Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Chiropractic? Chiropractic is a drug free, manual approach to health care including assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractic deals not only with musculoskeletal complaints, but also addresses the complex interaction between your nervous system and your spine. Chiropractic is one of the largest primary-contact health care professions in Canada. Approximately 4 1/2 million Canadians use chiropractic each year. Chiropractic is a regulated health profession recognized by statute in all Canadian provinces and chiropractors (along with medical doctors, dentists, psychologists and optometrists) have the legislated right to communicate a diagnosis and use the title doctor.
2. What education does a Chiropractor have? Chiropractors undergo extensive training in order to enter the profession. Chiropractors have a minimum of a 4 year undergraduate degree and have completed 4 years of rigorous postgraduate education in the Doctor of Chiropractic program. Chiropractors undergo both written and practical board examinations prior to licensure in Canada. The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto is a world renowned college for Chiropractic study.
3. What can I expect on my 1st visit at North Ridge Family Chiropractic? Starting from your first contact whether by phone, e-mail or drop in, you will experience a friendly relaxing atmosphere. Upon entering our facility, you will be given general information and health history forms to fill out. Our Chiropractic Health Assistant will give you a tour of the office and answer any of your preliminary questions. Your chiropractor will obtain a thorough history and perform the necessary examination. If you require x-rays, they will be completed prior to treatment and your chiropractic care will commence on your next visit. If x-rays are not indicated, then your chiropractic care may begin on the first visit. Before any treatment begins, the doctor will discuss with you her findings and answer any of your questions. Every effort will be made to make your first visit a positive one. If you would like to make an appointment for an initial consultation, click on the tab at the top of the page.
4. Is Chiropractic Safe and effective? Chiropractic care has been proven to be very effective in multiple studies when compared to NSAIDS, medical interventions and physiotherapy for spinal related conditions including low back pain headaches and neck pain. Although many medical health treatments carry risk, chiropractic is a very safe form of health care. Chiropractic side effects are minimal usually limited to tight and sore muscles.
5. How much will my Chiropractic cost? Is it covered by my insurance plan? Chiropractic care is covered under most insurance benefit plans. At North Ridge Family Chiropractic, we will assist you with providing you all the information you will need in order to obtain your reimbursed benefits. Your total cost of chiropractic will depend on your condition, goals and type of care you are looking for. Please don't hesitate to ask us any questions you may have regarding the cost of your care. Your health is very important to us.
6. What is an adjustment? An adjustment is a gentle maneuver performed by a chiropractor to affected joints in the body primarily the spine. It is the primary form of treatment in a chiropractic office. The chiropractor uses her hands to restore proper movement to the spinal joints thus allowing joints to move freely, muscles to relax and nerves to send their messages properly.
7. Does it hurt? There are many different ways to adjust your spine and perform your treatments. In conjunction with you, she will choose the method of adjustment that is the most comfortable for you and one that minimizes any discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments are very relieving and often feel great. | 
