Frequently Asked Questions

You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.

X-rays can be helpful, but are not required in every patient’s case. Pictures of your spine, especially after trauma, can confirm other findings and make your care more precise. We will determine if X-rays are necessary once we review your health history and examine your spine. Our office only takes those X-rays which are absolutely necessary.

Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless. In cases of recent trauma, such as whiplash, mild discomfort may be experienced due to inflammation. It is also common to feel a brief sensation in the extremities immediately following an adjustment due to the sudden decompression of the affected nerve root.

A small minority of people may experience discomfort, pain, or awkward symptoms after an adjustment. These responses are typically short-lived, occur primarily when the vertebra was significantly subluxated (out of place) prior to being adjusted. There are a few possible causes of such responses:

– Some people experience a detoxification of the body after an adjustment. When poisons leave the system, there may be discomfort such as headache, sniffles, a slight fever, drowsiness, or lethargy.

– Muscles will realign in coordination with the spine after an adjustment. Often, these are muscles that haven’t worked properly for years, and may have been weakened. This condition is temporary and will disappear after the muscles have strengthened themselves.

– Sometimes, nerves that were impinged for years are now “coming back to life,” and becoming more sensitive again. Unlike the majority of drugs, chiropractic adjustments aren’t designed just to “make you feel good,” but to “make you FEEL.” Improved sensitivity and awareness are necessary and desirable. Old injury pains may be reawakened in order for the healing to occur.

Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process, including:

• The severity of the structural misalignments causing your problem.
• How long you have had them.
• How rapidly your body responds to chiropractic care, influenced by age, mental attitude, elasticity of the muscles and ligaments
• Your ability to avoid additional stress and strain while your body is healing.

Absolutely not. Doctors of Chiropractic are primary health care providers, meaning you do not need a referral. If yours is not a Chiropractic case, a responsible Chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate health care provider.

Insurance coverage varies for chiropractic care. Over 80% of Ontario insurance plans will reimburse you for a portion of your fees. However, most have a limit on what they will pay, and do not pay for full corrective care programs.

In our office, we do not base your care plan on your availability of insurance, but offer you a number of payment options to best suit your budget.