faq’s about Chiropractic care
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
No, chiropractors are recognized as primary health care professionals. This means that patients can consult them directly and chiropractors can direct their patients to a doctor if necessary.
How can Chiropractic help?
Chiropractic can help to alleviate pain by restoring spinal biomechanics, correcting dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system, encouraging normal joint motion and reducing muscle spasm.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health and numerous studies have shown its effectiveness and safety. Compared to other interventions such as surgery or pain medications, chiropractic care is low-risk, non-invasive and safe.
Is it safe for babies and children to be adjusted?
Rest assured that we do not adjust babies and children the same way we adjust adults. With babies and children, only slight pressure is applied.
Does chiropractic care help during pregnancy?
Yes, pregnancy causes increased stress on the back, especially the lower back. Chiropractic care is highly effective in relieving the pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy and shortens labor and makes delivery easier.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the application of a specific force in a precise direction, applied skilfully to a spinal joint that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving as it should. This can help improve or restore motion to the joint, helping the spine to gradually regain more normal motion and function.
For whom is chiropractic care suitable?
Chiropractic care is appropriate for everyone, including newborns, the elderly, pregnant women, athletes and all age groups. Once you have recovered, your chiropractor will offer advice on exercise and lifestyle choices to stay healthy, strong and resilient to face life’s challenges.
Can I adjust myself?
A chiropractic adjustment is a highly specific force, delivered in a precise direction, to a specific spinal joint, therefore it is impossible to adjust oneself.
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
When performed correctly by a qualified chiropractor, adjustments do not hurt. However, if you are suffering from an acute muscle spasm where even the slightest touch hurts, you may experience discomfort while the muscle knots are being released, as well as possible pain after treatment for the next day or two. If you have had a problem for some time, or if it is a chronic complaint, you may feel sore after the treatments as your body adjusts.
What is the sound I hear during an adjustment?
When an adjustment is made, the synovial joint’s pressure changes. The sound is from release of the nitrogen gas in the joint as it is realigned.
Is every patient's treatment the same?
No. The care plan for each patient is carefully designed and tailored to suit her/his specific needs, depending on age, condition, and health goals.
How many adjustments will I need?
Every patient case and need is different. We will not know how many adjustments you will need until we review your health history, perform a thorough examination and understand your goals.
Most patients receive multiple adjustments over several weeks / months to get the most benefit from chiropractic care.
Dr. Goel will prescribe a care program that is tailored to your condition, needs and goals. Therefore, it is important to follow her advice and recommendations to promote a return to your optimal state of health.
How long does each treatment last?
Your first visit with us is the most important. Here we review your health history, understand your goals, and perform the necessary physical exams. It can typically range from 45 to 60 minutes.
Once the best treatment plan for your needs has been determined, your regular adjustment appointments can range from 10 to 15 minutes.
How do you get subluxations?
There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical stress causes such as slips and falls, car accidents, repetitive motions, and improper lifting. Emotional stress causes of subluxations include prolonged anger, worry and fear. Alcohol, drugs, pollution, and poor diet can be called chemical stress causes of subluxations. By correcting subluxations, we promote natural healing, vitality, strength, and health. One thing to keep in mind that our bodies respond’s to stress in one area affects the other part as well.
What kind of education and training do Chiropractors have?
Chiropractors are trained as primary health care practitioners, with an emphasis on neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment.
Becoming a chiropractor in Canada requires a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education at a recognized chiropractic Institute, such as the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), in Toronto or the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. These are the only two chiropractic schools in Canada. However, many chiropractors practicing in Canada attained their chiropractic education and training from an accredited chiropractic college in the United States, or one in other countries, such as Great Britain and Australia.
The course is of similar length and depth as medical courses but chiropractic focus is on educating and promoting daily lifestyle choices to improve overall quality of life, function and vitality.
A chiropractor’s education never ends, and Dr. Goel attends professional development courses and seminars regularly to improve her skills and stay abreast of the latest scientific research.
Is chiropractic treatment covered by the Régie de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?
No, it is not covered by the RAMQ. However, private medical insurance covers the fees for chiropractic, as it does for dentistry and optometry. Please contact your insurance company for more details.