Question 1

WHO USES A CHIROPRACTOR?

Accepted Answer

4.5 million Canadians and 35 million Americans visit a chiropractor every year.  
 
People not only frequently visit a chiropractor for relief of pain in the back and neck, but also for treatment virtually anywhere in the body from head to toe.  Benefits of treatment can also focus on improving mobility, posture, strength, athletic performance and overall quality of life.

Question 2

WHAT CAN A CHIROPRACTOR DO FOR AN ATHLETE?

Accepted Answer

Virtually every North American professional sports team has a chiropractor working with its athletes.  Because athletes push their bodies to such intense levels, any breakdown of the kinetic chain can lead to injuries at that site or in other areas.  A chiropractor who is skilled with treating athletes can assist them in improving overall performance, enhancing training abilities, decreasing injury duration, and minimizing injuries all together.
 
High level athletes who have maximized the benefits of seeing a chiropractor include Sidney Crosby, Usain Bolt, Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps, Christiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady, Maria Sharapova, Alex Rodriguez, Michael Jordan, and many more.
 
Tiger Woods: "I've been going to chiropractors for as long as I can remember.  It's as important to my training as practicing my swing."
 
Tom Brady: "Chiropractic just makes you feel so much better.  When I walk out of the clinic I feel like I'm about three inches taller and everything's in place.  As long as I see the chiropractor, I feel like I'm one step ahead of the game."
 
Michael Jordan: "I didn't know how much I could improve until I started seeing a chiropractor"

Question 3

ARE ALL CHIROPRACTORS THE SAME?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not.  As in many other health professions, members of the chiropractic profession hold and apply a wide spectrum of beliefs and treatment styles.
 
In four years of chiropractic school, chiropractic students are taught to be experts at managing the spine, muscles, joints, and nervous system of the body.  Every student has their own personal interpretation of that science, hence a range of chiropractic philosophies exist within the profession.
 
Some chiropractors soley focus on manipulating the spine, some use instruments, some incorporate myofascial techniques and so forth.  As a patient you must find a practitioner that matches your beliefs, values and comfort levels for a successful interaction.

Question 4

DOES DR. JANKOVICH ONLY TREAT THE SPINE?

Accepted Answer

80% of the population will experience low back pain at some point in their lives and it is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.  Back pain is typically the most common reason people visit a chiropractor, but certainly not the only reason.
 
Dr. Jankovich treats everything from ankle sprains to shoulder injuries and much more.  If you have pain in muscles or joints anywhere in your body Dr. Jankovich may be able to help.  Please visit the "Conditions Treated" tab at the top of the page for a more comprehensive list of what Dr. Jankovich commonly treats.

Question 5

DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM MY FAMILY DOCTOR TO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR?

Accepted Answer

No you do not need a referral.  In Canada and the USA chiropractors are designated as primary health care practitioners similarly to medical doctors, dentists, and optometrists.  
 
If you have private health insurance that covers chiropractic services you may submit your receipt directly to your insurer for reimbursement without having to get a medical referral first.

Question 6

WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY FOR SPINAL MANIPULATION?

Accepted Answer

Although spinal manipulation may have many anecdotal benefits, the vast majority of research papers demonstrate it is most effective with low back pain, neck pain and headaches.  
 
After compiling years of research, the 2017 American College of Physicians Low Back Pain Guidelines recommends spinal manipulation as one of the suggested primary treatment options over medications for low back pain.
 
A 2019 study in the British Medical Journal found that patients who saw a chiropractor as their initial provider for low back pain had 90% decreased odds of both early and long term opioid use.
 
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) regards manual mobilization and/or spinal manipulation treatment as a safe and effective treatment for low back pain