Almost 5 million people in Canada see a Chiropractor each year. With the population aging and the increasing number of people who have work-related back and neck issues, I anticipate that we will see an increase in these numbers in the coming years.
For those of you less familiar with chiropractic care, let me begin by telling you what it is about, including the health benefits. Dr. Laura, a Chiropractor at Findlay Creek’s Vitality Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre helped us to get a better understanding of this. You can check out what she has to say here.
What does a chiropractor do?
Doctors of chiropractic, also called chiropractors use hands-on technics, sometimes combined with smalls instruments, to diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal issues. That’s a mouthful! In essence it is health conditions related to the spine, bones, nerves, muscles and joints. Chiropractors are primary contact health practitioners, which means that you do not need a referral from your doctor to see one. However, keep in mind that your health insurance company may ask for a referral, therefore it’s good to have it on hand.
Before I started seeing a chiropractor, I must admit, I had some misconceptions about what they do. I thought that their main focus was on back cracking – or what they call spinal ‘alignments’. I’ve always been rather leary about this. While I’ve been curious about chiropractors, I have not ever taken the step to seeing one, even though many of my friends have their chiropractors on speed dial! They get regular adjustments and say this treatment works wonders for them.
Well, I decided to test it out after my Physiotherapist Rob Varetta (who has helped me to fix various sport injuries over the past couple years), at Vitality Physiotherapy and Wellness at Findlay Creek, highly recommended the Chiropractor there. Vitality’s focus is on integrated health care. It’s a one-stop shop for holistic health – mind and body. It’s a great spot!
Chiropractic therapy benefits for healthy aging
After doing several chiropractic sessions at Vitality, I’m convinced that regular chiropractic therapy (even physiotherapy) should be an integral part of everyone’s health and wellness regimen. I see it as a preventive measure – preventing the injury by improving strength, balance and mobility – helping us to remain limber, active and healthy over the long-term. Dr. Laura agrees and noted that we can start at any age. She also works with young children. I think this is essential to fostering a healthy living mindset early on.
Many experts concur that chiropractic care is important for healthy aging. For example, they remind us that as we age our spinal discs, joints, muscles and ligaments can become weaker, less hydrated and become difficult to handle normal strain. Back pain from arthritis (spinal degeneration) can become more prominent and injuries take longer to heal. Sounds dismal? Well, it does not have to be. Early prevention with treatments like chiropractic therapy, coupled with regular exercise and strength training are the key. They can help us to live an active lifestyle at any age – essential for healthy living.
Chiropractic therapy is effective, safe and non-invasive. That’s what I like about it. While I’m still leary about spinal alignments, I was pleased to see that Dr. Laura created a plan tailored specifically for my needs, using various tools, technics and exercises – a more modern chiropractic treatment that works wonders, especially when you do the exercises that are recommended.
With the benefits associated with chiropractic care, consideration should be given to making it a more accessible part of health care, for the broader population. However, this is a policy conversation for another episode! S
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