Frequently asked questions
Please arrive 10 minutes before your initial consultation to fill out forms in our waiting area. We will then proceed with a thorough assessment including taking a history and completing an examination. Once a diagnosis is made, we will provide you with treatment options, including an explanation of the benefits and risks of each.
For most first chiropractic visits we will have time to provide treatment. This can include:
Adjustments
Soft tissue therapy
Traction therapy,
Tape therapy
Education education education
Re-assurance about concerns,
Exercise prescription/demonstration
We look forward to seeing you soon!
The adjustment is only one small component to get you feeling better and back to feeling like your regular self! As the adjustment may only be a temporary fix for some people, it is very important to focus on self-care outside the clinic by continuing your prescribed exercises to keep you in a longer period of pain relief.
A chiropractor is a licensed healthcare professional who focuses on your body’s capability to heal itself. They specialize in caring for your neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Here’s what chiropractors do:
Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractors use spinal manipulation to effect change in the spine, and central nervous system. By applying force to specific joints in the spine, they aim to improve alignment. This can help manage back and neck pain.
Holistic Approach: Chiropractic care extends beyond spinal adjustments. It includes other treatments like exercise. The goal is to enhance the body’s ability to self-heal.
Body Function and Health: Chiropractors believe that when the neuromusculoskeletal system functions optimally, it positively impacts other systems throughout the body.
Diagnosis and Treatment: Chiropractors examine patients, assess spine position, muscle reflexes, and perform tests to diagnose conditions. They create treatment plans, monitor progress, and focus on the body’s innate healing ability.
Remember, chiropractors do not prescribe pain medication.
Unfortunately, the short answer is no, Chiropractors can't fix scoliosis. While fixing scoliosis is not within the scope of conservative spinal care I can offer some hope Scoliosis does not need to limit your life.
The fastest man alive has scoliosis! He also has legs that are not the same length. We have been led to believe that our uniqueness is a problem. It isn't necessarily!
Chiropractors can help though:
Chiropractors focus on the neuromusculoskeletal system.
They perform spinal adjustments to improve alignment.
Chiropractic care includes exercise and holistic approaches.
While they can manage scoliosis symptoms, they can’t “fix” it.
Collaboration with healthcare professionals is essential for effective scoliosis management.
And most importantly we can help you understand that it doesn't have to limit you at all, I have several patients who live full lives with no more pain than any of my other patients and some who's spines don't hurt between our monthly maintenance visits.
Let’s explore the differences between physiotherapists and chiropractors:
College regulation - Chiropractors and physiotherapists go to different schools, and are regulated by different colleges in BC.
Chiropractors are doctors and can diagnose.
Physio's can needle in BC and Chiros can't.
There are not really any other differences.
I say this all the time, in my mind there are no difference between a good Chiro and a good physio. We both work to help the neuromusculoskeletal systems of the body (think muscles ligaments nerves and joints), we both use the same hands on conservative approach to helping patients get better and move better.
Chiropractors and physiotherapists are a wonderful choice in helping you recover from all the aches and pains that life bring. Oh, unless you want stabbed (IMS/dry needling) Chiros can't needle patients in British Columbia, but other provinces that is not the case. I leave the red stuff (blood) stuff on the inside where it belongs ;)
Absolutely! But no doubt I am biased, I am a chiropractor.
Why listen to me? I have been in practice for over a decade, I love what I do, I love working with people to help them feel better, and I get to see the benefits of chiropractic care every day.
But again, I am biased. Ultimately, it is mostly about the relationship. If you find a good health care provider, be it a chiro, physio, massage therapist or other stick with them. I love getting to know my patients, and I love walking with them through all the messiness that life brings.
There are always risks of any therapy, and Chiropractic is no different, Here is a list of some of the disadvantages of seeing a chiropractor:
Discomfort After Treatments: Some patients experience discomfort following chiropractic adjustments.
Costs and Insurance Coverage: While chiropractic care is often cost-effective, expenses can add up. Insurance coverage varies; some plans may not fully cover chiropractic treatments.
Risk of Side Effects: Rare side effects include pinched nerves, cauda equina syndrome, herniated disks, and stroke (extremely uncommon).
Not Suitable for Everyone: Herniated or slipped discs, as well as arthritis, may require specialist advice before seeking chiropractic care. Individuals with osteoporosis or fragile health should also consult before starting chiropractic treatment.
Spinal and Joint Manipulation Risks: Manipulation can lead to fractures or other injuries. Always choose an experienced chiropractor.
