Some chiropractors, including those in Burlington, recommend regular maintenance care as a way to support spinal health, much like routine dental check-ups. This chiropractic maintenance care involves scheduled visits even when patients do not have symptoms, aiming to prevent future issues and promote overall wellness. However, there is currently no strong scientific evidence that regular chiropractic visits improve general health or prevent disease. Recent studies from Nordic countries suggest that maintenance care may benefit patients who suffer from recurrent low back pain by reducing the frequency or severity of episodes. Still, these findings are limited to this specific condition and do not apply broadly to other health issues. In many cases, self-care strategies such as exercise, posture awareness, and lifestyle changes are considered more effective than passive, routine chiropractic visits. Chiropractors in Burlington may tailor maintenance plans based on individual needs, but patients should be informed about the current evidence when considering ongoing care.

Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) is a common treatment for spinal pain used not only by chiropractors but also by physiotherapists and some medical practitioners. Chiropractors often call it an “adjustment.” The procedure involves a precise, quick thrust to a specific spinal segment, sometimes producing an audible “pop” caused by the rapid separation of joint surfaces.

Historically, chiropractors believed that misaligned vertebrae, or “subluxations,” caused pain and nerve interference, and that spinal manipulation could correct these issues. Some chiropractors and schools still teach this outdated theory, which also led to the use of routine x-rays to detect misalignments. However, a partially dislocated vertebra is a medical emergency, not a common cause of spinal discomfort. Mandatory or repetitive x-rays for diagnosing subluxations are considered inappropriate and potentially malpractice.

Current evidence shows that SMT can improve range of motion, reduce local muscle tension, decrease joint pain, and influence pain perception. Some low-quality studies suggest potential benefits for conditions like high blood pressure and asthma, but more research is needed. Chiropractors in Burlington apply SMT appropriately to help many patients, recognizing it is not a cure-all but an effective tool when used correctly.

Chiropractors, including those in Burlington, are trained to diagnose and manage conditions affecting the entire neuromusculoskeletal system—not just the spine. This system includes joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves throughout the body. Some chiropractic specialists, such as sports chiropractors, focus on diagnosing and treating more complex issues beyond the spine.

Effective treatment of spinal complaints often requires considering biomechanical problems elsewhere in the body. For example, a chronic ankle injury can increase stress on the lower back, while dysfunctional breathing or poor shoulder stability may contribute to neck pain. The neuromusculoskeletal system is a complex network of interconnected parts, where dysfunction in one area can impact others. Chiropractors in Burlington address this complexity to provide comprehensive care.

Contrary to popular belief, chiropractors do more than just “crack backs.” While some chiropractors in Burlington and elsewhere perform spinal adjustments, many also offer a variety of other therapies within their scope of practice. These include rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise, fitness or strength conditioning, advanced soft tissue techniques like Active Release Technique (ART) and Graston, medical acupuncture, and therapeutic modalities such as laser therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

Active Release Technique (ART) is particularly popular among athletes and frequently used by chiropractors to treat injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Although scientific evidence supporting ART is limited, many patients report positive clinical outcomes. Overall, chiropractors in Burlington provide comprehensive care tailored to individual needs, going beyond spinal adjustments to improve overall function and health.

Chiropractors, including those in Burlington, should only request spinal x-rays when clearly indicated by a thorough patient history, physical examination, or specific situations such as trauma or suspected serious conditions. Mandatory x-rays without clinical justification are considered outdated and are not supported by current evidence-based guidelines. If a chiropractor insists on taking spinal x-rays before performing any examination or without a valid medical reason, this practice may be viewed as malpractice and could put patients at unnecessary risk due to radiation exposure.

Chiropractors receive training on proper x-ray guidelines and are expected to follow these protocols to ensure patient safety and appropriate diagnosis. Patients should feel empowered to question the necessity of x-rays and seek care from professionals who prioritize evidence-based practices. Chiropractors in Burlington adhere to these standards to provide responsible and ethical care.

Concerns about stroke risk after spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) of the neck are common and may deter people from seeking chiropractic care. Chiropractors in Burlington offer various effective treatments beyond SMT, including gentle mobilizations, soft tissue techniques, acupuncture, and exercises.

The fear of stroke mainly arises from misinformation. While rare cases linked vertebral artery stroke to neck manipulation, a 2008 Ontario study showed these events are extremely rare, often spontaneous, and preceded by severe neck pain or headache. Those affected were just as likely to have seen a family doctor, indicating chiropractic care is not the cause.

Chiropractors in Burlington tailor treatments to patient needs, using a range of therapies to manage neck pain safely and effectively.