FAQ

1. Will I need X-rays?
While not routinely taken on every patient, X-rays may be an important part of the diagnosis with some patients. If required, X-rays may be requested: from your family doctor, from a facility such as Valley Radiologists, or we may obtain X-rays taken fairly recently with another doctor simply by requesting them. [top]

2. What happens during a treatment?
During your first visit, Dr. Hume will want to know about your health history, as well as your current complaint. Your level of physical activity and your home and work life may also affect your health, so don't be surprised to be asked questions about these. Although Canadian trained Chiropractors use their hands for most treatments, they also use other methods such as ultrasound, electrotherapy and personalized exercise programs. You will also be given information and guidance on how to stay healthy through proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes. [top]

3. What results can I expect from treatment?
That depends on your condition. The length of time you've had the problem, your age and the degree of your disability all affect the length of your treatment. One of the main reasons people choose Canadian Chiropractic is that they often get quick results. Of couse, chronic conditions require more treatment and individual cases vary. [top]

4. I went to a chiropractor and he hurt me. Why should I try you?
Chiropractic treatment should not hurt you more! In fact, most of Dr. Hume's patients comment on how very gentle her treatment is and how fast they feel relief. They often compare it favorably with other treatment they have had. Canadian trained Chiropractors assess each patient very carefully to determine to correct procedures that will provide relief with no discomfort. [top]

5. Do you have your patients keep coming back forever like some chiropractors?
No. Canadian trained Chiropractors have a specific treatment plan and release patients from care when they have received the benefits that are possible. Many times patients may return later with a new problem. [top]

6. What's wrong with taking painkillers?
Painkillers do not deal with the cause of the pain. Even worse, they may have serious side effects. Taking painkillers to treat headaches regularly (more than 15 days per month, every month) can actually cause more headaches. [top]

7. What exactly is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment uses controlled force, leverage, direction, strength and speed at a specific joint to restore normal motion and function. This controlled thrust moves a joint past its usual range of motion, without exceeding its limits. This treatment relieves muscle spasms, pain and nerve irritation. The term "adjustment" is used interchangeably with the term "Manipulation." [top]

8. I don't want my neck "cracked!" Do you do that?
Dr. Hume is very careful to insure the comfort of her patients. Discuss any concerns you may have with her and she will make sure they are addressed. Although she does do adjustments where cracking sounds come from the joints (believe it or not, some patients prefer this type!), she does not have to do this type of adjustment to get excellent results. [top]

9. Does neck adjustment require stretching and rotating the neck beyond what is normal?
No. Neck adjustment is done within the normal range of motion. It is often performed to improve flexibility and reduce pain. The normal range during treatment is less the what is required to turn your head when backing up a car. [top]

10. Is neck adjustment forceful?
No. This has been demonstrated in studies to determine the degree of physical strain applied during adjustment. It is skill, not strength, that is needed to conduct a safe, effective adjustment. [top]

11. Can wrists (knees, feet, elbows....) be adjusted?
Yes. Any joint that moves may need to be adjusted. All chiropractors are trained to adjust the spinal joints. Chiropractors trained in Canada learn to adjust all the joints of the body. [top]

12. Can I adjust myself?
The answer is, as a rule, NO. Vertebrae that move easily and make a lot of noise when you twist your back or neck are usually the ones not needing an adjustment. It is the jammed, non-mobile joints which need adjusting, while the others are overcompensating by moving too much. Movement in these already too mobile joints may give some temporary relief but doesn't do a thing for the joints needing adjustment, and may even cause damage. [top]

13. Why is there sometimes a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
Adjustment of a joint may result in release of a gas bubble between the joints that makes a popping sound, like when you "crack" your knuckles. It is not painful. It is caused the change of pressure within the joint, resulting in gas bubbles being released. [top]

14. What side effects can I expect?
It is very uncommon to experience side effects. Manipulation performed by a chiropractor is safe and effective. In fact, spinal manipulation is amongst the most researched health care interventions and studies consistently indicate that it is extraordinarily safe. For some patients, discomfort may follow their first adjustment in the form of temporary mild pain. [top]

