What should I expect on my first visit?

Your first visit will include a thorough history and physical examination to find out how Dr. Burton can best address your concerns. During the history portion, you may be asked for a description of your current condition, the steps you have already taken, a thorough personal and family medical history including any x-rays or medical test results, an account of major surgeries, illnesses or traumas, medications or supplements, and a review of your dietary, sleeping and exercise habits where relevant.

During the physical exam it is typical that Dr. Burton will check your vitals (e.g. blood pressure/pulse), a neurologic exam (e.g. reflexes), an analysis of your posture, an assessment of your movement and strength and a hands-on evaluation of how your body moves, performs or limitations.

Do I need a referral from my Medical Doctor?

Chiropractors are primary care health professionals in Canada and as such patients do not require a medical referral. There are however a small minority of third-party insurance companies who require a medical referral note for chiropractic care. It is always recommended that you check with your insurance company to determine what your coverage entails.

Do chiropractors treat non-spinal conditions?

Chiropractors are musculoskeletal experts and are trained in assessing, diagnosing, treating and preventing biomechanical disorders. In addition to the evidence that supports chiropractic care in managing musculoskeletal complaints of the spine, there is also evidence that it supports chiropractic management of the extremities, headaches and even TMJ pain. Chiropractors are also able to provide lifestyle counselling about nutrition, fitness and ergonomics among others that may be useful in managing or preventing a variety of health conditions. The health of your musculoskeletal system doesn’t just start with a healthy spine, you need to be fully aware of your health to maintain a well-rounded healthy lifestyle!

Do I always have to have my spine “cracked”?

No. While spinal and joint manipulations(also commonly referred to as an “adjustment”) are a regulated service chiropractors can perform, there are times when this form of therapy is not indicated. Dr. Burton will often choose the manual treatment method that’s likely to produce the best outcome for your condition. Sometimes gentle joint mobilizations, soft tissue therapies such muscle release techniques or exercise, bracing or taping are better options. An opportunity to discuss your preferences and your fully informed consent to any recommended therapeutic method will always be performed.

Once I start seeing a chiropractor will I have to keep going?

How often patients need to see a chiropractor (or any manual therapist for that matter) has more to do with why you came in in the first place. For less-severe, acute problems such as common mechanical back pain or neck pain, it’s common to have to have weekly visits within a 6-8 week period until the issue resolves. However, if you have had persistent, ongoing (chronic) or severe concerns it may be recommended that you progress to a more preventative treatment regime where your visits are more spread out but ongoing until they show progress. Rest assured that no matter the complaint, Dr. Burton will always discuss what options are available, which will have the greatest chance of success and ways in which you can reduce the frequency where possible.