Q
Do I have to receive an adjustment if I see Dr. Mezei?
|
A
No. Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of having an adjustment.
This is one reason why I offer alternative therapies. They include
laser, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, and registered massage
therapy. There are also alternative gentle chiropractic therapies
that may be used. Having said this, most people do agree to a hands-on
adjustment once they overcome the fear of the unknown. As many experience
the benefits of an adjustment it often becomes the number one treatment
choice of the initially hesitant patient. No treatment option will
ever be performed which the patient is uncomfortable with or does
has not consented to. |
| Q
What kind of education and training do chiropractors have? |
A
Chiropractors are educated as primary contact health care practitioners,
with an emphasis on neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment.
Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three
areas of learning: basic training in the biological and health sciences
(anatomy, physiology, biochemistry); specialized training in the chiropractic
discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications);
and extensive clinical training. Becoming a chiropractor in Canada
requires a minimum of four to five academic years of study including
no less then 4,500 hours of classroom instruction and clinical training.
Students enrolled in either of the two Canadian chiropractic educational
institutions require seven years of post secondary education to become
a chiropractor. |
| Q
How many people go to a chiropractor every year? |
A
It is estimated that over 3 million Canadians, or roughly 12 percent
of the population, consulted a chiropractor in the year 1997. |
| Q
My chiropractor asked a lot of questions before the treatments began,
why so much detail of my medical history? |
A
Chiropractors are primary contact health care professionals who
are trained in undertaking a diagnosis before recommending a course
of treatment or referral. In fact, chiropractors have the statutory
duty to diagnose through chiropractic legislation in each province,
and must do so to rule out contra-indications for treatment, for example. |
| Q
I have read that most effective treatment for back and neck pain is
chiropractic treatments, explain that to me. |
A
Yes, that is true, the scientific literature contains many studies
which have found that chiropractic spinal manipulation is the most
effective, cost-effective and safest treatment for
back pain. Simply put, seeing a chiropractor, along with active exercise,
is an appropriate action to take when suffering from back or neck
pain. |
| Q
My neck and back pain will go away if I take pain medication, why
do I need a chiropractor? |
A
Medication simply masks the underlying problem causing the pain, and
does not address the root of the problem. Medication will make you
feel better for a while but your pain will resurface again since the
source of pain itself has not been addressed. |
| Q
Are chiropractic adjustments safe? |
A
All health care procedures have some element of risk. However, chiropractic
adjustments are amongst the safest of all health interventions,
with at least 30 million treatments performed each year in Canada
by chiropractors. |
| Q
What is a chiropractic adjustment? |
A
A chiropractic adjustment is any chiropractic therapeutic procedure
that uses controlled force, leverage, direction, strength, and speed
at a specific joint to restore normal motion and function relieving
muscle spasms, pain and nerve irritation. This controlled thrust moves
a joint past its usual range of motion, without exceeding its limits.
The term ADJUSTMENT is used interchangeably with the term manipulation. |
| Q
Is my treatment the exact same as my sister's or is everyone's treatment
different? |
A
The treatment is related to the specific condition diagnosed by
the chiropractor, and will vary from person to person depending each
person's unique situation. |
| Q
What side effects should I watch for after my treatments? |
A
While some discomfort may typically follow an adjustment, in the form
of temporary mild pain, it is uncommon to experience any side effects. |
| Q
Are there any risks I should know about? |
A
Chiropractors are extremely well trained to recognize risk factors
in patients. Aggressive treatments are not performed when there is
a risk, and the patient is told immediately. More gentle procedures
may be used in such a case. |
| Q
My child experiences back pain after playing sports, do chiropractors
treat children? Is it safe? |
A
Children can also benefit by periodic spinal examinations. The chiropractor
will look for clues to possible postural weaknesses that may predispose
children to problems related to their spine and skeleton. |
| Q
Are chiropractic treatments safer then back or neck surgery? |
A
YES. The scientific literature indicates that surgery and drugs
for similar back and neck conditions carry much more risk and side
effects than do chiropractic manipulations, which are natural and
non-invasive, and highly effective. |
| Q
Will I receive a treatment on my first visit? |
A
With rare exceptions, Yes. |
| Q
Will I have to come in for adjustments three times a week for the
rest of my life? |
A
No, everybody has different needs. I try to keep you healthy with
the minimum number of treatments possible. |
| Q
Will there be an attempt to sell me a long term commitment treatment
plan? |
A
Absolutely not! Your treatment plan will be customized for
your needs. |
