Chiropractors are highly skilled in the hands-on art of spinal adjustment. Adjustments are the use of a specific force applied in a precise direction to a joint that is troublesome.

Often, joints become fixated, locked-up or unable to move properly. The purpose of the adjustment is to help restore a more normal position or motion to the joint, often relieving pain. Since each patient is unique, each treatment program and adjustments are unique as well. Your age, size and individual spinal problems determine which adjustment technique is best suited for relieving your condition.

It is important that you consult with your family chiropractor as soon as possible following an injury regarding treatment for your injuries. The longer you wait, the longer it can take for treatment and recovery time. The inflammatory state, which occurs following spinal joint and soft tissue injuries, may be attributed as the cause of the pain and disability and chiropractic care delayed. Often, in actuality the problems are caused by a treatable subluxation complex. Remember, no referral is necessary from your family physician, and your visit is covered by MSP.

That depends on your condition. The length of time you have had the problem, your age and the degree of your disability all affect the nature and length of your treatment program. Your chiropractic doctor should tell you the extent of recommended treatment and how long you can expect it to last. One of the main reasons people choose chiropractic is that they often get quicker results. Individual cases vary and chronic conditions obviously need more treatment. However, WorkSafe BC (formerly Workers' Compensation Board) studies have shown that people with low back pain return to work much faster with chiropractic care.

An adjustment is the main method of treatment used by your Doctor of Chiropractic. It is a specialized gentle, controlled and safe pressure applied to your spine to restore the proper motion and position of your vertebrae. It is a precise procedure that your highly skilled chiropractor has learned and perfected over years of Chiropractic College and clinical practice.

Every health procedure, from taking aspirin to giving blood, involves a level of risk. Chiropractic adjustments are among the safest of all health care interventions because they are non-surgical, drug-free and present an extremely low risk. And they work!

Alternative health care is on meteoric rise in this country and chiropractic is by far the most popular form. According to current research, approximately one third of the population recognizes the benefits of alternative health. The majority of these alternative healthcare users choose chiropractic. The non-surgical, drug-free healing nature of chiropractic provides benefit to the health of millions of people worldwide each year. Most chiropractic patients experience real relief and general well being and continue to make regular visits a part of their healthy life choice.

As a licensed practitioner, your chiropractor will to do the following:

A thorough review of your specific problem is conducted, including relevant past history and overall health.

You will be asked to perform physical tests and movements to help identify the problem.

In certain situations, an X-ray may be used to determine the source of your problem and to investigate for the presence of any pathological developments.

The problem is diagnosed to help make certain choices clear. If it is not a chiropractic problem, a suitable referral is given. If it is, a plan of treatment is communicated.

A prognosis is made, taking into account your general health habits, occupation, stress and activity levels.

Your response to treatment is monitored by your chiropractor, who looks for an improvement to your specific condition, as well as for changes in your overall health. Two of the basis components of chiropractic care are wellness and prevention. Utilization of exercise, along with nutrition and lifestyle modifications maybe suggested to improve your overall well being and promote active, patient-centered care.

A subluxation - short for Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC) - is an abnormal condition commonly involving several vertebrae. It occurs when vertebrae in your spine lose their normal position and/or motion.

Subluxations most often occur in response to the daily stresses placed on our bodies. Common things such as emotional stress, poor posture of sitting in front of a computer for a long time may lead to subluxations. Car accidents, improper lifting or work injuries are other common causes of VSC.

Many health problems, including subluxations, are subtle in the early stages of development. It's the same way that a cavity or heart problem can be overlooked before causing pain or other warning signs, a spinal problem may develop and exist for years before causing difficulties.
To detect the possible onset of a VSC, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination, including a detailed history, orthopedic, neurological and postural evaluations; and possibly an x-ray (radiographs) if he or she deems it necessary.

Your Doctor of Chiropractic is uniquely qualified to recognize and diagnose spine related injuries. He or she is the only doctor with specialized training to correct spinal problems and their multiple effects.

In BC, the government now provides minimal coverage for patients who are on premium assistance. On January 1, 2002, the Liberal government under Premier Gordon Campbell chose to eliminate coverage for sixty-three percent of British Columbians for chiropractic care, massage therapy, physiotherapy, non-surgical podiatry, and naturopathy. The twenty-seven percent of British Columbians were limited to ten total visits for all five professions. The governments justification was that most people not on premium assistance have extended benefits which cover a portion of these treatment methods.

It is suggested that you check with our private health insurance extended coverages that may be offered through your employer. You may have coverage of Chiropractic treatments up to a certain limit for every calendar year. If you've suffered an injury at work, the cost of any necessary Chiropractic treatments may be covered by WorkSafe BC (formerly Worker's Compensation Board). If you were injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident, Chiropractic treatments are covered under ICBC benefits when the claim is accepted as compensable.