Remember to consult with a chiropractor to determine if chiropractic care is suitable for your specific condition. Most risks of care can be mitigated by a very thorough history and exam, leading to an accurate diagnosis which allows for the best possible choices of treatment options. I will always discuss the risks and benefits of any treatment options that I recommend.
Nope, definietly not. I have no desire to be the type of doctor who is dealing with the runny noses and all the squishy bits on the inside of these incredibly complex machines that we run around in. I leave the red stuff where it's suppose to be. But does that then mean I am not a doctor?
Is your dentist a doctor? How about your optometrist? How about your podiatrist or your naturopath?
I like to joke with my medical doctor buddy that I am not a "real" doctor because I am not the kind of doctor you come to when you are having a heart attack (please please don't come to my office if you are having a heart attack) but then does it track that I am not a doctor.
Doctor really just means someone who can diagnosis. And while my buddy might feel like he can diagnose all things he may not be the best guy to go to regarding your tooth pain, or your foot pain.
Chiropractors are doctors, doctors of Chiropractic. Most of us have a similar undergraduate education as all other doctors. Biochem, organic chemistry, biology, anatomy, psychology etc. I spent a lot of my undergrad in the neuroscience field.
All doctors that I know of (aside from the weird PHD guys, they are not really in this category) have an undergraduate education, and then 4 years of "med" school really its doctor school, with similar emphasis: classes like anatomy and physiology, toxico-pharmacology, microbiology, radiology, biochem, etc. I spent time in the anatomy lab, and microbiology and toxico-pharmacology classes in chiro school, so much to know about how this body works.
The most significant difference in education between all the "not real" doctors is residency. Medical doctors are not done school when they become doctors instead they require more training. 2 more years for family medicine, and 5+ years for things like surgery.
So, in summary nope, I am not a "real" doctor but I am a doctor. I am so grateful for the diverse amount of docs in the world who deal with the stuff I am not going to do. I'll leave the red stuff on the inside and when it isn't I will send to those "real docs".
Nope, we go to Chiro school instead. Similar length of time and similar foundational knowledge about how the body works and what to do when it isn't working right, but Chiros have a specific focus on the nerves muscles and joints in the body, and depending on the type of medicine medical doctors want to practice they will require more training in a residency program once they have finished medical school.
There are 2 common situations when I see patients.
when they are hurting, usually after lifting and twisting or just waking up in pain.
once a month so that they don't have to experience number one.
When you are in pain is the most common reason to start going to a chiropractor. It might be lower back pain it might be a headache.
The other time to see a chiropractor is when you are sick of waking up sore, or hurting when you do a specific activity. And once you start to feel better you may not want to be sore again. You may choose to maintain your new found pain fee status.
Think about it like this, you may go to your dentist the first time because your teeth hurt, they may fill a cavity and make the pain go away. And then you might be good to go and not go back to your dentist until the next time your teeth hurt. After a few times of having your cavity filled you may get better at brushing your teeth, and maybe even come to the dentists office to have your teeth cleaned, in order to prevent needing a filling in the first place.
Spinal health can be similar, exercises that are prescribed by your doc may help you get to the spot that you don't wake up in pain any more, but just like a dental cleaning you may benefit from coming to the chiropractor once a month to keep the pain away, as well as to get the next latest and greatest exercise or podcast.
In summary, go, go to your chiro, add them to your health care team. If the first time we meet is when you aren't moving too well that's fine we will work together to get you moving better. But even better come hang out and figure out if there are things you can do to prevent the pain before it starts.
Absolutely... NOT!h the idea that a joint is out of place and needs to be put back into place is an outdated theory. The "original" chiropractor was DD Palmer, as my kids would say he is the OG. But things have changed in the years since that first chiropractor. As evidence changes so should the theories about what we are doing.
One of the studies that changed my mind about what was happening when I adjusted my patients was a study about specificity in our adjustments. The researchers put sensors on the spine, and then tried their darndest to adjust a specific vertebra in a specific way. It turns out in the lower back at least it was as likely to move a vertebra 2 away from the intended target. The chiro tried to move L5 (the last vertebra in the lower back) and ended up moving L3.
Well that seems a bit odd, in my mind this was definitive proof that we aren't putting vetebra back into place (esp if we aren't even moving the one we are aiming for).
"well doc, why do I feel better?" I could spend a lot of time talking about why I think that is the case but in my mind the only thing that makes sense is that where we feel things is in our brain, so if you are feeling better and moving better, with less pain then all I know for certain is that we helped you where you feel things (in your brain).
