Back Basics
Chiropractic care is recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of headache, and neck and back pain.
The word “chiropractic” comes from ancient Greek and means “done by hand”. Adjustment of the
joints of the body has been used in the healing arts for many centuries and is at the heart of modern chiropractic care.
Back pain is a leading cause of prescription (and non-prescription) drug use, medical visits, hospitalizations and restricted physical activity. In Ontario alone, back pain accounts for one-third of lost-work claims, according to the Institute of Work and Health. Low back pain affects 85% of the working population. Health Canada estimated that musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain, cost society $16.4 billion in combined direct (treatment and rehabilitation) and indirect (lost productivity) costs.
Why is spinal health important?
The body’s information highway – your nervous system – is protected by the spine. The nervous system travels out between the vertebrae or joints of the spine to carry messages from the brain to every corner of your body. Stress and strain on the vertebrae can put pressure on the nerves in the affected area. That’s why a problem with your spine can have far-reaching effects, causing symptoms such as arm or leg pain.
What is chiropractic health care?
Chiropractors are specialists in manual adjustment of the vertebrae of the spine and other joints. Adjustment helps relieve pain 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.
Chiropractors are also trained to prescribe therapeutic exercise, provide nutritional counselling, and recommend rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies.
What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustment loosens the joint to restore proper movement and optimize function. When a joint is adjusted, a gas bubble escapes causing the popping noise you may have heard about.
When should I consider chiropractic care?
There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care. Work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores, even the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and spinal problems. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic care can help you maintain healthy spine and joint function.
Here are some of the most common reasons why more than 4 million Canadians visit a chiropractor each year:
• Back and neck pain
• Headache
• Whiplash and strains or sprains from daily activities
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Work and sports-related injuries
• Arthritis
Benefits of chiropractic care
Chiropractic treatment is skilled, hands-on health care that relieves pain and helps your body. It can help:
• Improve movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso
• Better posture
• Relieve headaches, neck and back pain
• Prevent work-related muscle and joint injuries
• Enhance athletic performance and improve flexibility
For more information on chiropractic care, please visit www.chiropractic.on.ca or the Canadian Chiropractic Association at www.ccachiro.org.
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
