Facts & Myths

Temple Crossing Chiropractic
Are chiropractors real doctors?
Chiropractors are indeed real doctors, licensed by the province in which they practice, and have similar classroom hours to that of medical doctors. The main difference is in treatment approach and philosophy. Chiropractic focuses on health care not sick care. Medical doctors are trained in the use of medicines, where Chiropractors look to the integrity of your musculo-skeletal and nervous system as to the cause of your symptoms.

Is chiropractic only for adults? Can children be adjusted?
Chiropractic results are achieved much quicker on children than adults. Similar to the scenario in which quick results occur when children wear dental braces as opposed to adults.

A common question parents ask is “Why would I have my kids checked if they’re not in pain?”

Spinal and nervous system problems come from all different sources. Traumatic births, learning to walk, slips and falls… the list is endless. Is it not better to be proactive in your child’s health?

After all “as the twig is bent, so goes the tree.”

A concern some parents have is that chiropractic adjustments will be too forceful. Adjustment techniques are modified for children to make it gentle and comfortable, just like mom and dad’s.

Do chiropractors only treat back pain?
Some doctors do, but that is like changing your motor oil only when your engine is smoking. Our Doctors of Chiropractic correct subluxations of the spine. Research shows that chiropractic care is one of the most safe and effective types of care for lower back pain. However, chiropractic can also help many other conditions not usually associated with spinal function, such as headaches, migraines, neck pain, joint pain, stress, menstrual pain, and tendonitis. Your nervous system controls every cell, tissue, organ and system of your body. Nerve interference can be an underlying cause of many health problems beyond low back pain.

We offer three types of care: Relief Care, Corrective Care, and Wellness Care. Generally speaking, relief care and corrective care are for treating a patients painful symptoms. The idea behind wellness care, however, is to keep your nervous system functioning optimally at all times, preventing such symptoms from appearing in the first place. The choice is always yours.

Won't it be too expensive?
We offer cost effective payment plans for individuals and families to choose the type of care that they need. More insurance companies are allowing us to direct bill for your care. Currently Blue Cross, Greatwest Life and Green Shield allow direct billing.

It is unfortunate that our health care system is based on crisis care, instead of wellness care. It is becoming more and more our responsibility to maintain our health. Regular chiropractic care has been proven to decrease lost days of work, increase energy, and increase quality of life. In the long run, being on wellness care is very inexpensive. It becomes a lifestyle choice, like spending money on bottled water, vitamins, or a gym membership.

Do spinal adjustments hurt?
The spinal adjustment itself does not hurt, however, you may have some soreness after your first adjustment, similar to starting a new exercise program.

Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?
It has been established that chiropractic is the safest and most effective treatment for low back pain. Over 5 million Canadians and 500,000 Albertans benefit from Chiropractic care. Most pro sports teams now have chiropractors as a part of their health care team for athletes.

Can it help me with my other health problems?
According to Gray's Anatomy, the nervous system controls every cell, tissue, and organ in the human body. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, the spinal nerves that exit the vertebral column through openings on the sides of each vertebra, and all the peripheral nerves that branch off to serve organs, tissues, blood vessels, muscles etc. Information from the environment, both external and internal, goes through the spine to get to the brain. The key to optimum health is a properly functioning nervous system which you can achieve through chiropractic care.

Once you go, do you always have to go?
Treatment lengths vary from person to person and from condition to condition. Usually nerve injuries if caught immediately, respond symptomatically to fewer visits. Chronic conditions are generally more stubborn and difficult to manage. It also depends on the care you choose. Lifetime chiropractic is a choice like exercising or taking vitamins, and the choice is always up to you.

Does the cracking cause arthritis?
There is a saying in orthopedics that motion is lotion. Lack of function or trauma to a joint causes arthritis. Improving joint function actually reduces that risk of osteoarthritis (the wear and tear disease).

I went to a chiropractor once and it didn’t help me…
Just like exercising once, or dieting one day you cannot expect your body to respond quickly. It takes time to develop a problem and therefore time to fix it. Different chiropractors use different approaches. Don’t discount chiropractic because you only tried it once. That would be like never getting your hair cut again because you once got a haircut you didn’t like.