What does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal conditions affecting the spine, joints, muscles, ligaments, and nervous system. At North Surrey Chiropractic Clinic, our chiropractors help patients reduce pain, restore movement, and improve function using evidence-based treatments such as chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises, spinal decompression, laser therapy, and shockwave therapy.
People commonly visit our Surrey chiropractic clinic for back pain, neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, workplace injuries, joint pain, and pregnancy-related discomfort.
Do chiropractors only treat back pain?
No. Although chiropractors are well known for treating back pain and neck pain, chiropractic care can also help conditions affecting the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, feet, and jaw (TMJ).
At North Surrey Chiropractic Clinic, we regularly treat:
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Sciatica
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tendon injuries
- Sports injuries
- Workplace injuries
- Pregnancy-related pelvic pain
- Muscle strains and sprains
Is chiropractic care covered by insurance in British Columbia?
Yes. Chiropractic treatment is covered by most extended health insurance plans in BC. Depending on your eligibility, treatment may also be covered through ICBC, WorkSafeBC (WorkSafeBC claims), and the Medical Services Plan (MSP).
If you’re unsure about your coverage, our Surrey clinic can help verify your benefits.
Do you offer direct billing?
Yes. North Surrey Chiropractic Clinic offers direct billing to most major extended health insurance providers, ICBC, WorkSafeBC, and MSP (where eligible).
Direct billing helps reduce out-of-pocket costs and makes receiving chiropractic care more convenient.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a chiropractor in Surrey?
No. You do not need a physician’s referral to book an appointment with a chiropractor in British Columbia.
You can book directly with our Surrey chiropractic clinic. Some extended health plans may require a referral for massage therapy benefits, so it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider.
What happens during my first chiropractic appointment?
Your first visit includes both an assessment and, in most cases, treatment.
Your appointment typically includes:
- A detailed health history
- Discussion of your symptoms and goals
- Orthopedic and neurological examination
- Diagnosis and explanation of findings
- Personalized treatment plan
- Chiropractic treatment (with your consent)
Our goal is to identify the underlying cause of your pain—not just treat the symptoms.
Are chiropractic adjustments painful?
Most chiropractic adjustments are not painful. Many patients describe them as feeling like pressure followed by relief.
You may hear a popping or cracking sound during an adjustment. This is simply gas being released from the joint and is completely normal.
Some people experience mild soreness afterward, similar to what you might feel after exercise.
How many chiropractic treatments will I need?
The number of visits depends on your diagnosis, how long you’ve had the condition, your overall health, and your treatment goals.
Some acute injuries improve within a few visits, while chronic conditions or recurring pain may require a longer treatment plan.
At North Surrey Chiropractic Clinic, every treatment plan is personalized to help you recover as efficiently as possible.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes. Chiropractic care is considered a safe and effective treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions when performed by a licensed chiropractor.
At our Surrey clinic, every treatment is tailored to your age, medical history, diagnosis, and comfort level.
Who can benefit from chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care can benefit people of all ages.
We commonly treat:
- Children
- Teenagers
- Adults
- Seniors
- Athletes
- Office workers
- Tradespeople
- Pregnant patients
Every treatment is modified to suit the individual patient.
How quickly will I notice results?
Many patients experience some improvement after their first visit, especially with pain relief and improved mobility.
However, recovery depends on factors such as:
- The severity of your condition
- How long symptoms have been present
- Your overall health
- Following home exercise recommendations
- Daily activity levels
Can I exercise after chiropractic treatment?
Light activity such as walking is usually encouraged.
If you’ve had your first treatment or received a more intensive therapy, your chiropractor may recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day.
We’ll provide personalized recommendations based on your treatment.
Can you access my X-rays or MRI reports?
Yes. When clinically necessary, we can access imaging reports from many local diagnostic imaging centres, including West Coast Medical Imaging. Additional reports can also be requested with your written consent.
Can a chiropractor provide work notes?
Yes. Chiropractors in British Columbia can provide work notes, activity modification recommendations, and return-to-work documentation when appropriate.
We recommend confirming with your employer or insurance provider that chiropractic documentation is accepted.
Can chiropractic care help sciatica?
Yes. Sciatica is one of the most common conditions treated at our Surrey chiropractic clinic.
Depending on the cause, treatment may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Soft tissue therapy
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Spinal decompression therapy
- Home exercise recommendations
The goal is to reduce irritation of the sciatic nerve while improving movement and function.
What is spinal decompression therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to reduce pressure on spinal discs and nerves.
It may help conditions such as:
- Disc herniations
- Bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica
- Pinched nerves
At North Surrey Chiropractic Clinic, spinal decompression is often combined with chiropractic care and rehabilitation exercises to improve outcomes.
What is laser therapy?
We use the BioFlex Laser Therapy System, an advanced form of low-level laser therapy (photobiomodulation).
Laser therapy uses red and infrared light to reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and stimulate tissue healing.
It is commonly used for sports injuries, tendon injuries, arthritis, muscle strains, and chronic pain conditions.
What does shockwave therapy treat?
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate tissue repair and improve circulation.
It is commonly recommended for:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Chronic tendon pain
- Calcific tendinitis
Many patients choose shockwave therapy when other conservative treatments have not provided enough relief.
Can chiropractic care help bone spurs?
Yes. Although chiropractic care cannot remove bone spurs, it can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and decrease inflammation associated with them.
Depending on your condition, treatment may include chiropractic care, shockwave therapy, laser therapy, soft tissue therapy, and exercise rehabilitation.
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Chiropractic care is considered safe during pregnancy when performed by a chiropractor trained in prenatal care.
Treatment can help relieve:
- Low back pain
- Pelvic pain
- Sciatica
- Hip pain
- Neck pain
Our techniques are modified to ensure comfort and safety throughout every stage of pregnancy.
Do I have to be “cracked” during treatment?
No. Chiropractic care is much more than spinal adjustments.
If you prefer not to receive manual adjustments, we offer other treatment options including:
- Joint mobilization
- Instrument-assisted adjustments
- Soft tissue therapy
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Laser therapy
- Shockwave therapy
Your treatment plan is always based on your comfort level and preferences.
What are custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts designed specifically for your feet.
They can improve foot alignment and reduce pain associated with:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Flat feet
- Bunions
- Heel pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Lower back pain
We perform a biomechanical assessment to determine whether custom orthotics are appropriate for you.
Can chiropractic care help dizziness or vertigo?
Yes, depending on the underlying cause.
Our chiropractors can assess and treat conditions including:
- Cervicogenic dizziness
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Neck-related balance issues
Treatment may include the Epley manoeuvre, manual therapy and chiropractic treatment when appropriate.