal adjusting techniques require the use of gentle, specific contacts with a light impulse through the doctor's finger-tip, often baby finger. Because of the flexibility of the developing spine and the size of a child's spinal joints, any adjustive thrust is kept to a minimum.  Some babies remain sleeping during their adjustments.

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HOW MUCH SCHOOLING DOES A CHIROPRACTOR HAVE?

Doctors of Chiropractic are required to complete an undergraduate degree prior to application to chiropractic college.  Chiropractic students then spend four years studying anatomy, physiology, biophysics, nutrition, clinical assessment and diagnosis, neuroanatomy and treatment protocols to mention a few.  All chiropractors are required to write and pass their National and Provincial Board Exams and are governed in their private practice by their respective provincial regulatory boards.  In Ontario, all chiropractors are regulated through the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO).

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CAN I SEE A CHIROPRACTOR IF I'VE HAD BACK SURGERY?

Every chiropractor will base the need for treatment on an individual assessment basis with a thorough initial examination.  It is with those results that your chiropractor will determine the course and or need for care.  Back surgery in and of itself does not prevent you from receiving chiropractic care.

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HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO WORK?

Individual results will vary in respect to length of time.  On average the acute care phase requires upwards of 12 visits to manage the initial complaint. Some injuries will be quicker however some chronic conditions may be much longer. Your prognosis will be discussed at your report of findings.