Chiropractic Care in North York
A simple guide to chiropractic care and the care options available at Chiropractic Health Centre
Chiropractic is a regulated healthcare profession focused on the relationship between the spine, nervous system and how the body moves and functions. The nervous system is the body’s communication network. Dr. David often describes it as “the highway connecting all functions of the body.” The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system, carrying information between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord runs through the spine. This is why chiropractors pay particular attention to the spine and nervous system when investigating pain, movement problems and other concerns.
Relief From Pain and Current Problems
Pain is one of the most common reasons people first visit a chiropractor, but the circumstances can be very different. An adult may experience pain related to work, gardening, travelling, shovelling snow or other seasonal activities. An athlete may develop pain related to training or sport. Pregnancy brings changing physical demands on the body, while children may experience aches, strains or movement concerns as they grow and take part in everyday activities.
Some people also come because back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, and fatigue/low energy are interfering with their work, sleep, exercise, sport or everyday life. Symptoms tell us where it hurts. The next step is to investigate the problem and factors that may be associated with the pain.
Address Recurring Problems, Stay Active and Maintain Better Function
You do not have to wait until pain becomes severe before paying attention to a problem. Some people choose chiropractic care because back pain, neck pain, headaches or sciatica keep returning, or because fatigue or low energy is affecting their ability to stay active.
Care can also have different goals at different stages of life. Older adults may want to maintain mobility and continue the activities they enjoy. During pregnancy, changing posture and physical demands may place new stresses on the body. Children are continually growing, developing and participating in physical activities. People recovering from an auto accident may need continued attention as their movement and function change.
For athletes, care may also be part of preparation and recovery. Training, competition and repetitive movement place demands on the body. Chiropractic assessment and individualized care may address concerns involving movement and function before training or a sporting event and can also be part of recovery afterward. The goal is to identify concerns, maintain better function and help you stay active.
A Natural, Drug-Free Approach
Many people seek chiropractic care because they prefer a natural, drug-free and non-invasive way of addressing pain. They may prefer not to rely on medication, creams or gels for pain relief and want to better understand what may be associated with the problem and what can be done about it.
Some patients also come to a chiropractor after they have already sought help for a problem, but the pain has not gone away or keeps coming back. They may be looking for another perspective and a thorough assessment to better understand the problem and other relevant factors that may be associated with it.
Identifying Possible Causes Starts With a Thorough Assessment
A chiropractor assesses the spine and nervous system to investigate a concern and factors that may be associated with your symptoms. At Chiropractic Health Centre, Dr. David uses several methods of assessment to build a complete picture. Depending on the patient and the problem, these may include:
- Health and medical history: current or recurring symptoms, previous injuries, illnesses and other relevant health information.
- A detailed conversation: your symptoms, lifestyle, nutrition, work, activities, stresses and recent events that may be relevant to the problem.
- Computerized Posture Screening: to identify postural patterns and changes that may provide useful information about the spine and nervous system.
- Palpation and examination of the spine: to identify areas that may require closer attention.
- Physical examination of areas that are painful or limited in movement: to assess movement, joints, muscles and other relevant physical findings.
- Neurological testing: when appropriate, to provide additional information about nervous-system function.
- EEG-based assessment: to observe aspects of nervous-system activity, including responses associated with sympathetic and parasympathetic activity under different conditions.
- X-rays: when clinically appropriate, to provide additional information about the spine and help complete the clinical picture.
No single test gives the full answer. Dr. David considers the findings together to better understand the problem, relevant factors associated with it and how the patient is functioning. This helps guide the diagnosis and determine appropriate individualized treatment.
From Assessment to Individualized Treatment
Symptoms tell us where it hurts. Assessment helps investigate the problem and relevant factors associated with it. Treatment is based on what is found. A chiropractic adjustment is one method that may be used to help improve movement and function of the spine or other joints. Adjustments may be performed by hand or with specialized instruments.
Care may also include exercises and practical advice about movement, posture and everyday activities. The technique and treatment plan depend on the individual, the problem being addressed and the assessment findings. That is why chiropractic care should be individualized.
Chiropractic Care for You
Age, lifestyle, activities and physical demands can influence the type of assessment and care a person may need:
- Chiropractic for Older Adults: Mobility, function and active living.
- Chiropractic for Athletes: Sport, training, preparation and recovery.
- Chiropractic During Pregnancy: Care adapted to the physical changes and demands of pregnancy.
- Chiropractic for Children: Growth, development, activities and age-appropriate care.
- Auto Accident Care: Assessment and individualized care following a motor vehicle collision.
Have Questions About Chiropractic Care?
It is natural to have questions before beginning chiropractic care. Read our FAQs for straightforward information about chiropractic care, treatment, safety, appointments and what you can expect at Chiropractic Health Centre.
Taking the Next Step
Chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free and non-invasive approach for people of different ages, lifestyles and levels of activity. Choosing chiropractic care does not mean avoiding other healthcare when it is needed. Chiropractors do not replace family doctors, hospitals or other healthcare specialists, and they are trained to recognize when a problem requires medical attention or care outside the chiropractic scope of practice. For example, a suspected broken bone, an open or serious wound, a high or persistent fever, sudden sharp or intolerable pain, or difficulty breathing may require prompt medical assessment before chiropractic treatment.
At Chiropractic Health Centre, the priority is to understand what is happening and help you receive the right care for your situation.
