This page contains answers to some common questions. If you have questions that are not answered here, please feel free to ask one of our staff for assistance. Click on one of the questions below to get your answer.
How Does Chiropractic Work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right. Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine, called a subluxation, can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and compromising the function of affected tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.
Do I Have A Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal bone irritates, stretches, rubs or chafes the nerve. These subluxations distort the nerve messages sent between the brain and the body. This can produce unhealthy alternations to the organs and tissues connected by the affected nerves.
How Do You Get Subluxations?
There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as fear can cause subluxations. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.
How Do I Know If I Have A Subluxation?
You can have subluxations and not know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.
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Can Subluxations Clear Up On Their Own?
Sometimes. Today’s hectic lifestyles are a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don’t resolve, you need to see a chiropractic doctor!
What’s An Adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren’t moving right. Some methods use the doctor’s hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.
Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?
Chiropractic is recognized as one of the safest, drug free, non invasive treatments available for headache, neck, and back pain. During the last 25 years there have been five formal government inquiries into chiropractic, all of which have found the profession to be both safe and effective. Based on the results of more than 85 studies into the safety and efficacy of chiropractic treatment, no other profession, including medicine, can demonstrate greater effectiveness or a better safety record for the treatment of spinal pain syndromes.
A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are "remarkably safe." By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can sometimes identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are about 100 times safer that taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
In the past, it was thought that there might be a link between chiropractic adjustments and strokes. THIS IS NOT TRUE! A Canadian Study, done in 2007, has shown that there is no relationship at all.
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Can The Bones Move Too Much?
Highly unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy, delivered to an exact spot, at a precise angle, at just the right time. The intent is to get a “stuck” spinal joint moving again, helping reduce nerve interference. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.
Will Adjustments Make My Spine Too Loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.
What Makes The Sound During The Adjustment?
Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It’s much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn’t a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.
Are All Patients Adjusted The Same Way?
No. Each patient’s spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones in the spine, each of which can move in seven different directions, we see a wide variety of spinal patterns. Each patient’s care is custom-tailored for their age, condition and health goals.
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How Many Adjustments Will I Need?
The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years.
Can I Adjust Myself?
No. Some people can make their joints “pop,” but that’s not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.
Why Do Newborns Get Adjustments?
Even today’s “natural” childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine. Preliminary studies suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections, or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Pediatric adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, the doctor applies no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
Can I Have Chiropractic Care After Back Surgery?
Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
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Can Patients With Osteoporosis Get Chiropractic Care?
Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.
How Long Until I’ll Feel Better?
Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short period of time, most patients sense enough progress to fully carry out their doctor’s recommendations.
How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care?
After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care. These patients show up for their visits feeling great. These visits can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become serious. Our job is to offer the very best care and your job is to decide how much of it you want.
Will I Receive Any Medication For My Pain?
No. Chiropractic doctors don’t dispense drugs. Because we rely on natural methods, we can show you how to use ice to control painful symptoms. When properly applied, ice can have an analgesic effect without the side effects of pain medications.
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Why Don’t Medical Practitioners And Chiropractic Doctors Get Along?
They do! Years of prejudice and bias are giving way to research showing the benefits of chiropractic care. Attitudes are slow to change. However, as the public demands alternatives to drugs and surgery, more and more medical practitioners are referring their patients to our office and even becoming patients themselves.
What If My Policy Doesn’t Cover Chiropractic?
Your health affects everything you do and everyone you know. It is your most valuable possession. Yet, each of us is free to place a different value on our health. It’s convenient when an insurance company or third party helps pay the bill. But be careful! Don’t allow the profit motive of a huge corporation to make the decision for you. Find out how we make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone.
Will I Ever Be Normal Again?
Patient results vary. Many report improved spinal curves and the total resumption of their normal lifestyle. Those who neglected or delayed seeking care often see slower progress. After improvement, many patients discover that periodic chiropractic checkups can help avoid a relapse.
What If Chiropractic Doesn’t Work?
If we’re unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help. Your health is our primary goal.
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Does OHIP cover Chiropractic care?
The Ontario Government withdrew chiropractic coverage in December 2004. Other than partial x-ray coverage, OHIP does NOT cover ANY chiropractic services.
Does my insurance cover Chiropractic care?
Group Insurance
Each Group Policy is different. Please check your policy to determine your coverage. If in doubt, bring your insurance brochure with you when you come to my office and we will help you determine your coverage. Some companies allow us to bill directly for chiropractic care.
Motor Vehicle Collision Insurance
If you are involved in a car accident, you are fully covered for chiropractic treatment, there is no need for a medical referral. Early treatment is essential to a complete recovery. Contact our office if you have any questions.
Veterans Affairs
If you have served in the Armed Forces, you may have coverage through Veterans Affairs. Contact Dr. McCarthy or Pat McCarthy to determine the type of coverage you might have.
First Nations Peoples
Limited chiropractic coverage might be available for all First Nations Peoples. Contact Dr. McCarthy or Pat McCarthy for more information and rules necessary to obtain this coverage.
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
We accept all Workers' Compensation accidents. As with all injuries, please call our office immediately when you have a work related injury. Early treatment is essential.
We will gladly assist you when completing all insurance forms or on any questions you may have regarding your insurance coverage. If you do not have health insurance we can also provide a reasonable payment program.
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