Chiropractic  Frequently  Asked  Questions

SERVICES AND HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:

• How long is the initial spine exam?

  Half an hour. However, you should leave at least 50 minutes so that you can find the clinic and/or parking and be 5-10 minutes early for your appointment.   

• I want BOTH my Spine and Feet to be examined. What type of appointment should I book?

  You will need to book two separate examinations: one spine examination and one foot/leg examination. These can be on the same day; however, we suggest that you speak with your insurance company about your coverage.

  Most insurance companies only reimburse patients for one examination/treatment per day.

• Can I have an exam and treatment on the same day?

  Yes.
  
  However, many insurance companies only reimburse you for ONE examination OR treatment per day, so it would be important to check with your insurance company before booking two appointments back to back on a give day.

  If time permits after Dr. Horowitz explains your diagnosis and treatment plan, she may offer partial treatment after the examination. If you have a lot of information to share or many questions, there may not be enough time for treatment. 

  Most insurance companies only reimburse patients for one examination/treatment per day.

• Will the doctor be able to examine multiple areas during the examination?

  Time permits only one main area (such as the low back or the neck area) to be examined. You may need to book another examination or an extended treatment on another day to have additional areas examined and treated.

  During your exam, your full spine will be scanned with the Pulstar and you will be able to see the results of the full spine scan during the examination.

• How should I prepare for the spine/joint examination?

  You can bring any X-rays or other imaging reports or DVDs, or email them ahead of your appointment to mytorontochiro@gmail.com

• I am an existing patient. What type of treatment appointment should I book?

  Decide how much time you need with Dr. Horowitz based on the treatment program that was discussed with you. 

  For a single area, Book a 20-minute appointment:

  • Foot/Leg Treatment  ($85)       or 
  •  Spine/Joint Treatment ($85)

   If you have not been in to see Dr. Horowitz for more than 3 months, or need more time with Dr. Horowitz (for multiple areas, for example), book a 30-minute appointment:

  • Extended Foot/Leg Treatment ($130) or
  • Extended Spine/Joint Treatment ($130) 

  If you are picking up your orthotics or bringing in sandals or slippers to be customized, Book a 5-minute appointment:

  • Dispensing Appointment (no charge)
• Will a treatment be done during the spine/joint or the foot/leg examination?

  If time permits, and if Dr. Horowitz can offer a clear diagnosis and treatment plan without requiring a referral for specialized imaging, she may offer some treatment after the examination. If you have a lot of information to provide or many questions, there may not be enough time to offer treatment.

  Most insurance companies only reimburse patients for one examination/treatment per day. 

• Can I book an appointment for a family member or friend?

  It is our clinic policy that only patients themselves should book appointments. 

  The exceptions are:

  • if you are a parent/guardian of a minor
  • if a translator or personal aide is required to help the patient attend their appointment

  If you are concerned about a friend or family member, let them know about our clinic and suggest that they set up a Jane account and book an appointment on their own.

• Will the doctor still treat me if I cannot be manually adjusted or if I don’t want Chiropractic Adjustments?

  Yes.

  Dr. Horowitz offers other types of treatments, such as PulStar® mobilizations, manual mobilization, massage, stretching and physical therapy modalities. If you are a candidate for care, she will discuss the types of treatments you are comfortable with.

• Is your doctor registered with her professional college and licensed to practise?

  Yes.

  Dr. Horowitz is registered with the College of Chiropractors of Ontario.

• Should I get a spine examination if I have no pain?

  Regular checkups with a chiropractor and chiropractic care are as essential as regular dental checkups. It is important to:

  • learn to care for your spine to keep it healthy
  • keep spinal segments mobile at each level
  • maintain and restore proper posture and motion
  • care for your peripheral joints and tendons
• Will I need to have X-rays taken?

  Imaging may be ordered when warranted based on a patient’s history. In some cases, Dr. Horowitz may refer a patient to their general practitioner for advanced spinal imaging.

  Several factors are taken into consideration when deciding if advanced diagnostic imaging is needed. These may include:

  • the need to confirm or rule out a more serious condition
  • whether imaging results would change the course of treatment
  • failure to respond to conservative care (typically after 6–8 weeks of sciatic-type symptoms)
  • significant disruption to daily life
  • pain that is uncontrolled despite medication or excessive use of medication
  • rapidly progressing neurological deficits

  Both CT scans and X-rays expose people to radiation that is cumulative in the body and damaging to cells and should be used only when absolutely necessary.

• Does cracking your knuckles cause arthritis?

  No, it does not.

  In fact, research has shown that people who have cracked their knuckles for many years have no more arthritis than others. There is a study that showed that there was less osteoarthritis in the thumb joint in people who cracked their knuckles for many years. When arthritis develops unchecked, joints may begin to fuse together due to inflammation. As a result, joint motion becomes reduced, and pain and stiffness develop. It is usually a lack of movement, inflammation and unhealthy tendons that cause pain related to hand/finger osteoarthritis.

  It is Dr. Horowitz’s belief that people are generally not taught about how important their tendons are and the need to stretch their forearm muscles and tendons regularly. Hand tendons can shorten over time and may also become inflamed.

• Can chiropractic manual manipulation cure my pain?

  Chiropractic spinal manipulation is an overlooked and important factor in keeping the spine moving and healthy. However, what you do in between adjustments at work and home is an important factor in your healing.

  Chiropractic care also involves education about how to prevent future injuries. This is done by teaching proper posture, ergonomics, stretches and exercises appropriate for your specific body and condition, as well as teaching you how to choose proper footwear for your activities.

  The more you follow suggested treatments and home care, the quicker you are likely to heal and avoid future injuries.

• Why do I need to book a re-evaluation?

  The College of Chiropractors of Ontario requires that a new examination be conducted when clincally indicated including:

  • If a new injury has occurred
  • By or prior to the 24th visit, for a patient whose treatment plan includes preventive/supportive spinal treatments
  • When a different area of the spine or a new joint concern arises and a new treatment plan is needed

  In addition, Dr. Horowitz requires patients who have not been in for treatment for more than 4 months to book a new examination.