I won't get into too many details in this FAQ section but I 100% do not believe that a chiropractic adjustment "aligns" the spine.
The doctor in me is running a differential list a mile long when I think about this question. I am going to run through a few of the thoughts that come to mind when I think about all the reasons that you might hurt after treatment with your chiro:
Fracture - it is possible to break a rib (for example) after an adjustment
Strain - it is possible to strain a muscle or tendon at your chiros office, that may happen just rolling around on our tiny table or it may happen if we overstretch a tendon during treatment.
Sprain - just like overstretching a tendon/muscle (strain) can happen it is possible to overstretch a ligament.
Bruising - it is possible that small vessels might break during some types of soft tissue therapy (think about the big circles you see on your buddies back after cupping). That may lead to pain after treatment.
You broke up with your partner - yup a significant social event can absolutely lead to an increase in pain.
You are worried - fear of movement can make pain worse, this is called kinesiophobia.
Catastrophizing - we know that if we are worried about all the things that can go wrong and all the things that I might not be able to to ever again and what happens if this back pain never goes away, and I can never go back to work? etc... all of these world ending kind of thoughts can make pain worse.
This list is meant to only give you a tiny taste of the things that will run through my mind if you come to me and tell me you hurt more after treatment. It also might be as simple as sometimes we take a step back before we take the 2 steps forward. Either way head back to your chiro and let them know that you are more sore, and lets work together to figure out what may have happened. And know that more sore after treatment doesn't necessarily mean something has gone wrong.
Ice Vs.Heat is a very hotly debated topic, but as far as I can tell the reason why ice feels better for some is the same reason that heat feels better for others. The spinothelamic tract of the spinal cord.
Think of it like a highway and there are different lanes in a highway, the lane that sends pain cars to the brain also send pressure and temperature cars to the brain. If you have the highway full of pain cars you are going to hurt more, if you have some temperature cars filling up some space on that pain highway you are going to hurt less.
When my patients ask me if they should use heat or ice to help their lower back pain, I ask which one they tried, if heat has felt good keep using it, if cold has worked use that. And if you are adventurous then maybe try the hot fudge sundae technique use ice and heat at the same time, a hot cloth with an icecube in it for example. Whatever most effectively fills up that pain highway in your spinal cord and makes you feel better, do that!
So ice or heat? Use ice if it works to decrease the pain, or use heat if that works better, or do both at the same time!
Almost certainly yes, ChiroMEDIX can bill your extended benefits. I will list many of the insurance companies that I can bill, but this is not an exhaustive list.
Canada life, Pacific Blue Cross (PBC), Manulife, Greenshield, SunLife, equitable life, empire life, and all of the insurance companies that bill through Telus eClaims.
The easiest way is to text me directly at 604-792-9171 — tell me what's going on and we'll find a time that works. You can also book online right here on the site, anytime. Or book online https://chiromedix.mrxsolutions.com/onlinebooking/
Pain is complicated! First off let me say I am sorry you hurt. If you did the unthinkable like bend over and pick up a paperclip and now are struggling to move, or you are struggling with the chronic seemly never ending version that you don't ever seem to get relief from I can help. I spend 45 mins with you in my home based office with a comfy chair and a listening ear at 5935 Garrison Blvd Chilliwack BC V2R 5X8. I would love to help you feel better. Text me, and we can start that process soon. 604-792-9171
Looking for pain relief in the Fraser Valley? Chiropractic care might be just the thing. My name is Dr. Devenney and I practice out of my home-based chiropractic clinic at 5925 Garrison Blvd, Chilliwack BC. I am a solo provider so if you are texting or calling you are going to (eventually) be speaking to me — 604-792-9171. I will text you back when I am between patients and I am often a pushover for extending my hours to help folks suffering with arthritic pain. I often get told not to get old, and I understand the sentiment, but the price of not dying young is often not being young — and that comes with some challenges like arthritis and the associated pain. Let's work together to make you happy again.
I do! I help people who suffer with pain all the time. Chiropractic care is an amazing profession for helping people with joint pain — it's our bread and butter. Have you ever wondered what chiropractors do? First and foremost I spend a lot of time listening, to understand what's going on and whether you're in the right spot — meaning, can I actually help? Knowing when your specific problem is out of my lane is very important to me. As a portal of entry to the healthcare system, Doctors of Chiropractic are an amazing starting point to get you on your journey to feeling better. My name is Dr. Spencer Devenney, and I would be honoured if you let me help you get relief from your joint pain.
