Chiropractic Care: What It Is and When to Try It

Chiropractic is one of the most widely used — and most misunderstood — healthcare professions in Canada. Some people swear by it. Others aren't sure what it actually involves. If you've been curious about chiropractic care but haven't known where to start, this guide is for you.

Chiropractic is a regulated healthcare profession focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system — particularly the spine. Chiropractors in BC complete a minimum of seven years of post-secondary education and are licensed by the College of Chiropractors of BC.

The most well-known chiropractic technique is spinal manipulation (often called an "adjustment") — a controlled, precise force applied to a joint to restore normal movement and reduce pain. But modern chiropractic care involves much more than adjustments, including:

• Soft tissue therapy
• Rehabilitative exercises
• Postural and ergonomic advice
• Dry needling and acupuncture
• Lifestyle and nutrition counselling

Chiropractors are best known for treating back and neck pain, but their scope of practice is broader:

• Low back pain — one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care
• Neck pain and stiffness — including tech neck from prolonged screen use
• Headaches — particularly cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches and tension headaches
• Sciatica — nerve pain radiating from the lower back into the leg
• Shoulder, elbow, and wrist pain — including rotator cuff issues and carpal tunnel
• Hip and knee pain — joint dysfunction and biomechanical issues
• Sports injuries — sprains, strains, and overuse injuries
• Motor vehicle accident injuries — whiplash and soft tissue trauma

A spinal adjustment involves your chiropractor applying a quick, controlled thrust to a specific joint. This is often accompanied by a "popping" sound — which is simply gas being released from the joint fluid, similar to cracking your knuckles. It's not bones grinding or anything breaking.

Most patients find adjustments to be painless or mildly uncomfortable. Some feel immediate relief; others notice improvement over the following 24–48 hours.

Your first chiropractic appointment at Locus Health Centre includes:

1. Comprehensive history — your symptoms, lifestyle, medical history, and goals
2. Physical examination — posture, range of motion, neurological and orthopaedic tests
3. Diagnosis and explanation — what's causing your pain and how chiropractic can help
4. Treatment — often beginning in the same session
5. Home care advice — exercises, stretches, and ergonomic tips

Your chiropractor will be upfront about what to expect and how many visits are likely needed.

Chiropractic care is considered safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. Serious adverse events are rare. The most common side effects are temporary soreness or stiffness after an adjustment, similar to how you might feel after a new workout.

Your chiropractor will screen for any contraindications before treatment and will always explain what they're doing and why.

Most extended health benefit plans in BC include chiropractic coverage. ICBC also covers chiropractic care for motor vehicle accident injuries. At Locus Health Centre, we offer direct billing to most major insurers.

Both professions treat musculoskeletal pain and overlap in many areas. The main differences:

• Chiropractors place more emphasis on spinal manipulation and joint adjustment
• Physiotherapists tend to focus more on exercise rehabilitation and movement retraining

Many patients benefit from seeing both — and at Locus Health Centre, our multidisciplinary team can coordinate your care across both disciplines.

Our chiropractor at Locus Health Centre in East Vancouver is accepting new patients. Book online or call us at (604) 716-6073.