Frequently Asked Questions

When you first visit a Nova Scotia Chiropractor, you can expect to have an initial assessment and consultation, so we can work with you to understand your concerns, goals, and lifestyle. We will gather information about your health history, including injuries or surgeries, medications, and lifestyle habits. This could include a posture assessment, range of motion testing, neurological testing and reflexes, orthopedic tests, as well as and other tests, or imaging such as x-rays. This will help your chiropractor uncover and understand what is going on, how to work best with your body, and options to establish a unique treatment plan.

This first visit can be a longer visit than usual. You may receive an adjustment on your first visit, but you may also be asked to make a second appointment so that your chiropractor can fully consider your needs and develop your care plan.

A chiropractic adjustment (or manipulation) is a hands-on approach to mobilize the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to reduce pain and restore or enhance joint functioning. It is a highly refined skill that chiropractors develop during four intensive years of chiropractic education. An adjustment can be done by hand, or using other specialized instruments and can be tailored to suit the age, size, history and preference of the patient. Chiropractic adjustments are highly controlled procedures that rarely cause discomfort.

Finding the right chiropractor for you is a little bit like finding the right car, home, or running shoe: it might take some time. You can use our Find a Chiropractor page to find chiropractors nearest you and who may specialize in the areas of care you need.

Chiropractic is one of the regulated health professions in Nova Scotia, and chiropractors are designated to use the title “doctor” in their area of expertise, just like physicians, dentists and optometrists. In order to receive this recognition, chiropractors must undergo extensive training; including a minimum of 7 years post-secondary education, and a 1-year internship. All practicing chiropractors must be registered with the Province. For more information, visit www.chiropractors.ns.ca

Your visit to the Chiropractor is not generally covered by the provincial healthcare plan which means there may be an out-of-pocket cost for you. These fees can vary depending on the care provided, as well as other factors. Chiropractic is covered by many private or corporate healthcare insurance providers. Contact your insurance provider for more information about your coverage. You may also speak directly to your chiropractor for information about fees, billing practices, and more.

No referral is required. Although chiropractors often work closely with referring Medical Doctors, patients can contact and consult with chiropractors directly. Similarly, chiropractors frequently refer to MDs when necessary.

Adjustments (or manipulation) are a drug-free, non-invasive approach to restoring function in the spine. Complications arising from adjustments are rare and a thorough health history and examination are part of every patient’s care to ensure the treatment is appropriate and within practice guidelines.

Yes, children may benefit from chiropractic care. In some cases this is part of a proactive approach to monitoring healthy growth and development, while in others it is related to levels of physical activity, falls and participating in sports. We always adapt care to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, exceptionally gentle.

While x-rays can play an important role in diagnosis and are taken when a need has been determined after taking a patient history and conducting a physical examination. Nova Scotia chiropractors are permitted, trained and qualified to take and interpret X-rays.

Studies suggest that individuals with chronic conditions such as degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) or recurrent neck pain, back pain or headaches may experience less frequent and less severe symptoms when they visit their chiropractor regularly. This also applies to individuals in highly stressful situations and those who experience repetitive physical strain from their daily activities.