In British Columbia (BC), you generally do not need a referral to see a chiropractor. You can directly contact a chiropractor in Vancouver and book an appointment without needing a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider. If you have extended health benefits, your chiropractor can bill directly to your benefits. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider, to see how much chiropractic coverage you have per year.

Chiropractic care and treatments have been shown to be very effective in your physical health and recovery. It has also been documented to help in many different areas of your health care. A number of studies have been also performed by medical doctors proving this, as the focus of chiropractic care is the mobility and functionality of the bones and joints, spinal vertebra, the health of nervous system, and the muscular system. Your Vancouver chiropractor will discuss all this on your first visit.

Physiotherapists: Generally take a holistic approach, focusing on restoring movement and function through evidence-based practices. They often work collaboratively with other healthcare providers.

Chiropractors: Often emphasize the importance of spinal health and its relationship to overall health. Their philosophy may include the idea that proper spinal alignment can enhance the body’s ability to heal itself.

Physiotherapists: Treatment plans can vary widely depending on the condition being treated. They often involve a series of sessions over weeks or months, with a focus on long-term rehabilitation and self-management.

Chiropractors: Treatment plans often involve more frequent visits, especially initially, and can include ongoing maintenance care to prevent recurrence of issues.

Both physiotherapists and chiropractors can be valuable in managing musculoskeletal issues, and the choice between them may depend on the specific condition, personal preference, and treatment goals.

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders related to the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Here are some conditions and issues for which chiropractors are often considered beneficial:

1. Back Pain: Chiropractors frequently treat both acute and chronic back pain, providing relief through spinal adjustments and other therapies.
2. Neck Pain: Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate neck pain caused by muscle tension, poor posture, or injuries.
3. Headaches: Tension headaches and migraines can sometimes be alleviated through chiropractic care, particularly if they are related to neck or spine issues.
4. Joint Pain: Chiropractors can treat joint pain in various parts of the body, including shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles.
5. Sciatica: Chiropractic care can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with sciatica, a condition caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve.
6. Sports Injuries: Chiropractors can help manage and rehabilitate sports-related injuries, enhancing performance and preventing future injuries.
7. Whiplash: Following car accidents or other traumatic events, chiropractors can treat whiplash and other injuries resulting from sudden movements.
8. Posture Issues: Chiropractors can provide treatment and advice to improve posture and address related issues, such as postural imbalances.
9. Chronic Conditions: Conditions like osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia may benefit from chiropractic care as part of a broader treatment plan.
10. General Well-Being: Some people visit chiropractors regularly for maintenance care, believing that spinal health is linked to overall health and wellness.

Chiropractic care typically involves spinal adjustments (manipulations), but chiropractors may also use other techniques, such as massage, stretching, exercise recommendations, and lifestyle advice.

• Spinal Manipulation: Your Vancouver chiropractor uses his or her hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. To improve spinal motion and the body’s physical function.
• Cracking Sound: Release of vacuum that keeps the joints locked. Not all adjustments produce cracking sound, and its presence or absence doesn’t determine the effectiveness of the adjustment.
• Pressure Relief: Reduces nerve pressure and muscle tension. This can lead to decreased pain and improved function in the affected area.
• Improved Mobility: Adjustments can enhance the range of motion in the joints and improve overall spinal health.
• Nervous System: By realigning the spine, chiropractic adjustments can help improve nervous system function and overall health.
• Muscle Relaxation: Relieves tight muscles and improves posture. This can lead to better posture and reduced strain on the body.
• Overall Wellness: Supports holistic health and preventive care. Chiropractic care often includes advice on exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes to support overall wellness and prevent future issues.

This is a great joint program created by ICBC and the BC Chiropractic Association to give you the best possible chiropractic care when you have been injured in a car accident. At Burrard Chiropractic and Foot Orthotics, we are able to submit your chiropractic fee directly to ICBC, given that you have been approved for chiropractic care by your ICBC adjuster.

The benefit of ICBC and Chiropractic program is that patients can begin their chiropractic treatment as soon as they get their ICBC claim number and have not previously seen any other chiropractors for their claimed injuries. You need to bring your ICBC claim number to our chiropractic office and also let your ICBC adjuster know you are seeing a chiropractor in Vancouver.

ICBC will cover a large portion of your chiropractic fees. At Burrard Chiropractic and Foot Orthotics Vancouver we submit directly to ICBC. Patients are entitled to an initial assessment and treatment plan without requiring a doctor’s referral. ICBC typically covers most of the cost of initial and follow up visits within the first 12 weeks following the accident.