As chiropractors, our focus is helping you move better, feel stronger, and live a more active, pain-free life. But there’s another part of your health that plays a major role in how your body feels and functions — your medications.

While medication management falls outside the chiropractic scope of practice, understanding what you take and how it affects your daily life is still an important part of providing safe, effective, and coordinated care.

The Growing Reality of Polypharmacy

In Canada, more than three out of five adults over age 65 take five or more prescription medications¹. This is called polypharmacy. These medications often play an essential role in managing chronic health conditions, but taking several at once can also increase the risk of falls and fractures, memory problems, drug interactions, and even hospital visits¹.

In fact, up to 30% of hospital visits among older adults are related to medication side effects, and more than half of these could be prevented¹. Because chiropractors and other providers often see patients regularly, we are well-positioned to notice new changes such as dizziness, balance issues, or fatigue that could be linked to medications. When this happens, we encourage patients to check in with their doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist so concerns can be addressed promptly and safely.

Importantly, medications can significantly improve health and quality of life. The goal isn’t necessarily to stop taking them, but to ensure that each medication remains helpful and appropriate. If you ever have concerns about a medication, don’t stop or change it on your own — always consult your prescribing provider. 

A Simple, Empowering Tool: The 5 Questions to Ask

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada), together with Canada’s Drug Agency and Deprescribing.org, created a helpful tool called the 5 Questions to Ask About My Multiple Medications. It’s designed to help patients and caregivers feel more confident in conversations about medication safety, effectiveness, and side effects.

Here are the five questions² to keep in mind:

1. What is the purpose of each of my medications? Understanding why you take each medication helps you and your care team determine what’s working and what may no longer be needed.
2. Could I be experiencing any side effects or drug interactions? Unexplained fatigue, dizziness, or balance issues may sometimes be medication related. Chiropractors may notice these symptoms during their assessment and can encourage patients to follow up with their doctor or pharmacist.
3. Could lifestyle changes also improve my well-being? Movement, nutrition, sleep quality, and stress management all support overall health and may, over time, help to reduce the need for certain medications — always in collaboration with your prescribing provider. Chiropractors can help patients navigate lifestyle changes through guidance, support, and personalized recommendations.
4. Are all my medications needed? As your health changes, your medication plan may need to change too. Regular reviews with your healthcare provider helps to ensure each medication still makes sense for you.
5. What other information should I know about my medications? Understanding how and when to take each medication — and what side effects to watch for — can help you stay safe and get the best results.

The Chiropractor’s Role in a Collaborative Approach

Even though chiropractors don’t prescribe medications, we play an important role in helping patients stay safe, informed, and actively involved in their care. Chiropractors can:

• Take a thorough medication history during every new patient intake.
• Recognize signs and symptoms that may suggest medication-related concerns.
• Encourage patients to bring updated medication lists to all healthcare visits.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists to support safe, integrated care.

Because chiropractors often see patients more frequently than other providers, we may notice changes in balance, coordination, alertness, or overall well-being that could indicate medication side effects. During your visit, we may ask about all the medications you take — including prescriptions, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements — to better understand how your body is responding to care. Sharing that information helps us offer safer, more personalized treatment and communicate effectively with your healthcare team when needed.

A Conversation Worth Having

If you’re unsure why you’re taking a certain medication or notice new side effects, consider asking your healthcare provider, “Could this be related to one of my medications?”

That simple question can open the door to safer care, clearer communication, and more confidence in your health journey.