Chiropractor

A doctor of chiropractic must graduate from a recognized Chiropractic college such as the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. He/She must spend the last four years undergoing intense training in the field of Chiropractic – a health discipline involved in the restoration and maintenance of the human body through structure and function. In addition, the doctor may study extra curriculum studies such as Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Applied Nutrition, Functional Medicine, and various other forms of “hands-on” and alternative therapies. 

The doctor must be a member of the:

• College of Chiropractic of Ontario (CCO),
• Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA),
• Canadian Chiropractic Protective Association (CCPA),
• Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA), and
• Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM).

Chiropractic today is one of the largest primary-contact health care professions in Canada. Approximately four and a half million Canadians use the services of a chiropractor each year.

Chiropractic therapy is a drug-free, non-invasive manual procedure. Chiropractors assess disorders related to the spine, nervous system, and joints of the extremities and provide diagnosis, treatment and prevention of those disorders. Chiropractors primarily employ adjustments in their therapy, but they also incorporate postural, exercise, and nutritional advice to enable patients to achieve better health.

Adjustments are highly skilled, gentle manipulations of the spine that are used to correct subluxations, also known as spinal/joint misalignments. They are usually performed by a chiropractor’s hands, however, a small hand-held instrument may also be used to apply a quick low force specifically to the needed area. Adjustments may also be assisted by a specialized table. In certain cases, chiropractors will adapt the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient.

Adjustments rarely cause discomfort and often provide immediate relief. They help to relieve pressure on the joints and surrounding nerves, allowing your spine to return to its proper position. It also helps to decrease muscle spasm and to restore normal mobility to the affected area. The increased mobility helps to promote circulation and helps to ensure proper nutrition of the joints and spine; thereby, decreasing irritation, inflammation, and pain.

Subluxations can occur as early as the birth process. A traumatic birth can cause subluxations, especially in the neck. As your body starts growing and maturing, events or activities such as sports, accidents, falls, bad postures or simply the stresses and strains of daily life can cause additional spinal problems to occur or can further irritate those that already exist. Left uncorrected, subluxations can lead to conditions such as colic in infants; and headaches, back pain, and generally poor health in adults.

Subluxations can be a major source of irritation to your nervous system. By restoring proper spinal function, you are enabling your body to function at its best. This is crucially important with today’s stressful lifestyle and the constant daily demands that you place on your body.

Remember you have only one spine and it should last you a lifetime. Give it the importance that it deserves.