What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic care is a patient-centred, non-invasive, hands-on, regulated health care profession

focused on your spine, muscles, joints and nervous system.

Chiropractors use the best available evidence and clinical expertise to diagnose issues that

affect your body’s movement. They treat them without medication or surgery and aim to

prevent them from returning. Chiropractic care can also promote health and improve your

quality of life, as well as alleviate pain.

Who are chiropractors?

Doctors of chiropractic or ‘chiropractors’ are spine, muscle, joint and nervous system experts.

We are trained in how to evaluate, diagnose, recommend and deliver a treatment plan that

manages issues within these systems, according to your preferences. Chiropractors receive at

least seven to eight years of post-secondary academic and clinical education. A chiropractor’s

education also includes courses in radiology, pain management, prescribed exercise and

rehabilitation.

As primary care providers, chiropractors can develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment

and management plan, which may include manual therapy, exercise, and nutritional and

lifestyle advice. Chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving

the musculoskeletal aspects associated with other conditions.

Chiropractors are one of only five classes of health care professionals in Ontario that are able to

use the title ‘Doctor,’ with its accompanying rights and obligations.

Where can I find a chiropractor?

Chiropractors work collaboratively as part of your circle of care team. You’ll find them in private

practice clinics, interprofessional clinics, family health teams, hospitals, patients’ homes or even

as onsite support for employees at large corporations. Whether they work in the same office or

not, chiropractors collaborate with other health care professionals to help manage your

condition. These other health care professionals include physicians, nurse practitioners,

physiotherapists, registered massage therapists, midwives and other specialists.

Chiropractors are also active members of the broader health care community. A number of

chiropractors are professors, researchers, hospital board members, part of a sports

organization’s health team.

What does a visit to the chiropractor look like?

During your first visit, chiropractors will take a well-detailed history of your chief complaint and

relevant medical history. A physical examination will be performed to determine what may be

causing your pain or dysfunction. Using our clinical expertise and the best available evidence,

we will make a diagnosis and recommend treatment options for you. Treatment plans are

individualized to each patient and may include education/reassurance, soft tissue therapy,

mobilizations/adjustments, exercise, acupuncture and more.

Do I need a doctor's referral?

Chiropractors are legislated as primary health care providers in Canada and are regulated by

provincial colleges. You may consult chiropractors directly without requiring a referral from

your medical doctor.

When should I see a chiropractor?

There are many reasons to see a chiropractor: work demands, accidents, sports injuries, even

the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and spinal problems. Many patients also seek

chiropractic treatment for wellness care. Others, like seniors, find that treatment helps them to

maintain mobility and good range of motion. Even if you do not have painful symptoms,

chiropractic can help you maintain healthy spine and joint function.

What conditions do chiropractors treat?

To list a few, chiropractors can treat:

• Back pain

• Neck pain

• Headaches

• Sprains/strains

• Tendinopathies

• Plantar fasciopathy

• Nerve entrapments

• Pain associated with arthritis

• Work and sports injuries

What is an adjustment?

One of the most frequently used chiropractic treatments is manual manipulation of the

vertebrae of your spine or other joints, which is called an ‘adjustment.’

To perform an adjustment, your chiropractor will use their hands to apply controlled force to

the joint and guide it through a range of motion. This evidence-based therapy restores your

joint’s natural movement and improves its function. As your joint’s motion improves, so does

your ability to move through your day without pain.

When applied to your spine, this treatment is called Spinal Manipulation Therapy (SMT).

Manipulation is also used on other joints, such as those in your wrist, ankle or foot, as an

effective treatment.

Do chiropractors do more than adjustments?

Chiropractors use various treatments depending on their patient’s specific needs and

preferences. Common treatments include:

• Manual, ‘hands-on’ therapy including mobilizations and adjustments

• Soft tissue therapy

• Customized, therapeutic exercise programs

• Self-management tools and techniques

• Advice and education

• Electronic modalities, such as therapeutic ultrasound and cold laser therapy

• Acupuncture

Is chiropractic care covered by OHIP or insurance?

Chiropractic care is not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). However, many

Ontarians, may have an extended health care (EHC) group plan. This is a plan that your

employer, union, trade or professional organization has set up as part of your

workplace benefits package. If you’re self-employed, you can purchase an individual EHC plan

from various health care insurance providers.

Is chiropractic effective?



Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies

available for treating headaches, neck and back pain, as well other joint, muscle or nervous

system issues.