If you have never visited a chiropractor before, you may be curious about what chiropractic care actually involves. At Artemis Wellness Clinic in Richmond, chiropractic care is one of five core services we offer as part of our integrated approach to health. This guide explains what chiropractors do, what conditions they treat, and how chiropractic fits into a comprehensive treatment plan.
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a regulated healthcare profession that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat problems with the movement of the spine and other joints, which may contribute to pain, stiffness and muscle tension.
In British Columbia, chiropractors complete extensive post-graduate education and are regulated by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC). They are qualified to perform physical examinations, order diagnostic imaging when necessary, and provide hands-on treatment.
What Happens During a Chiropractic Adjustment?
The most well-known chiropractic technique is the spinal adjustment, also called spinal manipulation. During an adjustment, your chiropractor uses controlled, precise force to a specific joint in the spine or extremities. This may produce a popping or cracking sound, which is simply gas bubbles being released from the joint — similar to cracking your knuckles.
The goals of a chiropractic adjustment include restoring proper joint mobility and alignment, reducing nerve irritation caused by joint dysfunction, relieving muscle tension and spasm around the affected area, improving range of motion, and reducing pain.
Modern chiropractic care extends well beyond spinal adjustments. Your chiropractor may also use soft tissue therapy, mobilization techniques, rehabilitative exercises, postural assessment and correction, and ergonomic advice.
Conditions Treated by Chiropractors
Chiropractic care may help with a range of conditions, including back pain (the most common reason patients visit a chiropractor), neck pain and stiffness, headaches including tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches, sciatica and radiating leg pain, shoulder pain and rotator cuff issues, hip and knee pain, TMJ and jaw pain, sports injuries, whiplash and car accident injuries, and postural dysfunction. Individual results vary.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
When performed by a licensed chiropractor, chiropractic care is generally a safe treatment option. In BC, chiropractors undergo rigorous training and are held to strict professional standards. Before any treatment, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure that chiropractic care is appropriate for your specific condition.
Some patients experience mild soreness after their first adjustment, similar to what you might feel after starting a new exercise program. This typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours.
How Chiropractic Works with Other Treatments
At Artemis Wellness Clinic, chiropractic care can be combined with other therapies. For example, chiropractic adjustments combined with RMT massage therapy can address both joint restrictions and the surrounding muscle tension. Chiropractic care can also be paired with acupuncture as part of the same plan. Chiropractic combined with physiotherapy brings together hands-on treatment and active rehabilitation.
At a multidisciplinary clinic, your chiropractor can coordinate with other practitioners to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care
How many chiropractic sessions will I need?
This depends on your condition. Acute issues may resolve in 4 to 6 sessions. Chronic conditions may require a longer treatment plan. Your chiropractor will discuss a treatment timeline after your initial assessment.
Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
Many extended health benefit plans in BC include chiropractic care; coverage and limits vary, so check your plan. We can bill many insurers directly; you pay only the part your plan does not cover (co-pay, deductible or amounts above your plan maximum). ICBC also covers chiropractic treatment for car accident injuries: we bill ICBC directly for your pre-approved treatments, and if part of a fee is not covered by ICBC (a user fee), we tell you before your treatment.
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
Most patients find adjustments to be comfortable and even relieving. You may feel mild pressure during the adjustment. The cracking sound can be surprising at first but is completely normal and not painful.
Can I see a chiropractor without a referral?
Yes. In BC, you can see a chiropractor directly without a doctor’s referral.
Book Your Chiropractic Assessment in Richmond
Curious about whether chiropractic care is right for you? Our team at Artemis Wellness Clinic can assess your condition and recommend a treatment approach that suits you. Call 604-242-2233 or book online.
