F.A.Q

Answering your questions on chiropractic care

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

If you are new to Chiropractic care, we understand that you might have some questions. We are confident that we have the answers to your inquiries.

Below are the answers to the questions that are most commonly asked about chiropractic treatment. Should you have additional questions please feel free to contact us.

 

 

Question: What does a chiropractor do?

 

 

Answer: A chiropractor is a primary contact practitioner, with the focus on diagnosis and prevention and treatment of patients with problems with their joints, muscles, discs, nerves, bones, ligaments and tendons. These problems typically present as back pain, neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, and other health problems. Chiropractors do not use surgery as treatment options, but utilize natural, hands-on methods along with exercise and lifestyle recommendations.

 

 

Question: Why should I see a Chiropractor?

 

 

Answer: Many people seek out chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain, joint problems, headaches and sciatica. Some people seek chiropractic care to help them perform at their best at their chosen sport or activity. Other patients seek out chiropractic care to help keep them as active, and flexible as possible. In short, we help our patients move better and feel better and be at their best.

 

 

Question: What types of problems do chiropractors treat?

 

 

Answer: Chiropractors excel at treating disorders that involve joints, muscles, discs, nerves, bones, ligaments and tendons. Often problems with these structures result in:

 

 

Question: What if I’ve been injured in a car accident or on the job?

 

 

Answer: It is important that you consult with your family chiropractor as soon as possible regarding treatment for your injuries. The longer you wait, the longer it may take for treatment and recovery time. Remember, chiropractors are primary contact doctors, so no referral is necessary.

 

 

Question: Is Chiropractic effective?

 

 

Answer: There is an abundance of scientific evidence that shows chiropractic care is both safe and effective. Chiropractic care has repeatedly been shown to be effective for treatment of low back pain, neck pain, headaches and various other spinal related problems. Based on these scientific studies, conservative treatment, such as chiropractic care, should be the treatment of choice for most spine related problems.

 

 

Question: Is every patient’s treatment the same?

 

 

Answer: Treatment of every patient is dependent on their specific conditioned, and each person’s unique situation.

 

 

Question: What techniques are used at Airport Health Professionals?

 

 

Answer: The chiropractors at Airport Health Professionals use various techniques to provide the best possible care. Specific techniques used for each patient vary, depending on unique situations, specific diagnosis, patient’s preferences and comfort. Techniques include chiropractic adjustments (spinal manipulation), extremity joint manipulation, joint mobilization, muscle energy manipulation (no quick movements or ‘cracks’), soft tissue therapies (myofascial release, stretching, etc), neural mobilization, rehabilitative exercises, home care strategies and Low-Level-Laser therapy.

 

 

Question: Do I have to be ‘Cracked’?

 

 

Answer: No. Chiropractic adjustments (Joint manipulation) is a technique utilized to correct joint dysfunction, which is a loss in normal movement of the joint. It is thought to be a common contributor to spinal pain, and may be contributing to your overall condition. Adjustments are exceedingly safe if conducted by a trained professional. The noise, or ‘cracking’ sound often accompanies an adjustment. If your joints are moving normally, there is no need for an adjustment. Even if you do have joint dysfunction, if you prefer, we often utilize ‘non-cracking’ techniques.

 

 

Question: What is the ‘Cracking’ sound?

 

 

Answer: When a joint is adjusted (manipulation), there is often a ‘cracking’, or ‘popping’ sound. The reason for this is that there is fluid inside of all joints. When an adjustment is performed, and the joint is mobilized, a bubble inside the joint forms and creates a noise. A noise is not always created, and it is not necessary for adjustments to be effective.

 

 

Question: Is Chiropractic treatment ongoing?

 

 

Answer: The hands-on nature of chiropractic treatment is essentially what sends patients back to the chiropractor a number of times. To be treated by a chiropractor a patient needs to be in his or her office. A chiropractor may provide acute, preventative and/or maintenance care thus making a certain number of visits necessary.

 

 

Question: How long does Chiropractic care take to work?

 

 

Answer: It depends. This very common question is unfortunately difficult to answer. The time required for recovery is variable for each condition, but also for each individual patient depending on their unique situation. Generally, conditions that have been present for longer periods of time typically require a longer recovery period (with exceptions of course). Our immediate goal at Airport Health Professionals is to help you get relief from the pain and/or disability as quickly as possible, while also addressing the underlying dysfunction(s) that have caused your problem. We utilize home care strategies, and teach you ways to manage and reduce the chance of any future episodes that may occur.

 

 

Question: If I start going, do I have to go forever?

 

 

Answer: No. While there are certainly uncommon instances where regular and periodic treatment may be recommended, this is the exception rather than the rule. At Airport Health Professionals we place an emphasis on providing our patients with home care recommendations to help prevent re-occurrences of their ailment.

 

 

Question: Is Chiropractic Safe for Children?

 

 

Answer: Absolutely. While it is certainly less common for children to have joint and muscle problems (neck pain, back pain, sport injury, etc) than adults, it is not rare. Our chiropractors utilize various techniques, and modify their approach to use the most appropriate and safe treatment for children of all sizes.

 

 

Question: Are adjustments safe and will they hurt?

 

 

Answer: Most of the time an adjustment (manipulation) is very comfortable, and beneficial. However, slight to moderate discomfort has been reported. In majority of cases, any discomfort that does occur resolves within 24-48 hours. If discomfort does occur, it will generally occur after the first and sometimes second treatment. Please advise your chiropractor if you do experience any discomfort after treatment.

 

 

Question: Is a neck adjustment safe?

 

 

Answer: Yes. Although there have been reported cases of stroke associated with visits to medical doctors and chiropractors, there is no scientific evidence that has established a cause and effect relationship. Rather, recent studies suggest that patients who may be experiencing an early stage of stroke might visit their medical doctor or chiropractor. However, you are being informed of this reported association because stroke may cause serious neurological impairment or even death. The possibilities of such injuries occurring in association with a neck adjustment is extremely remote.

 

 

Question: How long do chiropractors go to school?

 

 

Answer: Today's graduating Doctors of Chiropractic have studied and trained in a college or university for at least seven years. Just like medical or dental students, they must first complete undergraduate study before applying for admission to a chiropractic college. Becoming a chiropractor requires a minimum of 4,500 hours of intense academic study including classroom instruction, clinical science and internship. During their training, he/she will have studied the following three areas:

Airport Health Professionals

201-3775 Pasqua Street Regina SK S4S 6W8

Telephone 306-585-3696

Email ahp@sasktel.net