Muscle, nerve, and joint conditions are the leading cause of disability in Canada, with low back pain being the number one cause of disability worldwide^1,2.

The Canadian Medical Association (2022) predicts a major shortfall of more than 23,000 family physicians by 2025, an important consideration given that about 40% of family doctor visits are for muscle, nerve, and joint conditions³.

Furthermore, research has shown that muscle, nerve, and joint training has been identified as being inadequate in undergraduate medical education around the world, with only 2% of US medical school curriculum being devoted to muscle, nerve, and joint diseases^4,5. Despite this recognized issue, little work has been done to reform Canadian medical school’s muscle, nerve, and joint education and training⁴.

One strategy to address the current health workforce shortages in Canada and ensure Canadians receive appropriate and timely access to the care they need with the appropriate healthcare provider, is to maximize the areas of expertise and roles of non-physician health providers with specialized muscle, nerve, and joint training, such as chiropractors.

With a practice focus on the evidence-based management of low back pain, I complete a thorough and detailed assessment of everyone that comes to my clinic to create an individualized treatment plan that will help them better understand and manage their low back pain. Taking into consideration the research guidelines, each patient’s treatment preferences, as well as my professional experience treating hundreds of patients with low back pain across the country, I create a tailored treatment plan that includes a variety of modalities, including but not limited to, spinal manipulation therapy (adjustments), soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, exercise rehabilitation, education & advice, as well as self-management strategies (because as much as I love seeing you in the clinic, I love it even more when you’re better and can manage your pain without me 😉 ).

We know that primary care in Canada is overburdened, and a new approach is needed to ensure access to and quality of care for Canadians. A significant part of a family doctor’s clinical day is managing patients’ muscle, nerve, and joint conditions. By maximizing the education, knowledge, and training of chiropractors for the management of muscle, nerve, and joint conditions, Canadians will achieve timely access to the care they need for their condition.

Interested in learning more about why you need me on your healthcare team? Book your complimentary consultation online today!

And if you’re tired of your muscle, nerve, and joint pain dictating your life, book your initial assessment online today and let’s get you back on track!