This feels a bit self-serving to answer — "best" is so subjective. While I would never claim to be the best at anything, I will say that chiropractic care is an amazing profession for helping people with musculoskeletal pain. There are many wonderful chiropractic clinics in Chilliwack, and my list of colleagues who could help is long. The best clinic for musculoskeletal pain — whether that's back pain, neck pain, headaches, or joint pain — is going to be relative to you. I genuinely hope you find the best chiropractor that is the right fit for you. That said, I would be honoured to earn your trust. I don't take lightly the privilege of helping people move better — isn't that what we all want? Just move a little better and be a little happier? I might be the best clinic for MSK pain in Chilliwack for you. Only one way to find out — text me at 604-792-9171 or walk by the house at 5925 Garrison Blvd and see if a home-based, slow-paced clinic might be just right for you.
Who knows?! But I can tell you one thing — when I was 18 and could barely move, getting out of the car holding onto the roof and the door, wondering how on earth I was going to make it the 20 feet to the chiropractor's office for my first visit for crazy lower back pain... man did it ever help. I almost danced out of that office.
How does chiropractic care help with joint pain? I think anyone who feels super confident answering that question might be blowing some smoke. We have theories, but what we do know is that chiropractic helps people with joint pain — and understanding how to help is something I have spent my life studying. Personalized care, for what you are actually experiencing, whether that's arthritic pain, joint pain, or any other musculoskeletal condition — chiropractic helps. It certainly helped me, and I am humbled to watch it help so many other people as well.
I wasn't always super comfortable treating seniors, but with Elim Village just down the street from my clinic in Garrison Crossing, I've learned that caring for seniors isn't as different as I would have thought. You guys are tough — I learn something every time I'm lucky enough to spend time with someone who is seasoned (that's a nice way to say old, right?). I say this all the time — only the lucky ones get old. And yes, it comes with some challenges, but what stage of life has been challenge free? We can work together and make those challenges manageable. Let's make the golden years worth their weight in gold! (I know, I know — cheesy. But it's what you get. 😄)
I'm not sure my wife would love this answer, but I'm a bit of a pushover since moving into my home-based office at 5925 Garrison Blvd. Yes, my published hours are limited — work-life balance and all — but I have rarely turned anyone away when they're in need. My regular hours include late Tuesday evenings and every other Saturday morning. But if you text me during my "off" hours you might be surprised to find me saying "how fast can you get here?" I love what I do, and I love the balance that practicing from home provides. My only ask — please don't knock on the door hoping for a walk in appointment, boundaries are still a thing ;) Text me first. 604-792-9171.
Of course ChiroMEDIX offers arthritis pain management, and I am in fact located in beautiful — if occasionally fragrant — Chilliwack. (What do the farmers always say? "It's the smell of money.") I am often surprised by how often arthritis doesn't actually hurt. So many of my patients who aren't 20 anymore have some arthritis but don't hurt much after treatment — or even before it. Pain is an interesting animal and it can be tamed, even if the arthritis doesn't go away. So yes, even if you have some silver hair, your pain can be managed. Text me at 604-792-9171 and let's get you back to tennis at Watson Glen Park or rocking the Vedder Trail. Let's make you happy again.
I am not sure I am allowed to call my self a specialist, I have just devoted the last 21 years to learning how to help people in pain, and despite what most people say the most common type of athritis pain (IE Osteiarthritis) is manageable I almost garatentee if you run in the right circles (and any of those people in those circles are rockin at least a few grey hairs) you know someone who has athritis and doesn't hurt. So again specialist is a tough term legally, I can say that I have a clinical interest in helping all people who experience pain. Text me and we can get you out pain. 604-792-9171.
Joint pain is an interesting thing — your spine alone is made up of a bunch of joints. I'm in Chilliwack, BC, Canada and I help people with joint pain all the time. From jaw pain to toe pain — head to toe, literally. So if you're looking for help with joint pain in Canada, your friendly neighbourhood chiropractor Dr. Spencer Devenney at 5925 Garrison Blvd, Chilliwack BC qualifies. 😄
Joint pain consultation. That's an interesting phrase. Sure, I can consult you on your joint pain. Are we talking toe pain? Neck pain? Spine pain? Knee pain? Elbow pain? Shoulder pain? All of those are joints and I can help with all of them. Text me 604-792-9171. Consulting is often just of way of saying talking to you about. I absolutely talk to people all the time, so lets consult your joint pain away.