Chiropractic care is a health profession predominantly based on interactions with the spine, nervous system and surrounding muscles.

Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions.

The practice of chiropractic is the assessment of conditions related to:

- Dysfunctions or disorders arising from the structures or functions of the spine and the effects of those dysfunctions or disorders on the nervous system; and

​- Dysfunctions or disorders arising from the structures or function of the joints.

Diagnosis, prevention and treatment management of a patients condition are communicated and prescribed to improve their health. In addition, chiropractors offer advice to patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, occupational and lifestyle modification.

Chiropractic adjustments are a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the doctor of chiropractic’s intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractor typically uses his or her hands or an instrument to adjust the joints of the body, particularly the spine, to restore/enhance joint function. Chiropractic adjustments are a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort and are adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.

Chiropractors adjust a specific type of joint called synovial joints. These joints contain liquid within them, which acts like a lubricant in order for the joint to move smoothly and absorb forces. The noise produced from an adjustment is a result of the change of pressure within the joint, which results in gas bubbles being released.

Chiropractic is recognized as one of the safest non-drug, non-invasive forms of health care. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness, stiffness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current research shows that minor discomfort or soreness following an adjustment typically fades within 24 hours.

Doctors of chiropractic are well trained professionals who provide patients with safe, effective care for a variety of common conditions. Their extensive education prepares them to identify patients who have special risk factors and to ensure those patients receive the most appropriate care, even if that requires referral to a medical specialist.

Chiropractic is a primary contact health care profession with expert knowledge in spinal and musculoskeletal health, emphasizing differential diagnosis, patient-centred care, and research. The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) is one of two accredited institutions in Canada providing the Doctor of Chiropractic program. Students must complete a minimum three-year undergraduate program at an accredited university in order to apply to CMCC’s 4-year doctorate program, with admissions based off of their cumulative GPA and interview.

Years 1 and 2 provide the foundation of knowledge in basic sciences and pathology for clinical skills and decision making, while also getting hands on experience through courses in chiropractic skills, diagnosis and symptomatology, orthopedics and diagnostic imaging.

Year 3 emphasizes knowledge integration through the use of case-based clinical material to prepare students for internship in the CMCC clinics.

Year 4 is a 12-month clinical internship in two of CMCC’s clinical settings, where interns provide direct care and education to patients under the supervision of a licensed chiropractor.

A total of 4000+ hours are spent in class and over 100 exams written in the 4-years at CMCC. In addition to the program, students in their 4th year must take an independent comprehensive three-part licensing examination administered by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB) and complete a provincial Ethics examination prior to becoming a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic.

In Ontario, a medical referral is not needed to see a Chiropractor.

Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and injuries from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. In the case of children, it is very gentle.

The hands-on nature of chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit a chiropractor. Depending on the individuals condition a chiropractor will develop a treatment plan, which will state the duration and frequency of treatments in order to completely manage/treat your condition.

Yes, many pregnant women find that chiropractic adjustments improve the pregnancy experience and make delivery easier. Adjustments are adapted to accommodate the stage of pregnancy and unique needs of each patient.

Both professions work with the body in a non-invasive and hands-on approach to facilitate healing. Although very similar, Chiropractors mainly treat pain through adjustments of the spine/limbs, in addition to some soft tissue rehabilitation, like stretching and strengthening. Physiotherapists specialize in the treatment of disorders through mobilization techniques and exercise rehabilitation.

Regardless of the therapist you see, you have to feel comfortable with treatment and choose one that works with your needs and betterment of your health.

Yes. Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans; however, each insurance plan covers a different amount/percentage. It is advised to ask your provider how much they will cover.