Chiropractic

FAQ

What sort of training do Chiropractors receive?

In Canada, chiropractic is a regulated health profession. Chiropractor education and training is a rigorous process similar to that of medical training, requiring a minimum of seven years of post-secondary education. Following an undergraduate degree, students of chiropractic must complete a four year (4500 hour) classroom and clinical program in a fully accredited chiropractic college.
Chiropractic doctors specialize in the management of neuromusculoskeletal disorders including, but not limited to, back, neck and head pain. Your chiropractor is well trained to treat and manage conditions resulting from joint, ligament, muscle, tendon, nerve and spinal disorders. D.C. stands for Doctor of Chiropractic

What is a chiropractic ‘adjustment’?

The words “chiropractic adjustment” describe the careful, controlled pressure your chiropractor uses to restore your spinal bones to a normal motion or position. When these bones are out of alignment, the nervous system can become irritated resulting in headaches, backaches, numbness and tingling. Restoring them to a proper alignment results in improved health and comfort. After years of professional training (including a two year clinical internship treating patients), chiropractors become experts at performing safe and efficient chiropractic adjustments.

This video shows the creation of the gas bubble that formed as the joint cracking happens!

The ‘cracking’ sound that you may hear with an adjustment, is a result of a gas bubble forming within the joint. That’s it! A little gas bubble is responsible for causing that noise you hear! So rest assured, the next time you visit your Chiropractor for an adjustment that noise you are hearing is perfectly normal, and is in no way the sound of bones breaking or snapping! In fact, it is likely that the noise can signal that the joints in your spine have been ‘gapped’ or allowed to move more freely, which is the aim of adjusting the spine or joints of the body!

Is chiropractic only for adults? Can children be adjusted?

Many problems seen in adulthood began in childhood. Bumps and falls that happen during a child’s growing years often set the stage for scoliosis, “growing pains”. Keep in mind that chiropractic results are achieved much quicker on children than adults. This is similar to the scenario in which quick results occur when children wear dental braces as opposed to adults. Your chiropractor is skilled in using modified adjusting techniques tailored to a child’s size, weight and unique spinal problems.

Do Chiropractors only treat back pain?

Research shows that chiropractic care is one of the safest and most effective types of care for lower back pain. However, chiropractic can also help many other conditions not usually associated with spinal function, such as headaches, migraines, neck pain, joint pain, stress, and tendonitis. Enhancing quality of life is also foremost in the goals of chiropractic care.

Will it be too expensive?

Chiropractic has been proven through research to be three times more cost-effective than medical treatment. Alberta Health Care does not cover chiropractic care. Most third party health insurance payors provide good benefits for patients. Our health care system seems to be based on crisis care, rather than wellness care. It is becoming more and more our responsibility to maintain our health. Regular chiropractic care has been proven to decrease lost days of work, increase energy, and increase quality of life. In the long run, wellness care is very inexpensive. It becomes a lifestyle choice, like spending money on bottled water, vitamins, or a gym membership. Please refer to our fees to know costs of chiropractic visits.

Do spinal adjustments hurt?

The spinal adjustment itself does not hurt; however, you may have some mild soreness after your first adjustment, similar to starting a new exercise program. This does not persist and is part of the normal healing of the musculoskeletal system.

Can adjustments cause a stroke?

The chance of having a stroke from a chiropractic adjustment has been assessed to be very similar as incurred from a visit to the physician’s office. This occurs when there is a pre-existing stroke in progress which necessitates recognition and referral for immediate and appropriate medical treatment. This is an extremely low risk, with a higher likelihood of being struck by lightning. You are welcome to discuss this concern with your chiropractor directly if you have questions. Informed consent forms are reviewed at the time of your first treatment.

Is it harmful or dangerous?

It has been established by North American Government that chiropractic is the safest and most effective treatment for back pain. Complications stemming from chiropractic adjustments are far rarer than adverse effects of common over-the-counter medication.

Is there any scientific proof that it works?

There have been virtually hundreds of studies published in peer-reviewed and WHO recognized research journals proving the validity of chiropractic in the healthcare arena. Please feel free to discuss with your chiropractor if you require further information. Also, www.albertachiro.com publishes research summaries.

Once you go, do you always have to go?

Treatment duration varies from person to person, and from condition to condition. Usually nerve injuries caught in time respond symptomatically to fewer visits. Chronic conditions are generally more stubborn and difficult to manage. It also depends on the type of care you choose. Lifetime chiropractic is a choice much like exercising or taking vitamins. The choice to maintain good spinal health is always up to you.

Does the cracking cause arthritis?

There is a saying in orthopedics that “motion is lotion”. Lack of function or trauma to a joint is what causes arthritis. Improving joint function through chiropractic actually reduces the risk of osteoarthritis (the wear-and-tear disease).

I went to a chiropractor once and it didn’t help me.

Just like exercising once, or dieting for one day, you cannot expect your body to respond immediately. It takes time to develop a problem and therefore time to fix it. Different chiropractors use different approaches and techniques. Don’t discount chiropractic because you only tried it once. That would be like never getting your hair cut again because you once got a haircut you didn’t like.

Your First Visit and Forms

During your first visit, you will be asked to fill out a comprehensive questionnaire that provides your doctor with your health history and concerns. A case history of relevant health information will be taken by your Doctor. A comprehensive chiropractic examination will then be performed to assess your range of motion, orthopedic and neurological function, and a postural evaluation will then be performed to assess whether your case may respond to chiropractic care.

If necessary, X-rays will be ordered. Before any treatment is undertaken, your doctor will provide you with a Report of Findings related to your condition, as well as goals of treatment. This is a good opportunity to get questions answered and make decisions about your care.

Your chiropractic treatment plan will include chiropractic adjustments as well as exercise, massage and nutrition if recommended.

Fees

It is our policy that treatments are paid for at the time service is provided. (We accept Visa, Master card, Debit, Cash or Cheque). If weekly payments are more convenient, you may pay at the beginning of the week and we will credit your account.

Also, check with your health insurance company regarding reimbursement of fees, as most third party health insurance covers chiropractic and massage therapy treatments. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1ST OUR FEES WILL BE:

Initial Consultation and Examination (75 minutes) – $135.00
Report of Findings (30 minutes) – $100
Regular Visit – $60
ART Visit (Active Release Technique) – $70
Motor Vehicle Accident Minor Injury – may be covered by insurance
Update Exam (not seen in previous six months) – $100

*Please note that if you have not been seen in 12 months, you will be required to undergo a Comprehensive Case History and Examination – $130.00

Calgary Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Claims

We do provide Chiropractic and Massage treatments for Motor Vehicle Accident injuries such as sprains, strains and whiplash injuries.

Within 10 days of the collision you MUST:

Seek treatment from a Primary Health Care Provider such as your Chiropractor. If your injury is a sprain, strain or minor whiplash injury, your chiropractor does not need authorization from your insurer for the first 12 weeks of treatment and the chiropractic clinic will bill the insurer directly. For other injuries not covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance, you’ll be reimbursed for eligible expenses from your private health care plan or your Section B benefits from your automobile insurer
File the appropriate forms (AB1-PatientForm) with your insurer if you have a minor injury. (For other injuries, you have 30 days.) The forms are available below, at our clinic, from your insurer or insurance broker, or at www.autoinsurance.gov.ab.ca. Your insurer will get back to you within five days.

File an injury report with the police.

For more information about motor vehicle accident treatment please visit:

- http://www.autoinsurance.gov.ab.ca/treatment.html
- http://www.finance.alberta.ca/publications/insurance/forms/ab-1.pdf

*Please note that Workers Compensation treatment is not offered at Synergea.

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