FAQs

In truth, just about anyone, of any age, should see a chiropractor if they are experiencing pain and/or limited mobility. Chiropractors are trained to use different techniques for different patients depending on their age, degree of mobility, and health status.

The chiropractic adjustment is a short, fast movement or thrust, designed to effect a change in movement for the joints in our body. Each joint has unique characteristics or motions and there are many different techniques for each part of the body.

Chiropractic care is generally considered safe. However, there is a small chance that you may develop complications after chiropractic care. The most common complication is increased pain from an overstretched muscle. It is rare that any more serious complications arise following chiropractic care.

A chiropractor is a hands on or manual therapy provider who specializes in conditions of the neuromusculoskeletal system – or problems that occur with the nerves, muscles (and other tissues like tendons and fascia), or skeleton/joints. Despite common misconceptions, chiropractors are not trained to reject Western medicine. Instead, they learn techniques that complement the treatment plans recommended by primary care physicians and other medical providers.

Chiropractors undergo extensive training before treating patients for spine-related ailments. On average, chiropractors spend at least four years working on their Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). They cannot pursue this degree until they attend at least three years of undergraduate courses.

Chiropractic students complete a supervised clinical internship during their doctorate program prior to working as a solo practitioner. Upon graduating from an accredited Chiropractic College, a chiropractor needs to pass National and Provincial licensing exams before practicing without supervision. Many chiropractors also pursue additional educational opportunities after college so that they have a thorough understanding of modern wellness techniques.

In Canada, a Chiropractic Sports Specialist is someone who has undertaken additional years of study both in the classroom and on the field/at sporting events. On completion of their additional course and practical work, they can sit for the Fellowship examinations. On passing these examinations they are granted the designation of Fellow of the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences (Canada) or FRCCSS(C). Many of these practitioners go on to volunteer at Sporting Competitions at all levels of sport: from regional events all the way to the Olympics/Paralympic Games, or working with professional athletes/sports teams.

It takes a minimum of 7 years to become a Doctor of Chiropractic: at least 3 years of undergraduate/university experience, then 4 years at an accredited Chiropractic College.

Most extended health plans do cover chiropractic care.

Some patients only visit us a handful of times. Other patients require weeks or months of consistent care. The amount of time required for your recovery depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your condition and the level of improvement you want. Some patients want their pain to reach a manageable level, while others want to visit us until it disappears completely. Talk to us about your goals so we can develop a treatment plan tailored toward your wishes.

Patients visit us for a variety of conditions, ranging from minor ailments to severe conditions that haven't benefited from conventional medicine. Here are some conditions that we treat:

• Neck, back, shoulder, leg, and foot pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Tennis elbow
• Headaches and Migraines
• Sciatica
• Neuralgia
• Herniated discs
• Fibromyalgia

This is not a full list of ailments we treat. Talk to us if you have a condition that isn't on the list, and we'll let you know how we can help.

Chiropractors cannot prescribe medication, but many of our patients don't require medication to see results. They often visit us after discovering that conventional treatments mask their symptoms instead of addressing the root cause of them. We want to help your body heal, not just provide temporary relief from your pain or discomfort.

Yes! Chiropractors throughout Nova Scotia can refer you for x-rays when required. Specialized studies such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI are arranged through your primary care practitioner (MD or Nurse Practitioner).

Should blood work be required, your chiropractor will work with your primary care practitioner (MD or Nurse Practitioner) to arrange for the appropriate studies.

Chiropractors treat a wide range of symptoms that impact your physical and emotional well-being. We help patients effectively manage the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Cramping
• Tingling
• Dizziness/Vertigo
• Nausea
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Inflammation
• Limited range of mobility
• Exhaustion

Many patients also notice their mental health improves after a chiropractic session. Living with chronic pain can trigger bouts of depression and anxiety, and many patients confess they felt hopeless about the future until they visited our office. We help alleviate your discomfort so you can get back to living life on your terms.

Generally, no referral is needed to see a chiropractor.

Many people fear that spinal manipulation is a habit-forming treatment. However, evidence does not indicate that our bodies become addicted to spinal manipulation. If you discontinue chiropractic care, your spine may return to its original state. This is not the result of treatment dependency, though. Your spine typically becomes misaligned again if you do not change your lifestyle after you discontinue chiropractic care.

Occasionally we have patients who do not improve with chiropractic care. When this happens, we refer them to other practitioners who can help – including physiotherapists, massage therapists, or recommend a referral to a medical specialist such as an Orthopaedic surgeon.