When most people think of chiropractors, they picture spinal adjustments and hands-on treatment for back or neck pain. While this is certainly a cornerstone of chiropractic care, it’s only one part of a much broader story. Across Alberta, chiropractors are making vital contributions to the healthcare system that extend well beyond the treatment room – improving outcomes, promoting accessibility, and enriching the lives of patients in meaningful ways.

Here are three powerful ways chiropractors support health and wellbeing outside of direct, hands-on treatment.

1. Supporting Veterans Through the Veterans Affairs Canada Disability Program

Chiropractors don’t just treat veterans – they advocate for them.

As recognized healthcare providers under Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), chiropractors are authorized to complete medical questionnaires required for VAC’s Disability Benefits Program. These forms are a critical step in helping veterans receive financial support as a result of their service-related injuries or conditions. By completing these questionnaires, chiropractors help veterans access the support they need to maintain their quality of life during and after service.

This role is about more than documentation. It reflects a deep commitment to the long-term health and dignity of those who have served. Chiropractors frequently work alongside other medical professionals as part of an integrated healthcare team, ensuring veterans receive the comprehensive, individualized care they deserve.

2. Facilitating Access to Diagnostic Imaging and Specialist Referrals

Chiropractors are an essential gateway to timely, collaborative care.

In Alberta, chiropractors can refer patients directly to medical specialists, including orthopedists, neurologists, rheumatologists, psychiatrists, and obstetricians. They can also refer patients for diagnostic imaging, such as MRIs or X-rays, when clinically indicated.

This referral capability not only expedites care but also ensures patients are directed to the most appropriate healthcare provider for their condition. It’s a prime example of collaborative care in action – health professionals working together to improve access, reduce delays, and optimize patient outcomes.

3. Promoting Accessibility Through Disability Parking Placard Approvals

Chiropractors are also playing a key role in helping Albertans with mobility challenges maintain independence and access.

As authorized healthcare professionals, chiropractors can assess and complete applications for disability parking placards. These placards are available to individuals who cannot walk more than50 metres due to a medical condition. By recognizing and validating these mobility limitations, chiropractors help patients access essential public services and live more independently.

This work is more than paperwork – it’s about understanding each patient’s functional abilities and advocating for their rights in the community. Chiropractors bring a deep understanding of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions to these assessments, making them well-equipped to support patients in navigating mobility-related barriers.

Chiropractors as Partners in Health and Community

Chiropractors are far more than back pain experts. They are advocates, educators, facilitators, and accessibility allies. Whether it’s helping a veteran apply for benefits, referring a patient for specialized medical care, or ensuring someone with limited mobility can access the world around them, chiropractors are deeply embedded in the broader fabric of community healthcare.

 So, the next time you think of chiropractic care, remember: it’s not just about adjustments – it’s about empowerment, advocacy, and lifelong wellbeing.