Chiropractic
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders. Although traditionally known for working with spine-related conditions, chiropractors are well versed in diagnosing and treating injuries of the extremities, such as the shoulder, hip, knee, etc. Chiropractors are trained to use manual manipulation and adjustment techniques to address issues with the musculoskeletal system, to improve the body's overall function and alleviate pain.
At Mountain Health and Performance, our chiropractors use traditional manipulation and mobilization techniques but also have extensive training in various other techniques. These include:
Soft Tissue Therapies
Rehabilitation
Kinesiotaping
Chiropractors often take a holistic approach to care and develop individualized treatment plans for their patients based on their specific needs and conditions. These plans may include hands-on care, exercises, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle modifications.
Chiropractors commonly treat conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, as a well as motor vehicle accident, work place, and sport injuries such as sprains and strains.
Chiropractic care is not only about treating existing issues but also promoting overall health and wellness. Some patients choose to see chiropractors for preventive care and wellness checks, while elite athletes may choose to see chiropractors for performance care (i.e. treatment that is not pain-focused and geared toward optimizing movement).
To learn more about our North Vancouver chiropractors click the doctors names below:
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal adjustment or spinal manipulation, is a manual procedure commonly performed by chiropractors. It involves the application of gentle, controlled and precise force to specific joints in the spine or other parts of the body, with the aim of improving joint mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing the overall function of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system
In many cases, during a chiropractic adjustment, there is a release of gas bubbles within the joint space. This is often accompanied by a popping or cracking sound, which is sometimes referred to as "cavitation." This sound is not associated with joints or bones being put back into place or bones being realigned. The sound is not indicative of the success of the adjustment but is a result of the change in pressure within the joint.
Similar sounds may be heard when stretching or moving the body in certain ways. While it it may feel good in the moment, it is not the same thing as having an adjustment as the goals of adjustment is to specifically target a joint that has restricted range of motion.
Chiropractic adjustment techniques have been researched extensively and they are a safe and effective treatment for low back pain, neck pain, headaches and numerous other musculoskeletal conditions. The term chiropractic is not synonymous with an adjustment. An adjustment is one of many tools that chiropractors may use to treat joint pain and dysfunction.
What is a Chiropractors Education?
Chiropractors undergo extensive education and training to become licensed healthcare professionals. The educational path to becoming a chiropractor typically includes the following steps:
Pre-Chiropractic Undergraduate Education: Typically a bachelor's degree program, which includes coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and other relevant subjects. While specific requirements may vary, most chiropractic programs prefer applicants with a strong background in the sciences.
Chiropractic Education (Doctor of Chiropractic Degree): The core of chiropractic education is the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program, which usually takes over 4300 hours across four years to complete. Chiropractic programs include a rigorous curriculum that covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, neurology, biomechanics, radiology, pathology, and chiropractic techniques and procedures.
Some of the key components of a chiropractic education include:
Chiropractic Techniques: Students learn various chiropractic adjustment and manipulation techniques, including spinal manipulation and extremity adjustments.
Clinical Experience: Chiropractic programs often require students to complete clinical rotations or internships, where they gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients under the supervision of experienced chiropractors.
Ethics and Professionalism: Students are educated on ethical and professional standards related to patient care and the chiropractic profession.
Diagnostic Skills: Chiropractors learn to perform physical examinations, interpret diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-rays), and make differential diagnoses.
Licensing Examination: After completing their chiropractic education, graduates must pass a licensing examination administered by the regulatory board or licensing agency in their jurisdiction. The examination typically consists of written and practical components and assesses the applicant's knowledge and skills.
Provincial Licensing: Chiropractors must obtain a license to practice in the province where they intend to work. Licensing requirements vary by location but usually include passing the licensing examination and meeting other province-specific requirements, such as criminal background checks and maintaining and active first aid certification.
Continuing Education: Chiropractors are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licenses and stay updated on advances in the field.
Optional Specialization: Some chiropractors choose to pursue additional education and training in specific areas of chiropractic care, such as sports chiropractic, pediatric chiropractic, or chiropractic orthopedics.
All three chiropractors at Mountain Health and Performance attended the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) which is a leader in evidence-based chiropractic education and research.