Frequently Asked Questions in Vernon

Chiropractic adjustments are very successful at improving spinal alignment and joint health. Improved alignment generally helps with back pain, neck pain, and headaches, but in optimizing the alignment, many other aspects of health can also improve.

The first thing a Doctor of Chiropractic does is consult with the patient, getting a detailed history and performing a physical exam. From this information the diagnosis is formed, and chiropractic care is utilized to address the injury or improve spinal alignment, or both. The usual form of care involves specific adjustments to the joints and soft tissues relating to this injury or misalignment, which will improve the joint function and relieve pain. The adjustments will decrease joint and muscle stress, which will decrease inflammation and decrease irritation to the damaged area, and ultimately increase the speed and ability of the injured area to heal.

Not all adjustments and manipulations make a sound. The goal of an adjustment is to increase the mobility and flexibility of a joint. While many manual back or neck adjustments can make a "crack" or "pop" sound, others adjustments do not. Of the many ways to adjust and mobilize a joint, the most well-known "non-cracking" treatment involves the activator or impulse instrument adjusting tools. These, and other, low force techniques can be incredibly effective on many people, and allow for joint and muscular adjustments that do not "pop".

It is important to remember that the cracking sound that can happen from an adjustment is gas releasing from a change in pressure in joints. In our opinion, these sounds happen incidentally, and are not a requirement for treatment to be effective.

This is a tricky question to answer. Here in BC both ICBC claims and Work Safe (worker's compensation) claims will cover a certain amount of chiropractic treatment for each injury. Personal insurance plans, such as Blue Cross or Green Shield, that you get through work, likely also cover chiropractic visits. Each business that has an insurance plan has different amounts of coverage for chiropractic, or massage, or dental, or… So for the most part the answer to the question is yes, but each plan has to be looked at to determine if, and how much coverage it has.

MSP also covers a portion of each treatment for people who earn less than a certain amount each year.

Call your provider to see how much of your Chiropractic Care is covered.

When performed by a licensed and trained Doctor of Chiropractic it is safe. Approximately 1 million British Columbians see a chiropractor every year. All chiropractors in BC and Canada must discuss the risks and benefits when they go over the informed consent with you. The informed consent requires chiropractors to discuss treatment options and their risks and benefits. Our priority is addressing your concerns and want you to know all there is about chiropractic care and how safe it is. Numerous scientific evidence has proven neck and low back adjustments safe. If you want to read about the scientific evidence regarding the safety of chiropractic care, here is the link.

es, in fact of all pregnant women, 50% will experience back pain. (1-5) Clinical studies have concluded that chiropractic can help decrease pain during pregnancy and labour. (5-10) Healthy expecting mothers can expect an approximate weight gain of 30 lbs. This weight gain puts a lot of postural stress on the back, hips, knees, and feet. Daily activities become exceedingly difficult as a result of altered biomechanics. Chiropractic care is a natural way to treat back pain and improve structural alignment while you are pregnant.

Chiropractic care is neither addicting nor habit forming making you dependent upon it. Some people who live with chronic pain find regular chiropractic adjustments helpful in limiting and reducing their pain. During your chiropractic care, you may notice yourself becoming more aware of how good your spine feels and moves. As a result, you may feel "off" or "out-of-alignment" at certain times. This increased body-awareness allows you to recognize the benefits of optimal spinal health and pain-free living. Knowing that a chiropractic treatment restores proper alignment to your spine is a better way to prevent more serious problems down the road. Ultimately, our chiropractors will discuss all treatment options and together find the best frequency that works for you and your lifestyle. Our goal is to keep you moving so you can enjoy your life!

Absolutely! Children are constantly in a state of growth and development. Falls, bumps and birth itself can all be traumatic events for an infant’s spine. As kids learn to crawl, stand, walk and explore the world, they experience small everyday traumas that can set the stage for spinal dysfunction, pelvic misalignments and postural compensations over time. We encourage parents to seek a chiropractic check up for their children as an essential and natural approach to ensure healthy development. We specialize in providing gentle chiropractic care for infants and children to improve your child’s overall health and ensure that they have the best chance of reaching their full potential. Unlike adults, children have not had the years of gravitational stress on their body and spine, and so a chiropractic adjustment for a newborn is as gentle as the pressure you use to touch your eye.

The Doctor of Chiropractic degree is a 4-year post-graduate study, in which chiropractors take on more than 4200 hours of classroom education. Chiropractors complete a 3-4 year bachelor's degree before entering Chiropractic college.

Yes. In fact we are seeing an increasing number of patients who have had back surgery and are not satisfied with the results. Your doctor of chiropractic will review any surgeries during an initial examination to determine where they need to conservatively treat. Surgery often causes misalignments above and below the involved level and this is where we can focus for your care.

The length of time it takes to see results and reach your goals varies with every patient. There are numerous factors that come into play including how severe the damage is in your spine, how long the problem has been there and how well you respond to your adjustments. The initial chiropractic exam and initial adjustment help us determine an appropriate time frame and care program.