I get a lot of patients asking very intelligent and very similar questions in a day. Here are a few that can help clear up some misconceptions or confusion:
Who should see a chiropractor? How do I know when I need a
chiropractor?
Chiropractic provides safe, conservative
management of musculoskeletal
(muscle and joint) disorders. Chiropractors focus on the patient’s
skeletal and nervous system function in relation to the whole body. They are
educated and trained to diagnose, treat and manage conditions resulting from
joint, ligament, tendon, muscle, nerve and spinal disorders. Chiropractors may
also recommend therapeutic exercise, utilize other non-invasive therapies and
provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling as determined by each
patient’s unique need.
People often seek care from a
chiropractor when they are experiencing back, neck or joint pain, after
undergoing a car or work accident, or if they are interested in helping to
sustain or improve health and wellness. An assessment and treatment from a
chiropractor can help with all of these circumstances and more.
Can a chiropractor treat kids? Is it safe? How young can they be?
Absolutely! Chiropractors do treat
infants and children, as young as a few hours or a few days old. From infants
to toddlers to teenagers, children of all ages can benefit from chiropractic
care. Chiropractic care for children is very
different from that for adults. Tailored to their age and weight, their
adjustments often require no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness
of a tomato. Assessing and treating children is a much different experience
than one of an adult and involves very safe, gentle techniques.
Should I get treated by a chiropractor while I’m pregnant?
Yes! A woman’s body undergoes many physical changes during the nine months of
pregnancy and these can lead to subtle, yet dramatic, changes in the
musculoskeletal system. Due to the shift in the woman’s centre of gravity,
often low back and pelvic pain can occur. These stresses and strains can be
relieved with chiropractic care. Also, many pregnant patients also report
faster and more comfortable deliveries after chiropractic care.
Chiropractic during pregnancy can help
alleviate many ailments that otherwise would go untreated during this sensitive
time. These include: - Aiding in reducing low back pain
- Aiding in reducing pelvic pain
- Aiding in reducing upper back and neck pain
- Helping to reduce morning sickness, heart burn and swollen feet/ankles
- Reducing labour time and reducing the need for pain medication
- Allowing for easier delivery
- Reducing intrauterine constraint for optimal baby positioning
If you have any other questions that I wasn't able to answer, please feel free to email me at dr.marleelameris@gmail.com and I'll be happy to help!
