Chiropractic doctors specialize in the diagnosis and conservative treatment of disorders of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system or the nerves, muscles and joints of our body. Chiropractic treatment is drug- free, non-invasive and very often hands- on. In fact, the word “chiropractic” comes from ancient Greek and means “done by hand.” Although chiropractors are most known for treatment of back, head and neck pain, today’s chiropractors are well- trained to assess and manage problems with all regions of the body.
Over 4 million Canadians visit a chiropractor each year. There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care. Work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores, even the stress of daily living can cause painful muscle, joint and spinal problems. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic care can help you maintain a healthy spine and body. Some of the most common reasons for seeking chiropractic care include:

* Back pain
* Neck pain
* Headache
* Arthritis
* Whiplash and car accidents
* Strains and sprains
* Repetitive Strain Injuries
* Tendonitis
* Nerve entrapment syndromes (carpal tunnel, sciatica)
* Sports injuries
* Work Injuries
* Restricted movement in the back, neck, shoulders or limbs
* Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain/dysfunction

Chiropractic Treatment

The most common form of treatment used by a chiropractor is the manual manipulation of the joints of the body, specifically, of those of the spinal column. This procedure, often called a “chiropractic adjustment” is a precisely performed procedure where the doctor places a gentle force, usually by hand, to a specific joint of the body. The adjustment restores joint flexibility, optimizes function and decreases pain.
Chiropractors may also use soft tissue techniques (such as Active Release Techniques®) to address the muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments of the body. They may employ adjunctive treatment measures such as acupuncture and various electro-modalities (such as low level laser therapy) to decrease pain and improve the body’s own ability to heal. Chiropractors are also trained to prescribe therapeutic exercise, provide nutritional and lifestyle counselling and recommend injury rehabilitation and prevention strategies.
The type of treatment you will receive depends on the condition being treated and your overall medical history. After fully assessing your symptoms, your chiropractor will tell you what, if any, form of chiropractic care is right for you.

Learn more at Mayo Clinic and Wikipedia.