FAQs

Q. Do I need a referral to visit a chiropractor?

Absolutely not. Doctors of Chiropractic are primary health care providers, meaning you do not need a referral. If yours is not a Chiropractic case, a responsible Chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate health care provider.

Q. Will I need X-rays taken?

X-rays can be helpful, but are not required in every patient's case. Pictures of your spine, especially after trauma, can confirm other findings and make your care more precise. We will determine if X-rays are necessary once we review your health history and examine your spine. Our office does not perform x-rays. We can refer you to an x-ray facility if needed.

Q. What is an adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren't moving properly. Some methods use the doctor's hands, a special table or the force of gravity.

Q. Does the adjustment hurt?

Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless. In cases of recent trauma, such as whiplash, mild discomfort may be experienced due to inflammation. It is also common to feel a brief sensation in the extremities immediately following an adjustment due to the sudden decompression of the affected nerve root.

Q. Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

Yes. A New Zealand Department of Health government study found that chiropractic adjustments are "remarkably safe." By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record.

Q. Are all patients adjusted the same way?

No. Each patient's care is custom-tailored for their age, condition and health goals.

Q. Does laser therapy hurt?

The laser is painless. Most people don't feel a thing. You may be seated or laying down for treatment.

Q. How many visits will I need for laser therapy?

The average is up to 12 visits over a 4-6 week period. After that, it's up to you and how your body responds in order to determine how many more treatments you'll need. The typical laser session lasts only 15 minutes.

Q. Are there any harmful side effects to laser therapy?

There are no harmful side effects to laser therapy when performed properly. The laser should not be directly shined into the eyes due to the concentrated beam of light. It should not be used over the abdomen of pregnant women or overtop any neoplasmic (cancerous) tissue.

Q. What if chiropractic doesn't work?

If we're unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other practitioners who may be able to help.

Q. How long until I feel better?

Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process, including:

• The severity of your problem.
• How long you have had the condition.
• How rapidly your body responds to chiropractic care, influenced by age, mental attitude, elasticity of the muscles and ligaments.
• Your ability to avoid additional stress and strain while your body is healing.
• Healing time is almost as individual as finger-print

Q. How long will I need chiropractic care?

After symptomatic patients get the relief they seek, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care. These patients show up for their visits feeling great. These visits can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become serious. Our job is to offer the very best care, you simply decide how much care you want.

Q. Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?

Yes. Rest assured that we will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.

Q. Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?

Yes. When developing a care plan, we consider the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.

Q. Will my insurance cover chiropractic care?

Insurance coverage varies for chiropractic care. Over 80% of Ontario insurance plans will reimburse you for a portion of your fees. However, most have a limit on what they will pay, and do not pay for full corrective care programs.

We do not base your care plan on your availability of insurance. We also offer a number of payment options to best suit your budget. Find out how we make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone.

Most extended health insurance plans through your employer cover chiropractic. The average coverage ranges from $300 to $500 per year. The only way to determine your coverage is by telephoning your insurance company to ask them directly. Your insurance policy and the information concerning your coverage is private and confidential. Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. Only you can access your policy information.

The staff at Walkerville Chiropractic are experienced and knowledgeable and can help you in determining your coverage. For more information on your privacy visit the Canadian Privacy Legislation homepage at https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/

Please call us at (519) 258-7979, so that we may answer any additional questions you may have.