Answers to frequently asked questions about chiropractic care

Question: What is chiropractic?

Answer: Chiropractic care is a highly skilled practice that concerns itself with the relationship between the nervous system and functional health of the whole body. It is scientifically known that your nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ and process in your body. By stimulating your nervous system to work properly using special adjusting techniques, chiropractors are not only able to address the reasons for your symptoms, but also improve your body’s ability to function, naturally heal, and adapt to stresses over time.

Question: What can I expect during my first visit with the chiropractor?

Answer: The first time you go to the chiropractor, a complete health history will be taken and discussed with you. You will be given a complete neurological, physical and postural examination with X-rays (if determined necessary by the doctor), and specialized computerized scans called sEMG (Surface Electromyelogram) used to determine nerve and muscle irritation, and dermothermography for detection of inflammation and autonomic nerve function. A spinal exam will detect any structural abnormalities that could affect you. The chiropractor will begin treatment only after your condition is diagnosed. This could involve corrective spinal adjustments or therapies.

Question: Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?

Answer: Adjustments are also referred to as Chiropractic treatments. They are specific and skillful movements done by the Doctor of Chiropractic to reposition misaligned vertebrae and stimulate the nervous system to begin functioning properly. Adjustments are rarely painful and Dr. Cooper uses very gentle techniques to make sure his patients are completely comfortable throughout the healing process.

Question: Is chiropractic safe for kids?

Answer: Chiropractic care has also been used in the treatment of many common childhood ailments, such as colic, respiratory distress, fever, ADHD, and earaches. As they grow, children will often suffer injuries as a result of playing sports, falling and other childhood-related accidents. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify problems and may help to avoid some of the health problems that are so common in adults. Chiropractic care can stabilize scoliosis, improve health and monitor and correct poor posture in children.

Generally, it’s never too early to begin chiropractic on children. Although the adjusting techniques used on children are modified, the benefits are just as great. Since a degree of spinal trauma can happen during labour and delivery, when the spine and neck may be injured as the baby is pushed through the birth canal, parents should have their newborns checked by a Doctor of Chiropractic. By addressing concerns early when the nervous system is developing, children can grow into healthy adults.

Question: Is chiropractic safe for senior citizens?

Answer: Many seniors consult Chiropractic Doctors, both for the relief of symptoms and to maintain good health overall. In many cases, chiropractic treatment is an effective alternative to medication.

Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance and appetite. Older patients often report an improvement of arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments so often associated with the aging process.

The Chiropractic Doctor will always take the patients age and general health into account and then use an appropriate adjusting technique to achieve maximum comfort and results. For many senior citizens, chiropractic treatment offers a simple and effective way to maintain good health, reduce spinal stiffness and keep that youthful feeling.