Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs are designed to provide a better understanding of chiropractic terms & treatment.
An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustment loosens the joint to restore proper movement and optimize function.
When a joint is adjusted, a gas bubble escapes causing the popping noise you may have heard about.
Chiropractic adjustment techniques have been researched extensively. Complications are rare and side-effects, such as temporary soreness, are usually minor. Your chiropractor is well-trained to determine if your problem will respond to chiropractic care or if you require referral to another health care provider.
Does chiropractic care require a referral from an MD?
Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact health professionals in every province in Canada. This means that patients can consult them directly. However, chiropractors often work closely with medical doctors, many of whom refer to chiropractors when they believe chiropractic treatment will help alleviate a patient’s condition. Similarly, chiropractors frequently refer to medical doctors when necessary.
Are there many athletes who use chiropractic?
Yes. Many amateur and professional athletes use chiropractic treatment as part of their overall health care, fitness and maintenance program. Chiropractic is often used to improve muscle and joint conditioning, which has a direct effect on an athletic performance. Treatment works to improve biomechanical function and enhance overall conditioning, important in situations where there is continuous repetitive movement. Chiropractic care also help athletes fine-tune their muscles and joints for high level performance, and may reduce long term wear and tear. Finally, treatment can be used to prevent, and sometime shorten, the healing time of injuries.
Athletes most often select treatment to improve their performance, where as the average consumer will select chiropractic care to help manage aches and pains. In some cases treatment will be similar, but in all cases a treatment plan will be developed according to the goals and condition of each patient. In the case of professional and elite athletes, chiropractors often work in conjunction with other health care professionals, including medical doctors and/or sports medicine doctors, massage therapists and physiotherapists.
When should I see a chiropractor?
Eight out of ten Canadians will experience back pain at some point in their life, and at least one third of people in Ontario will have back pain at any given time. For many people, the pain can keep them away from work, school or even their day-to-day activities. If pain causes interruptions and restrictions in the activities of your daily life then you should consult a health care provider.
Chiropractors are regulated primary health care professionals, and they are one of only five classes of health care professionals in Ontario that are able to use the title Doctor, with its accompanying rights and obligations. Chiropractors are highly educated and extensively trained to assess, diagnosis, treat and prevent conditions disorders of the spine, joints, muscle and nervous systems. These disorders may include back pain, neck pain, headaches, referring pain in your arms and legs, etc.
Many patients seek chiropractic treatment for wellness care. Others, like seniors, who find that treatment helps them to maintain mobility and good range of motion. Pain should never become a way of life, especially when there is qualified help available. There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care: Work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores, even the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and spinal problems. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic care can help you maintain healthy spine and joint function.
Here are some of the most common reasons why more than 4 million Canadians visit a chiropractor each year:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headache
- Whiplash
- Strains and sprains from daily activities
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Work and sports-related injuries
- Arthritis
- Restricted movement in the back, shoulders, neck or limbs
- General health and well-being
What is the meaning of chiropractic?
The word “chiropractic” comes from ancient Greek and means “done by hand.” Adjustment of the joints of the body has been used in health care for many centuries and is at the heart of modern chiropractic care.
Chiropractors are specialists in manual adjustment of the vertebrae of the spine and other joints. Adjustment helps relieve pain and restore normal functioning to the spine, joints and supporting structures of the body – so you can enjoy your everyday activities again as quickly as possible.
Chiropractors are also trained to prescribe therapeutic exercise, provide nutritional counselling, and recommend rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies.
Chiropractic care can:
- Improve movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso
- Improve your posture
- Provide relief from headaches, neck and back pain
- Help prevent work-related muscle and joint injuries
- Lead to enhanced athletic performance
- Improve your flexibility and range of motion
- Relieve pregnancy-related back ache
- Correction gait and foot problems
Can chiropractic care cure other ailments besides back pain?
Chiropractic care cannot “cure” every ailment, but there is some evidence to indicate that adjustments may have a beneficial effect on a variety of conditions. Adjustment may alleviate some of the secondary or referred pain, arising from the response of the musculoskeletal structures to the primary cause.
How many people in Ontario use chiropractic?
Chiropractic is one of the largest primary-contact health care professions in Ontario, with more than 3,100 practicing chiropractors. Approximately 1.2 million Ontarians use the services of a chiropractor each year to help them get back to work, and back to doing the things they love.
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is a health care profession based on interactions of the spine and nervous system, as well as the surrounding muscles.
Are chiropractors doctors?
Yes. Doctors of Chiropractic (also known as chiropractors) are not medical doctors, but go through a similar education process to become licensed in the field of chiropractic care. In fact, educational requirements for chiropractors are among the most stringent of any health care profession.
