Can a chiropractor help me with my problem?
A doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) will perform a thorough examination to diagnose the cause of your problem. This will determine if chiropractic treatment can help you. If necessary, he/she may order special tests such as x-rays or lab tests. Your D.C. will then explain your diagnosis, recommend a treatment plan and discuss treatment options. If at any time it is discovered that you require attention from a medical doctor, your chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate medical specialist.

Do I have to have x-rays taken?
X-rays are sometimes necessary to make a diagnosis or to be sure that you do not have a more serious disease. This decision is made on an individual basis, based on a patient's age, medical history, type of symptoms, etc. However, in many cases of low back and neck pain, x-rays are not required. A prudent chiropractor will not routinely take x-rays of every patient.

What kind of treatments do chiropractors use?
Chiropractors are best known for using spinal manipulation or adjustments. However in addition to manipulation, chiropractors employ a variety of other treatments including: soft tissue therapies (such as myofascial or trigger point therapy), physiotherapy modalities (such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation), therapeutic exercise (such as lumbar stabilization and proprioceptive training). Some chiropractors also use holistic therapies such as nutritional treatments, stress management, and herbal therapies. In any case, the appropriate treatments should be determined based upon your specific condition.

How many treatments will I need?
That depends on the nature and severity of your injury. Some conditions can resolve in one or two treatments. Others may require weeks or months of treatment and rehabilitation. A general guideline for an acute episode of low back pain of mild to moderate severity with no complicating factors is 6 to 10 treatments over 2 to 4 weeks.

Will I have to keep coming back forever?
No! The goal of appropriate chiropractic treatment is to get you out of pain and on your own as soon as possible. Some cases may take longer than others, but every case should have a clear end point. For most acute episodes of simple back or neck pain, it is inappropriate for treatments to be carried out indefinitely.