What to Know Before Seeing a Chiropractor in Vancouver

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a drug-less healthcare profession which understands that the body has a unique ability to self-heal and self-regulate under optimal conditions.

A Doctor of Chiropractic’s main focus is detecting and correcting tiny fixations and misalignments of the spine called, which are often caused by physical, chemical or emotional stress.

These spinal problems can put pressure on the delicate nervous system and interfere with the transmission of informational messages from the brain to the body. This can often result in pain and other health conditions.

What does a chiropractor do?

Chiropractors assess and treat issues with your spine, joints, and nervous system, often using hands-on, corrective adjustments. At our Vancouver clinic near Olympic Village, we also offer active rehab and posture coaching based on how locals live, commute, and move.

What conditions do chiropractors treat?

   • Headaches & migraines

    • Low‑back or neck pain

    • Sciatica or arm/leg numbness

    • Scoliosis & poor posture

    • Sports or workplace injuries

What can I expect on my first visit?

There are many reasons people seek the help of a chiropractor. While each condition and each person is unique and requires a personalized treatment approach, your new patient examination will be extremely thorough:

Consultation – Your chiropractor will discuss your case and options in detail with you.

History – A detailed health history will be conducted to rule out any serious problems that may require an additional referral to another practitioner.

Examination – Your chiropractor will perform a detailed chiropractic examination of the spine to determine the presence of vertebral subluxations and nerve interference. This may include:

• Feeling the spine
• Computerized sEMG Scans
• Muscle Tests
• X Ray Studies
• Motion and Gait Analysis
• Orthopedic and Neurological tests
• Other procedures that may be valuable

Is Chiropractic Safe?

Chiropractic care has been shown to be one of the safest healthcare professions in the world. Thousands of chiropractic adjustments are safely given everyday, with very few adverse effects.

Like any healthcare procedure, there are some minor risks to treatment. However, your doctor will use his/her best judgment at all times to reduce the chance of any potential problems from occurring.

Does chiropractic care hurt?

Depending on your case, your chiropractor will determine an appropriate care plan for you and home care instructions where appropriate.

Next, a series of gentle adjustments, by hand or by instrument to restore motion and and relieve nerve pressure.

Initially, adjustments are more frequent for the first couple of weeks. Then, as you begin to improve and the healing process stabilizes, your chiropractor may graduate you to a higher level of care that will require fewer visits.

Most adjustments do not hurt. A small percentage of patients may get sore after the first visit (similar to starting a new workout routine). This is only temporary, however.

Is chiropractic just for adults?

Chiropractic is safe and effective for all ages!

Where are you located in Vancouver BC?

We're just a 5-minute walk from Olympic Village SkyTrain station—right off Cambie Street on West 5th Ave. Street parking is easy, and most patients bike or transit from Mount Pleasant, Yaletown or Fairview slopes. We're one block off Broadway and close to the #99 B-Line bus. Many patients walk over from nearby co-working spaces or grab a Mobi bike right to our door.

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor in Vancouver BC?

No referral needed! In BC, you can book directly with a chiropractor. We're fully licensed under the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) and welcome new patients without a doctor’s note.

Is chiropractic care covered by MSP in Vancouver BC?

Yes but only for those on premium assistance. MSP may cover up to 10 visits per year. We’ll check your eligibility when you call or stop by our front desk at 405 W 5th Ave. Additional fees may still apply.

What's the cost of a chiropractic visit in Vancouver?

Initial visits start at $95, with follow-ups around $65. Prices vary slightly by service type, and we always provide transparent pricing at Revolution Health.

Do you offer emergency or same-day chiropractic appointments?

Yes, we reserve a few same-day spots daily. Call before 10am for your best shot at a same-day slot.

Can a chiropractor help with ICBC claims in Vancouver BC?

Yes! We’re an ICBC-participating clinic in Vancouver, so if you’ve been in a recent car accident, your chiropractic care is likely covered with no referral needed. We're happy to bill ICBC directly—just bring your claim number.

Are chiropractic adjustments safe during pregnancy in Vancouver?

Yes, chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe and widely recommended. At Revolution Health, we use pregnancy-safe techniques and tables many Mount Pleasant moms see us for sciatica, back pain, and pelvic tension relief.

Do chiropractors in Vancouver treat TMJ or jaw pain?

Absolutely. We treat TMJ dysfunction regularly, especially for patients who work at desks or grind their teeth. Our Vancouver chiropractors use gentle jaw release, posture correction, and soft-tissue work to relieve pain and improve alignment.