Chiropractic Questions
What is Chiropractic?

Doctors of chiropractic diagnose, treat and help prevent musculoskeletal (bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, joints and connective tissues) conditions and disorders and the effect they have on the nervous system.
The main form of treatment chiropractors deliver is called an adjustment – a non-invasive procedure consisting of a precise directed movement to help relieve pain and discomfort, and restore range of motion. Sometimes chiropractors will also use other therapies like massage, heat, laser and ultrasound.
A chiropractor does not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, but may make a referral to medical specialists for such treatment when appropriate.
In addition to adjustments, chiropractors also counsel patients regarding nutrition, lifestyle and exercise. 

Chiropractors can help if you have:

• conditions of the spine and extremities (bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nervous system)
• back pain (thoracic, lumbar and sacral)
• neck pain (cervical spine and related structures)
• headaches and migraines
• chronic and acute pain syndromes, including myofascial pain syndromes
• whiplash and auto accident injuries
• strains and sprains
• repetitive strain injuries/joint conditions, including shoulder, hip and knee
• arthritis
• work related (WCB or non-WCB) or sports injuries
  
• anterior chest wall
• gait (Walking) assessment and analysis
  
• Orthotics
  
• general health and well being
• nutrition, therapeutic exercise, lifestyle and ergonomic counselling and recommendations

Education/ Training
In Canada, doctors of chiropractic must complete a minimum of seven years of post-secondary education, which includes a four-year academic program at an accredited chiropractic college. In addition to classroom hours, students treat patients in a supervised clinic setting during their final two years of education.
To be a chiropractor in Alberta, doctors must successfully pass national board exams and maintain professional competency through approved seminars and courses.

Safety and Research

Because chiropractic is non-invasive, the risk of a serious side effect is extremely low. While most people feel a sense of relief, it is possible that following a chiropractic treatment you may experience mild soreness that should go away quickly. Before you have a chiropractic treatment, ask to discuss any concerns you have with your chiropractor. If you have any severe or lasting effects or concerns, talk to your chiropractor.
Chiropractic is a health discipline firmly grounded in science and endorsed by research. National and international researchers, both within and outside the chiropractic profession, are actively involved in studying the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic for patient care.

This growing body of evidence continues to prove the value of chiropractic care with consistently high marks for clinical effectiveness, cost efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Motor Vehicle Accidents and WCB

Motor Vehicle Accidents
Your auto insurance covers you for a minimum of 10 (in some cases 21) chiropractic treatments for minor injuries under the Alberta Diagnostic Treatment Protocols Regulation.
If you have injuries from a car accident in the last 10 days, download the Treatment for Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries.
Chiropractic treatment for minor injuries is billed directly to your insurance company. You do not have to submit receipts for reimbursement. Make sure you tell your chiropractor that you were injured in a car accident so they will fill out the forms to have your treatment costs covered.
In addition, every Albertan is entitled to $750 of chiropractic care coverage for more serious injuries (under Section B), but access to these benefits varies based on your auto policy.


WCB
Chiropractic treatment has seen the highest satisfaction rates among injured workers.
If you are hurt at work, you can go straight to a chiropractor for treatment. The WCB does not require you to see a medical doctor first.
Chiropractic is demonstrated to be one of the most clinically and cost-effective methods of treating many work-related injuries. 
A chiropractor can submit assessment information to the WCB for review and to determine if your claim has been accepted. For information on how to access WCB coverage, visit the WCB website.

Senior Funding for Chiropractic
Blue Cross

Details
Alberta seniors have access to funding support for chiropractic services under the government-sponsored Coverage for Seniors health benefit plan.
 
Alberta seniors have access to an annual maximum of $200 per member every benefit year (July 1 to June 30) for chiropractic services. There is a per visit limit of $25 and all services must be performed by a chiropractor lawfully entitled to practice.
 
Coverage for Seniors health benefit plan
The Government of Alberta provides premium-free Alberta Blue Cross coverage to seniors for health-related services not covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. More than 90% of Alberta seniors are already enrolled in this plan (also referred to as Group 66). This coverage is available to all Albertans 65 years of age and older and their eligible dependents. Click here for more information. 
  
For seniors who are enrolled in the plan and need a card, please contact Alberta Blue Cross.
 • 780-498-8000 (Edmonton and area)
• 403-234-9666 (Calgary and area)
• 1–800–661-6995 (toll free)
• e-mail via www.ab.bluecross.ca
 
Seniors who are not enrolled in the plan should contact Alberta Health.
• 780-427-1432 (Edmonton and area)
• toll-free for the rest of Alberta to 310-0000 and then 780-427-1432
• dial 711 for TTY for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• e-mail via health.ahcipmail@gov.ab.ca
                                                                                                          - All information courtesy of albertachiro.com