A Chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific low amplitude but high velocity force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving properly. An adjustment adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a normal position and motion. The adjustment allows your body better motion in the spine and other joints, improved nervous system function and health ultimately leading to optimal wellness in all body systems.

There are over 270 techniques utilized in Chiropractic to adjust the spine. Usually the Doctors hands or the use of specially designed instruments, tables, block pieces, thermal scanners and more can be used.

The sound an adjustment makes is called a “Cavitation”. The cavitations that you sometimes hear during the adjustment are caused by gas being released from the sealed joints.

Chiropractors restore proper motion to joints with the intent to keep the intervertebral discs, nervous system and the body healthy and pain-free. A detailed history of the patient’s chief complaint and general health is the first step in ascertaining the cause and treatment for a patient. The history is followed by an examination where musculoskeletal tests, computerized scans, range of motion and neurological tests are done. X-rays may be taken to assess and detect any structural and functional problems.

Upon completion, the patient will often return a second day for a “Report of Findings” where the Doctor will review and explain their findings. The Doctor will provide a prognosis (expected time frame for recovery), diagnosis and a treatment plan to best address the patient’s needs.

The Chiropractic Health Assistant will review fees and payment plans.

Periodic examinations called Progress Reports will also be performed to ensure and monitor patient improvement.

A person’s spine can begin to misalign from the moment they are born. Often when patient’s decide to see a chiropractor, they have misalignments that have existed for several years and has created pressure on nerves and has interfered with how they function. The first phase is to decrease interference and irritation of nerves (i.e. pinched nerves) and to decrease pain. It is the patient’s duty to keep their scheduled appointments and perform the recommendations suggested by the doctors. After the pain has gone, the body can begin to heal. This is the second phase where correction of the misaligned bones is very important. The next phase is the strengthening phase where we stabilize the spine. And lastly, over time, lifetime care will help prevent future conditions from occurring, and in the event the patient gets hurt, their body will heal faster.

The reason we do not adjust on the same day as the initial exam is simple. The doctor requires the time to carefully review all of the findings (symptoms of patient, posture, range of motion, motion palpation, thermal scan and x-rays) before deciding what the best course of action would be. To do it any other way would be second best and no patient deserves a guess when it comes to their well being.

No, according to their unique requirements, patients are adjusted appropriately. After completing a thorough examination, your Chiropractor will determine the best way to adjust your spine. Many Chiropractors will adjust the entire spine, even in areas where no pain may exist. Pain is a poor indicator of health because it is generally the last symptom to occur, and may not indicate the source of the problem. Pain from a gall bladder can be felt in your shoulder area, a heart attack can be felt down the left arm, and a headache can be caused by feet problems… Pain is your body’s way of telling you there is something wrong and that is all.

People’s bodies slowly change over time based on growth, habits, trauma, genetics and posture. When a Chiropractor adjusts the spine to place the vertebrae in its normal position and restore normal movement; the body does not recognize it as such. The body will attempt to put that bone back in the misaligned position it has been in for years where. Therefore, the Chiropractor must see you for a few months starting quite frequently and as your body begins to accept the new positions a patient will be seen less frequently. This is the reason that it is imperative a patient makes the required number of visits each week throughout the program as every adjustment builds on the one before it.

A Chiropractic adjustment is a very specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific joint that is moving improperly or less than normal. Not only is an adjustment a controlled act that only a Doctor can do but it is also dangerous if you have not had the proper training. A Chiropractor learns how to adjust properly and has a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education.

Turning and twisting your spine may create a ‘popping’ sound, however, this is not an adjustment. The sound comes from the joints releasing gas (Carbon Dioxide), not from the bone moving or shifting back into its right place – The Adjustment. Also those bones that do move by twisting and turning of the body are the bones that are moving too much, indicating other bones that a Chiropractor would adjust are present and are moving very little.

In addition, if a patient continues to self-adjust his or her back or other joints; the problems will become worse and the potential of other more serious problems such as Arthritis may arise.

• • Naturopathic Medicine is a system of health which allows the body to use its own abilities to start healing itself. By recognizing conditions (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual), which contribute to weakness or deterioration in health, we can then set a healing practice into play which will address these conditions. The healing tools used in Naturopathic Medicine are as follows:

Clinical Holistic Nutrition: Food is the biggest drug we consume so it is paramount that diet must be addressed in any Naturopathic program Many medical conditions can be treated more effectively with foods and nutritional supplements than they can by other means, with fewer complications and side effects. Naturopathic physicians use dietetics, natural hygiene, fasting, and nutritional supplementation in practice.

