Chiropractic Care FAQ

Patients often visit our Langley chiropractors for:

• Back and neck pain
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Sciatica and pain extending into the leg
• Certain types of headaches
• Shoulder, hip and extremity concerns
• Sports and activity-related injuries
• Work and repetitive-strain injuries
• TMJ-related jaw pain
• Reduced mobility
• Pregnancy-related back, hip and pelvic discomfort

An assessment is needed to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your particular condition.

Your first visit includes a discussion of your symptoms and health history, followed by an appropriate physical examination.

Your chiropractor will explain the findings, answer your questions and discuss treatment options. Treatment may be provided during the first visit when it is appropriate and you consent to proceeding.

Learn More About Your First Visit

A doctor’s referral is generally not required to see a chiropractor.

Some insurance plans or benefit programs may have their own requirements, so it is always a good idea to confirm the details of your coverage.

No. Most patients do not require X-rays before beginning chiropractic care.

If diagnostic imaging may be helpful based on your history or examination findings, your chiropractor will explain why and discuss the appropriate next step.

 A chiropractic adjustment is a controlled manual technique applied to a joint to help improve movement and reduce stiffness or discomfort.

Different techniques can be used depending on the area being treated, your diagnosis and your comfort level.

 The sound sometimes heard during an adjustment is caused by a pressure change within the joint. It is similar to the sound produced when someone cracks a knuckle.

The sound does not indicate that a bone was “put back into place,” and an adjustment does not need to create a sound to be effective.

 Most treatments are well tolerated, but comfort can vary depending on the condition and technique being used.

You may experience mild temporary soreness or fatigue following treatment. Your chiropractor can modify the technique if you are uncomfortable or prefer a gentler approach.

The number and frequency of visits depend on the diagnosis, how long the problem has been present, its severity and how you respond to treatment.

Your chiropractor will provide recommendations after the assessment and adjust the plan based on your progress. You are never required to commit to a prepaid or long-term treatment plan.

No. You decide whether to continue treatment.

Some patients attend only while recovering from a particular problem. Others choose occasional care when symptoms return or when they feel it helps them remain active. Your chiropractor can make recommendations, but the decision is always yours.

Chiropractic care is included in many extended health plans. Direct billing is available for many insurers, although coverage and annual limits vary.

Partial MSP Supplementary Benefits may be available to eligible patients. Chiropractic treatment may also be covered through ICBC, WorkSafeBC, Veterans Affairs Canada and RCMP benefits.

Learn More About Insurance and Direct Billing

Patients injured in a motor vehicle accident may qualify for pre-approved chiropractic treatment during the first 12 weeks following the crash.

A doctor’s referral or prior ICBC approval is generally not required during this period. You will need an active ICBC claim number and your Personal Health Number.

Learn More About ICBC Chiropractic Care

Children and teens may be assessed for muscle or joint pain, restricted movement and activity-related injuries. Infants may also be assessed when parents notice limited neck movement, positional preferences or possible musculoskeletal discomfort.

Treatment techniques are adapted to the child’s age, size and comfort level.

Learn More About Chiropractic Care for Children

Chiropractic care may help manage pregnancy-related back, hip, pelvic or rib discomfort. Positioning and treatment techniques are modified throughout pregnancy for comfort.

Learn More About Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy