Ideal Chiropractic FAQs

Chiropractors are primary health care practitioners who apply a holistic approach by addressing the patient as a whole. Treatment plans are individualized and typically include chiropractic adjustment/manipulation, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation and lifestyle advice.

An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. The purpose of an adjustments is to improve mobility, decreasing pain and stiffness, and restoring joint function.

With a manual adjustment the patient may hear a “cracking” or “popping” sound. This sound occurs due to pressure changes within the joint. These pressure changes result in gas being released from the joint capsule, creating an audible sound. The audible release from the joint is independent of the success of an adjustment.

A low force adjustment is performed with an instrument called an Activator. The activator is placed directly on the joint and the sound of the instrument will be heard as the adjustment occurs. There is no rotation or audible sound following a low force adjustment.

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies for the treatment of headache, neck and back pain. It has an excellent safety record, however all health treatments have potential adverse effects.

Adjustments rarely cause pain or discomfort, instead most patients experience immediate relief. However rare side effects such as temporary soreness may occur and are usually short-lived (24 hours). Before receiving treatment of any kind, you should always be aware of all potential risks, no matter how minor.

Chiropractors must complete a minimum of three years of undergraduate studies before attending the rigorous four-year program at Chiropractic College. In addition to their Chiropractic studies, they must pass comprehensive Canadian licensing examinations regulated by their governing body and remain in good standing in order to practice.

Chiropractors treat a wide array of conditions and injuries affecting the muscles, joints and nerves of the body.  Conditions commonly treated by Chiropractors include:

• Back pain

• Sciatica

• Neck pain

• Headaches

• Whiplash

• Pregnancy related aches & pains

• Infant conditions 

• Strains and sprains

• Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

• Work and sports injuries

• Arthritis

• Limited range of motion in the back, shoulder, neck or limbs

Your first visit will typically be 45 min – 1 hour. In this time, the Chiropractor will do a thorough health history and physical exam to determine the root cause of your ailment. Next, the Chiropractor will discuss the assessment findings and provide an individualized treatment plan. Treatment will then be rendered if the Chiropractor determines it is safe to do so.

No. Chiropractors are legislated as primary care professionals and are regulated by provincial statute. This means that patients can consult a Chiropractor directly without a referral from your medical doctor.

Chiropractic is not covered by your typical OHIP coverage, however it is covered by most extended health insurance plans. If this is an issue that concerns you, check with your insurance provider to see the extent of your coverage.

No, you don’t have to have ongoing care once you start. However, many people choose to have ongoing care after their injury has resolved to prevent it from returning. Receiving periodic check ups for you back health has shown to keep patients symptom free. Receiving these check ups are no different than going to the dentist or bringing your car to the mechanic, but the choice is always up to you.

If you don’t see an answer to a question that you have in our Chiropractic FAQs, please contact us and we will not only answer your question, we will update this section to better serve our community!