Consider a chiropractor — filling in the “cracks” about chiropractic

Over 4 million people in Canada, and nearly 2 million in Ontario alone, visit a chiropractor each year. The popularity of holistic medicine climbs, but many still do not fully understand what chiropractic is and how it can help.

The Canadian Chiropractic Association states “Chiropractors are extensively educated in the prevention, assessment, diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions and associated neurological system, and will recommend a course of treatment to help relieve pain and improve function without surgery or pharmaceuticals, such as manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue therapy, exercise, education, modalities and rehabilitation.”

But what does this actually mean and how could they help you?

Chiropractors are extensively trained to work with all joints and muscles in the body. People often forget that in addition to being specialists of the spine, they can effectively help conditions associated with the feet, hands, knees, shoulders and jaw.

The most common reasons people seek chiropractic care are back and neck pain, headaches, strains/sprains, work-related and car accidents. Other reasons such as better posture, sports injuries, flexibility, pregnancy-related back pain, and foot pain are also seen. Many people receive treatment for general restricted movement in joints and muscles, which makes them feel better and ultimately leads to a greater quality of life. Chiropractors often work with other practitioners in a collaborative health-care setting where they can best provide a comprehensive treatment plan for their clients.

A number of common misconceptions about chiropractic have surfaced and cause people to dismiss the idea that they may help. These misconceptions may lead to unexplored opportunities for healing.

Here are some of them:

• “Chiropractors are not real doctors.” In fact, most chiropractors do four-years of undergraduate education, followed by a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic, completing over 100 more hours of class time than medical students.
• “Chiropractic is dangerous.” Side effects of chiropractic are minimal, especially when compared to the side effects of any over-the-counter medication.
• “Once you go you have to go forever.” People may go to a chiropractor frequently because it makes them feel better. However, this is not always necessary and ultimately it is up to you to decide the frequency of your visits.
• “Chiropractic is expensive.” Chiropractic could potentially reduce time off work and decrease medical expenses, not to mention increase the quality of life.

Posture: So why is posture so important?

Good posture contributes to increased energy, better breathing, improved circulation and allows you to move with greater confidence and grace compared to people who slouch. Your trusted Toronto chiropractor can help you maintain a great posture all day.

Sedentary jobs are increasing and most of us sit at a desk all day. We are not designed to sit. In fact, sitting puts four times more pressure on the lower back than standing and 16 times more pressure than lying down. Such stress and strain also puts pressure on our nerves, which control everything in the body. A problem with the spine can have far reaching effects and cause diverse symptoms such as leg or arm pain or digestive issues. We must “move it or we lose it.”

So if you are one of the 8 out of 10 Canadians who will experience back pain at some point in your life, you have an injury, or you just want to feel better overall, give chiropractic a try and you can experience this art of healing first-hand. Most insurance companies allow for chiropractic coverage and can be direct billed in many clinics.

Dr. Stacia Kelly (author) is a chiropractor at Ottawa Holistic Wellness Clinic, located in the downtown Ottawa core. The clinic has over 15 different wellness practitioners. They work as a team, and consider individual health concerns to provide a truly holistic approach. This enables them to identify and treat the underlying causes of your issues to give deep, long-lasting healing.