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Frequently Asked Questions
Many first time patients have questions about the care that we provide at Meyers Wellness. This page will direct you to the answers of the most common questions that we hear about all of our multi-disciplinary treatments. If you have addition questions or want to go more in-depth about something that you are concerned about, you can always reach out to the clinic directly or do further research through the Ontario Chiropractic Association or Registered Massage Therapist Association of Ontario websites (linked below).
https://chiropractic.on.ca/
https://www.rmtao.com/
Chiropractic Care Questions:
1) What is an adjustment?
2) When should I see a chiropractor?
3) Can I see improvement for my chronic pain?
4) How can it help pain management?
5) Can adjustments help after a car accident?
6) What can I expect at my first visit?
7) What is included in a consultation?
8) How to select a chiropractor that is best for you?
9) Are chiropractic adjustments safe for all ages?
10) Does chiropractic care require a MD referral?
11) Is chiropractic care safe when pregnant?
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Scroll down to see all answers in order of this list
If you can't find the exact type of question you are looking for, feel free to contact the OCA for more information.
1) What is an adjustment?
An adjustment - also known as spinal manipulation therapy - is a highly skilled, manual treatment used to restore normal movement and function to a joint.
It uses controlled force from a registered chiropractor. Using their hands (or a specialized instrument) to apply a precise, low-force, and fast thrust to a specific joint. The thrust guides the joint slightly past its restricted range of motion to "unlock" it, improving alignment and local tissue mechanics.
You may hear a distinct clicking or cracking sound. This is a harmless side effect called cavitation, caused by a natural drop in pressure that releases tiny gas bubbles within the joint's fluid.
2) When should I see a chiropractor?
Whether we’re at home, at work or out and about, daily living puts strain on our bodies. As a result, you may suffer from persistent headaches, migraines, back, neck or joint pain. You may also have this type of pain due to an injury, accident, illness or long-term condition.
Taking pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may temporarily alleviate your symptoms but may not address the underlying cause. They may also create new health challenges. Consider visiting a chiropractor instead. Using primarily their hands, your chiropractor will treat these issues without medication or surgery and help prevent them from returning. But you don’t have to have an issue or be in persistent pain to visit a chiropractor. They can help you at many other times.
3) Can I see improvement for my chronic pain?
An estimated six million Canadians suffer from chronic pain. A key role of chiropractic care is addressing the opioid crisis in Canada. A contributing factor is the reliance on opioids to treat conditions that are or can become chronic.
The CCA, as a national voice of chiropractors, is determined to help more Canadians live the healthy, active lives they want by promoting the unique value and expertise their hands-on, non-invasive and drugless practice can offer.
A compregensive approach to the evidence of non-drug options, like chiropractic care, can lead to alternative approaches based on patient preference.
4) How can it help pain management?
Chiropractic care manages pain using a drug-free, hands-on therapies like spinal manipulation, soft-tissue therapy, and customized exercises to restore joint movement, reduce muscle spasms and helps decrease reliance on pain medications or opioids for conditions like back, neck and joint pain.
Targetting structural and biomechanical issues rather than masking symptoms with medication and opioid reliance. It teached safer ways to sit, walk and lift to prevent repeated injuries and equips you with specific home exercises, relief positions and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms independently between appointments.
5) Can adjustments help after a car accident?
The OCA have guidance on how chiropractic care can help individuals recover from motor vehicle accidents, such as managing whiplash, neck and back strain, headaches, and joint pain through spinal adjustments, manual therapy and active rehabilitation plans through auto insurance companies.
What you can expect and prepare are your claim details from your auto insurance (policy number, adjuster's contact information and date of accident.
An auto-injury assessment is typically more thorough than a standard wellness visit, involving a complete health and accident history review.
6) What can I expect at my first visit?
Under the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) guidelines, a first visit requires a mandatory initial health assessment, detailed case history, informed consent, and a clear discussion on findings and fees before any treatment occurs.
To help prepare for your initial appointment, wear lose, comfortable clothing that lets you move easily. Bring any past x-rays, lab work or relevant test results. Be ready with a list of specific symptoms, pain intensity and range, and daily activities affected by the issue.
7) What is included in a consultation?
When it comes to treatment for your consultation, every clinic can vary.
At Meyers Wellness, we ask that you come slightly early to fill out patient information forms and sign our Clinic Cancellation Policy. Your chiropractic consultation is booked for 30 minutes and you will go through all of the needed histories with Dr. Meyers that are required by the CCO guidelines.
Once you give informed consent to treatment, based on your complaint or previous concerns, she will address your case as needed. Our clinic provides manual adjustments, chiropractic ultrasound, IFC and cold laser therapy. If there is issues with your knees, feet or stride, a gaitscan can be completed to assess further.
All consultations are unique to the patient and treatment may vary based on degree of injury and progress.
8) How to select a chiropractor that is best for you?
Many chiropractors provide different ranges of treatment, so doing research before you book is best if you want to meet a specific need.
Finding a chiropractor that is local and best for you can be through word of mouth, from family and friends or searching online.
Referrals from other health professionals is best and more personable to your care. You can also use the Chiropractor Locator on the OCA's website - which will show you who is local to you and in good standing with the CCO.
9) Are chiropractic adjustments safe for all ages?
Licensed chiropractors can work on any age range from months old to 100+.
When treating infants and children, they will use light pressure, fingertip contacts, or specialized instruments rather than forceful adult-style manipulations. Adverse effects are rare and usually limited to mild, temporary soreness.
When treating adults, adjustments are widely used for back pain, neck pain and headaches. Severe complications are extremely rare and research shows risks are lower than long-term use of certain prescription pain medications.
When treating older adults / elderly, care is heavily modified for age-related conditions. Often avoiding high-velocity adjustments if the patient has severe osteoporosis, spinal fractures, or active cancer treatments affect bone density.
All treatments are evaluated through a comprehensive assessment and screening red flags before performing any treatments or spinal manipulation.
10) Does chiropractic care require a MD referral?
Chiropractors are legislated as primary care professionals in every province in Canada. This means that patients can consult them directly and no referral is needed. However, chiropractors often work closely with medical doctors to refer when they believe treatment will help alleviate a patient's condition. Both refer to each other when necessary.
11) Is chiropractic care safe when pregnant?
Chiropractic care when pregnant is generally safe when the chiropractor is trained in prenatal care. Technique is modified for pregnancy to avoid putting pressure on the adbdomen and use specialized tables or pregnancy pillows to safely accommodate you and the baby.
Adjustments can help ease low back pain, hip discomfort and tension in the round ligaments or pelvic joint caused by shifting weight and posture.
The Webster Technique is offered by certified practitioners to focus on balancing the pelvis, which can reduce intrauterine constraint and support optimal fetal positioning. Some studies suggest that maintaining proper pelvic alignment through regular care may shorten labor and delivery times.
You should avoid chiropractic treatment is you experience vaginal bleeding, placenta previa, placenta abruption, an ectopic pregnancy or moderate to severe toxemia/preeclampsia.
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