Chiropractors undergo extensive training before treating patients for spine-related ailments. On average, chiropractors spend at least four years working on their Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). They cannot pursue this degree until they attend at least three years of undergraduate courses.
Chiropractic students complete a supervised clinical during their doctorate program prior to working as a solo practitioner. Depending on the state, a chiropractor may also need to pass licensing exams before practicing without supervision. Many chiropractors also pursue additional educational opportunities after college so that they have a thorough understanding of modern wellness techniques.
What types of pain do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors are known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain, and headaches. They also treat sports injuries and other disorders involving muscles, ligaments and joints. The benefits of chiropractic care go beyond this and extend into general health as our core body structure affects overall function and health.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
Performed by a chiropractor, a chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific, controlled force in a precise direction that is applied to a spinal joint not moving properly or “locked up.” The purpose of this natural and safe procedure performed is to correct structural alignment and eliminate interference in the nervous system. For the patient, this means improved spinal function, reduction in pain, and an overall improvement in health and wellness.
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort because minimal force and gentle pressure are used. In fact, most patients feel relief immediately following treatment. Any reported soreness after an initial adjustment has been described as similar to that associated with starting a new exercise program. Drinking plenty of water, using an ice pack, and engaging in light stretching after your first visit can help ease any discomfort and promote healing.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of most back and neck problems. Spinal adjustments are extremely safe when performed by a licensed chiropractor.
Why do chiropractic adjustments sometimes make a popping sound?
The noises you hear resembling popping sounds are your joints releasing tiny pockets of air. A chiropractic adjustment does not affect the bones of either side of a joint; it affects the connective tissue that holds the joint together.
Are all chiropractic patients adjusted the same way?
Each chiropractic patient’s care is unique and therefore customized to meet their specific condition and needs. Your chiropractor will modify adjustments based on your size, weight, age and health condition.
Will a chiropractic adjustment completely remove back pain?
For many, back pain can become chronic if left untreated. Chiropractic care has been shown to ease and even eliminate back pain for many patients.
Can I see a chiropractor if I am pregnant?
Many pregnant women find that chiropractic adjustments improve the pregnancy experience and make delivery easier. The chiropractor will adapt the chiropractic adjustment to accommodate the stage of pregnancy and the unique needs of each patient.
Is back pain common?
More than 80 percent of people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. In fact, it is one of the most reported reasons people miss work and is the second most frequent reason patients visit the doctor.
Will I be required to remove my clothing at my appointment?
Some procedures may require you to remove some pieces of clothing, however most do not. If necessary gowns are available. If you have any questions or concerns, bring them up immediately with Dr. Robbins.
Can I learn to perform chiropractic adjustments on myself?
Chiropractors are trained to adjust in a very specific location and direction. As a result, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself correctly and accurately.
Do you direct bill?
We don’t direct bill, but do provide a detailed receipt. With online submissions, most insurance companies will reimburse their patients by the next business day.
Can I Request Chiropractic Care Without a Referral?
Chiropractors are primary care doctors, and patients do not have to have a referral. In fact, some patients visit us before they see another doctor.
Where is Markham Chiropractic located in Markham?
Markham Chiropractic is conveniently located on Main Street Markham N just south of 16th Ave in Markham Ontario. The address for Markham Chiropractic is 326 Main Street Markham N, Markham, ON L3P 1Z1
How Long Has Markham Chiropractic Clinic Been in Business?
Markham Chiropractic Clinic takes great pride in our extensive history of serving the community. We’ve been in business for over 40 years, establishing a strong and trusted presence in Markham, Ontario. Our longstanding experience and track record reflect our commitment to providing exceptional chiropractic care to the people of Markham. We’re dedicated to fostering lasting relationships with our valued patients and the local community.
Is Markham Chiropractic the Best Chiropractor in Markham, Ontario?
At Markham Chiropractic, we take pride in providing friendly and top-quality chiropractic care. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our consistent recognition as the top chiropractor in Markham, Ontario. We are honored to have earned this distinction for the past seven consecutive years, as recognized by ThreeBestRated. Additionally, Dr. Robbins is ranked as the #1 chiropractor among 58 chiropractors in Markham, Ontario, according to RateMDs. With this track record of excellence, you can trust that you will receive the highest quality care when you visit our chiropractic office.
Are Chiropractic Services Affordable at the Markham Chiropractic clinic?
At the Markham Chiropractic clinic, we prioritize affordable chiropractic care for our patients. Many employee benefits plans offer coverage for chiropractor visits, so it’s a good idea to review your specific coverage plan for details. For those paying out of pocket, we offer competitive and budget-friendly rates for our chiropractic services. We are committed to delivering top-notch care without straining your finances in Markham.