15. What are the risk factors I need to be aware of?
Aggressive treatments are not performed when there is a risk, and the patient is told immediately. Canadian trained Chiropractors are extremely well trained to recognize risk factors for patients. [top]

16. Has the safety of chiropractic been scientifically proven?
Yes. Chiropractic manipulations are natural, non-invasive and highly effective procedures. The scientific literature indicates that surgery and drugs for similar back and neck conditions carry much more risk and more side effects. [top]

17. Is rolling your head good for your neck?
No. The joints in the neck are really designed for single movements like turning or looking up, down, left or right - not all of these movements together. Many people in the past have been given neck or head rolling exercises to help stretch their necks. A safer exercise would be to do each of these movements individually. [top]

18. Why would neck adjustment have an effect on anything other than neck pain?
If you look at a model of the spine, you will see that the spine is one continuous structure linked to other parts of the body. Loss of function in one area of the spine can have an effect on other parts of the body. [top]

19. Rest doesn't seem to have made my neck injury any better. Why not?
Rest won't restore range of motion to your neck. It is important to rest for a short period while tissues are inflamed. It is then equally important to move your neck. Chiropractic treatment aims to restore appropriate movement in your neck as quickly as possible. [top]

20. What technique do you use?
Each patient receives individualized treatments based on the fundamental biological and physiological sciences. The chiropractic training in Canada does not rely on "techniques" or "formula treatments." [top]

21. Can you treat me if I have osteoporosis?
Yes. Chiropractors are able to use various modified treatment methods that are safe for patients with osteoporosis. Treatment helps keep joints mobile, improving balance and muscle tone to minimize the risk of falling. [top]

22. Don't children just "grow out of it?"
Not necessarily. Chiropractors often recommend that children receive a checkup if there has been any trauma. Dr. Hume is trained to find and help problems that may lead to difficulties in later life. Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as "growing pains" can be traced to the spine. In addition to children growing very fast, learning to walk, riding a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. [top]

23. How can you help joints that are already degenerated?
Yes, Chiropractic can help the degenerated joint but the degeneration cannot be reversed. Degenerated joints are sometimes the result of the surrounding joints not doing their fair share of work, so that the load is not managed equally. Dr. Hume aims to restore your normal joint function, spreading the load and taking excessive strain away from degenerated joints. She also will give you advice on exercise for maintaining joint function. [top]

24. Is chiropractic treatment possible after surgery?
Yes, very probably. You will receive appropriate treatment and adjustments for your specific condition, while areas not suitable for treatment will be carefully avoided. [top]

25. Can chiropractic improve sports performance?
Yes. Many athletes find a significant improvement in performance. Dr. Hume is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician. By going "behind" an injury, Chiropractic treatment helps eliminate the cause of problems, as well as improving the mechanics of the joints and the muscles and nerves supplying them. [top]

26. Is chiropractic really scientific?
Yes, chiropractic is a healing discipline firmly grounded in science. Few other health care interventions have been assessed as extensively as chiropractic manipulation (adjustment), both in terms of safety and effectiveness. There have been at least six formal government inquiries into chiropractic worldwide over the last 25 years, and all have concluded that contemporary chiropractic care is safe, effective, cost-effective and have recommended public funding for chiropractic services. In addition, there have been countless clinical studies assessing its appropriateness, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. [top]

27. Can chiropractic treatment cure colds, earaches and other ailments?
No, chiropractic care cannot "cure" these conditions, but there is some evidence to indicate that adjustment may have a beneficial effect on a variety of conditions. Adjustment may alleviate some of the secondary or referred pain arising from the response of the musculoskeletal structures (muscles and bone) to the primary cause. For example, research conducted in Denmark resulted in chiropractic treatment being recommended for the relief of infantile colic. Similarly, a recent U.S. study concluded that the application of manipulative techniques in children with recurring ear infections can prevent or decrease surgical intervention or antibiotic overuse. [top]

28. Can chiropractic treatment prevent problems?
Yes, in certain circumstances. Clinical experience suggests that individuals with chronic conditions such as degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis), recurrent neck pain, back pain or headaches, may experience less severe symptoms when under regular chiropractic care. This also applies to individuals in highly stressful situations and those who experience repetitive physical and postural strain from their daily activities. [top]