Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest therapies available for the treatment of headache, neck pain and back pain. It has an excellent safety record. However there is no treatment that is completely free of potential adverse effects. Even common over-the-counter medicines carry a risk. Most patients do experience immediate relief following chiropractic treatment. However, some may experience temporary pain or stiffness. Fortunately, adverse effects associated with chiropractic care are typically minor and short-lived. If you have any questions or concerns about the Chiropractic care that has been recommended for you, you will be given every opportunity to address them at your initial visit prior to starting care.
Do I Require a Referral?
No. You do not need a referral to see a Chiropractor. Chiropractors are a primary contact health professional. This means that patients can consult them directly without a referral. This also applies when a worker has sustained a workplace injury or if an individual has been involved in a motor vehicle accident. Chiropractors often do, however, work closely with medical doctors, many of whom refer to chiropractors. Similarly, chiropractors often refer to medical doctors or health professionals when it is indicated.
What is Chiropractic?
The word “chiropractic” comes from Greek and means “done by hand.” Adjustment to the joints of the body have been used to improve health for many centuries. Chiropractors are specialists in aligning the spine with manual adjustments of the spinal bones called vertebrae. Adjustment helps relieve pain, pressure on spinal nerves and restore normal functioning to the spine, joints and supporting structures of the body – so you can enjoy your everyday activities again as quickly as possible. Adjustments are modified to meet the specific needs of infant, pregnant or elderly patients.
Is Chiropractic covered by OHIP?
No chiropractic care is not covered by OHIP. Although it is usually covered by your workplace extended benefits. Most health benefits have a certain amount of coverage for chiropractic care. Georgina Chiropractic can even often directly bill your benefit company.
How Long Does it Take?
Chiropractic results vary. Some patients get results quickly. Others find their recovery takes several weeks or months. Children often respond quickly, while adults with longstanding spinal problems heal more slowly. The healing process takes time.
There are usually 3 phases to Chiropractic care. In the RELIEF PHASE, visits can be frequent, depending on the severity of your condition and the length of time you have been suffering prior to coming for care. The primary focus of this stage is to reduce or eliminate your most obvious symptoms. It can range from a few visits to a few weeks.
Once your most obvious symptoms are diminished, the objective of the CORRECTIVE PHASE is to normalize and stabilize the spinal column to promote more complete healing. Visits are usually less frequent and the patient becomes more active in the recovery process.
Once maximum restoration of spinal and joint function is achieved, many patients choose to receive regular chiropractic “check-ups”. This type of WELLNESS CARE ensures optimum function and can prevent small problems from becoming serious and will keep you feeling great.
