FAQ's

F.A.Q about Chiropractic

Q: What is Chiropractic?

A: Chiropractors are the spinal health experts. Chiropractic restores proper spinal biomechanics and improves nervous system function.

Q: How does a misalignment in the spine cause symptoms?

A: A common interference to the nervous system is when one of the twenty-four moving bones of the spinal column becomes misaligned. Limited loss of normal motion or position of these bones can irritate or impair the function of the nervous system. The nervous system controls and co-ordinates all the functions in your body including pain pathways. Therefore, an irritation of a spinal nerve can cause symptoms within the associated area.

Q: What is an adjustment?

A:A chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the doctor of chiropractic’s intensive years of chiropractic education. Your chiropractor will typically use his or her hands--or an instrument to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to restore or enhance joint function. This helps to resolve joint inflammation, muscle spasm, releases nerve pressure therefore reducing the patient's pain. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. Your chiropractor will adapt the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment. 

Q: What is the popping/cracking noise?

A: Often times a “popping” sound will accompany an adjustment.  This sound is created as an air bubble instantaneously forms and dissipates within a joint space while that joint is mobilized (just like when you crack your knuckles).  The sound is irrelevant to the success of the adjustment and your chiropractor will monitor the effects of an adjustment on the structural integrity of the spinal joint rather than the sound it makes.

Q: Will an adjustment hurt/is it safe?

A:There are a few procedures which may cause discomfort or mild pain as we work to relax tight muscles and mobilize restricted joints, but most patients report that the treatment is comfortable and often feels quite good.  We foster open communication and invite our patients to let us know if a sensation is too uncomfortable so that we may stop or alter our technique immediately.

Q: Who is chiropractic suitable for?

A: Chiropractic treatment is suitable for people of all ages. The chiropractors here at the AMI clinic are trained to safely treat pregnant women, babies from birth, children and adults up to the very elderly.

Treatment techniques are modified to suit the age and size of the person. Existing medical conditions, such as osteoporosis/osteoarthritis, are taken into account and extra care is taken to ensure safe care can be provided to everyone who attends the clinic.

Q: How much care would I need and what is wellness care/maintenance care?

A: We believe in health care that brings positive results and fosters real change.  Our goal is to get you back to the activities you love as quickly as possible while teaching you how to maintain your own vibrant health.  A majority of conditions resolve in just weeks or months and if you’re not improving under our care, then we encourage you to explore other options.  You are in control of your health and you can be certain that we will always respect whatever decisions you make.  Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!  Once your initial health complaints have resolved, you may benefit from receiving occasional “tune-ups” to maintain optimal function and prevent problems from developing.  This is known as preventative medicine/maintenance care and is our favourite form of health care.