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Location208 - 2678 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6K 2G3 Phone # 604 734 1980Sign Up for Dr. Nelson's
Quarterly Newsletter "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." |
General InformationWhat is Chiropractic?The word Chiropractic comes from ancient Greek and means 'done by hand.' Chiropractors are specialists in manual adjustment of the vertebrae of the spine and other joints. Adjustment helps relieve pain and restore normal functioning to the spine, joints and supporting structures of the body. Chiropractors are also trained to prescribe therapeutic exercise, provide nutritional counseling, and recommend rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies.
How does an adjustment work?An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustments return motion to the joint to optimize function. When a joint is adjusted, a gas bubble causes the popping noise you may have heard about. Chiropractic adjustment techniques have been researched extensively. Complications are rare and side-effects, such as temporary soreness, are usually minor. Chiropractors are well-trained to determine if your problem will respond to Chiropractic care or if you require referral to another health care provider.
Is Chiropractic safe?Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of headache, and neck and back pain. It has an excellent safety record. However, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. Even common over-the-counter medicines carry a risk. Most patients experience immediate relief following an adjustment, however, some may experience temporary pain, stiffness or slight swelling. Some patients may also experience temporary dizziness, local numbness, or radiating pain. However, adverse effects associated with spinal adjustment are typically minor and short-lived. Neck adjustment, particularly of the top two vertebrae of the spine, has on rare occasions been associated with stroke and stroke-like symptoms. This risk is considerably lower than those serious adverse events associated with many common health treatments such as long-term use of non-prescription pain relievers or birth control pills. While estimates vary, a range of one to two events per million neck adjustments is the ratio generally accepted by the research community. No serious complication has been noted in more than 73 controlled clinical trials or in any prospectively evaluated case series to date. Talk to Dr. Nelson about alternatives to neck manipulation if you are uncomfortable.
Is Chiropractic for me?Chiropractic is helpful in many mechanical pain cases which are listed below and on the conditions page. There are conditions that cannot be helped by chiropractic care and are considered red flags for treatment. They include but are not limited to: fractures, infections, cancer, certain spinal congenital anomalies and a history of stroke. Osteoporosis and inflammatory arthritis are relative contraindications depending on severity and may experience higher levels of complications.
When should I consider Chiropractic care?
Eight out of ten Canadians will experience back pain at some point in their life, and at least one quarter of people in BC will have back pain at any given time. For many people, the pain can keep them away from work, school or even their day-to-day activities. If pain causes interruptions and restrictions in the activities of your daily life then you should consult a health care provider. Pain should never become a way of life, especially when there is qualified help available. There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care: Work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores, even the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and spinal problems. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic care can help you maintain healthy spine and joint function. Seniors may find that treatment helps them to maintain mobility and good range of motion. Here are some of the most common reasons why more than 4 million Canadians visit a chiropractor each year:
· Low Back Pain and Sciatica · Neck Pain · Mid Back and Rib Pain · Headaches · Whiplash & Motor Vehicle Accident related injuries · Shoulder Injuries · Strains and Sprains from everyday activities · Repetitive Strain Injuries · Work and Sports related injuries · Arthritis · Restricted motion in the spine and other joints · General Health and Well-being Am I covered for Chiropractic care?
Chiropractic is covered by ICBC, WCB, MSP and many extended medical plans. ICBC and WCB claimants should contact their adjuster before beginning Chiropractic care. MSP beneficiaries may be covered up to 10 visits per year, this can be assess by our front end staff. Extended medical plan coverage varies, therefore you should contact your provider for details.
What to expect on your first visitBefore your first visit begins you will need to fill out a few forms. Arriving 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment is recommended. The initial visit will begin with a detailed history on your primary concern. The history will be used to conduct a focused physical exam and a motion palpation assessment of the spine. X-Rays are only taken if they are clinically necessary. All of the gathered information will be used to arrive at a Diagnosis and Treatment plan. Dr. Nelson will discuss the treatment options available and which are most effective for your specific condition. Treatment will begin and will consist of one or more of the following modes of treatment.
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