Botanical (Herbal) Medicine: Herbal medicine has been used since the beginning of time. We have already recognized that there are powerful constituents in herbs which can address many imbalances in the body. Their organic nature makes botanicals compatible with the body’s own chemistry; hence, they can be gently effective with few toxic side effects.

Homeopathic Medicine: Homeopathic medicine is based on the principle of “like cures like.” It works on a subtle yet powerful electromagnetic level, gently acting to strengthen the body’s healing and immune response.

Physical Medicine: Naturopathic Medicine has its own methods of therapeutic manipulation of muscles, bones, and spine. N.D.’s also use ultrasound, diathermy, exercise, massage, water, heat and cold, air, and gentle electrical pulses.

Traditional Chinese Medicine including Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complimentary healing philosophy to naturopathic medicine. The Chinese philosophy believes that the body is filled with highways of energy called “Qi”. When there are imbalances of this Qi, the body manifests in disease or pain. By introducing Chinese herbs or by using acupuncture, we can re-balance the Qi, thereby balancing the body.

Lifestyle Counseling: Mental attitudes and emotional states may influence, or even cause, physical illness. Counseling, nutritional balancing, stress management, hypnotherapy, biofeedback, and other therapies are used to help patients heal on the psychological level.

1. Do No Harm: We use methods that minimize harmful side effects, are least invasive for diagnosing and when possible, avoid suppression of symptoms. In this manner, we are working with the body’s ability to heal itself.
2. Identify and Treat the Causes: In addition to alleviating acute and chronic symptoms of disease, NDs seek to identify and remove underlying causes of illness. This is how optimal health is achieved.
3. Doctor as Teacher: NDs work with patients by sharing knowledge and information to create a successful treatment plan. Patients are encouraged to take responsibility for their own optimal health.
4. Treat the Whole Person: In addition to addressing specific complaints or symptoms, NDs look at the ‘whole picture’. The physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors contributing to the health of each individual patient are thoroughly considered.
5. Emphasize Prevention: Prevention is the key to a successful, healthful life. ND’s will emphasize this by recognizing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease in each patient. Appropriate interventions can then be made in partnership with patients to prevent illness.
6. Support the Healing Power of the Body: Naturopathic Medicine recognizes that we each have the innate ability to heal ourselves. By working to remove obstacles through the various healing modalities, the body can then fully manifest this ability.

1. A licensed Naturopathic Doctor must have completed a minimum of three years of university and then successfully complete a four year program at an accredited Naturopathic Medical College. At the completion of this program, they must have then passed the North American Board Exams. Only then, is a Naturopathic Doctor able to practice in a licensed province/state.
   

   Does the Naturopath have to be licensed?

   It is important that your Naturopathic Doctor is licensed for a number of reasons:

   1. It means that they are regulated by a governing body which helps protect and educate the public,
   2. Your Doctor did go to an accredited Naturopathic Medical Institution (of which there are only six, while there are many unaccredited),
   3. And finally, if you are relying on your extended benefits to help pay for your Naturopathic care, they will only reimburse you if you see a Licensed practitioner.

1. Homeopathy is a science based on the theory of “Like treats Like”. It utilizes very dilute substances which trigger a healing response within the body. Naturopathy uses Homeopathy as one of its many healing modalities, in addition to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Holistic Medicine and a variety of other healing tools.

1. Naturopathic Medicine can address a variety of conditions. Any patient that feels unwell can benefit from this healing path. From Depression, Menopause, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Colds, Pregnancy Support to Basic Dietary Wellness, all have found the positive effects of this medicine

1. This depends on the prescribed medication and the Naturopathic remedy. This is why it is very important that you tell your Naturopathic Doctor what medication you are or have recently taken. Certain nutritional supplements and herbs can have interactions or inhibit the function of certain medication. Once this information is disclosed, your Naturopathic Doctor can then prescribe a protocol that will be safest for you. All licensed Naturopathic Doctors have pharmacological training so that they understand your prescribed allopathic medications.

1. Absolutely! In fact, Naturopathic remedies are one of the safest ones to use for both children and pregnant/lactating women. Naturopathic medicine encourages natural healing responses, perfect for building and supporting these particular stages of life

1. OHIP does not pay for any Naturopathic Medical Services, however, many people have extended health benefits through their place of employment. 95% of the programs will cover Licensed Naturopathic Medicine, up to a maximum/year. We encourage you to find out what your benefits cover so that you can utilize what you pay for!