If you’ve never seen a chiropractor before, it’s completely normal to have questions. What exactly happens during an appointment? Is it just about cracking backs? Does it hurt? Is it safe? And is chiropractic actually going to help with what you’re dealing with?
These are good questions — and you deserve straight answers before you book.
This guide is written by one of Affinity Wellness’s chiropractors, and it covers everything you’d want to know before walking through the door.
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a regulated, drug-free healthcare discipline that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting your muscles, joints, and nervous system — especially the spine.
Chiropractors are movement experts who work with their hands. The goal isn’t just to relieve pain in the moment. It’s to figure out what’s causing the problem and address it at the root — so it doesn’t keep coming back.
In British Columbia, all chiropractors must complete a minimum of three years of undergraduate education followed by a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. After graduating, they must pass national board examinations and register with the British Columbia College of Chiropractors (BCCC) before they can practice.
No — It’s Not Just About Cracking Backs
This is the biggest misconception about chiropractic, so let’s get it out of the way early.
Yes, chiropractors treat back pain. But they treat a lot more than that. Chiropractic care addresses any condition involving joints, muscles, and the nervous system — anywhere in the body. That includes:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches and migraines
- Shoulder, elbow, and wrist pain
- Hip, knee, and ankle pain
- Sciatica and nerve pain
- Sports injuries
- Whiplash and car accident injuries
- TMJ and jaw pain
- Postural strain from desk work
- And yes — back pain of all kinds
The spine is often involved in these conditions even when it doesn’t seem like the obvious source of the problem. Your nervous system runs through your spine and influences the function of your entire body. A chiropractor is trained to look at the whole picture, not just the area that hurts.
What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
The chiropractic adjustment — sometimes called spinal manipulation — is the technique most associated with chiropractic care. It’s worth understanding exactly what it is and what it isn’t.
An adjustment is a precise, controlled movement applied to a specific joint — most often in the spine — that has become restricted or is not moving properly. The goal is to restore normal joint motion, reduce pain, and improve the way your nervous system communicates with the rest of your body.
During an adjustment, you may hear a “pop” or a “click.” This sound is caused by a small gas bubble releasing from the fluid inside the joint — the same process that happens when you crack your knuckles. It does not mean anything has been “cracked” or broken. Many patients find the sound surprising the first time, but it’s completely normal and typically followed by an immediate feeling of relief and improved movement.
Not all chiropractic adjustments involve a popping sound. Depending on your condition and your comfort level, your chiropractor may use gentler techniques that produce no sound at all — such as the activator method or sacro-occipital technique.
What Else Do Chiropractors Do Besides Adjust?
At Affinity Wellness, an adjustment is just one part of a chiropractic visit. Our chiropractors take a comprehensive approach that typically includes:
- Soft tissue therapy: Before and after an adjustment, your chiropractor will often work on the muscles and connective tissue surrounding the affected joints. This might include massage, trigger point release, or myofascial techniques. Tight muscles can hold a joint in a restricted position — releasing that tension makes the adjustment more effective and longer-lasting.
- Exercise prescription: Every Affinity patient leaves with a home exercise plan tailored to their condition. These exercises reinforce what was done in the session, strengthen the areas that are contributing to your problem, and reduce the likelihood of the issue returning.
- Kinesiology taping: For some conditions, taping is used to support the joint or muscle between appointments. It helps maintain the correction made during treatment and can reduce pain and swelling.
- Lifestyle and ergonomic advice: If your pain is related to how you sit, stand, sleep, or move at work, your chiropractor will address that directly. Fixing the mechanics of your daily life is often as important as the treatment itself.
- Pre-hab and injury prevention: Many patients at Affinity come in not because something is broken, but because they want to keep it from breaking. Pre-hab — strengthening vulnerable areas before injury occurs — is a legitimate and valuable part of what chiropractic care offers.
What Happens at Your First Chiropractic Appointment?
If you’ve never seen a chiropractor before, here’s exactly what to expect at Affinity Wellness.
Your first visit takes about 45–60 minutes.
It starts with a conversation. Your chiropractor will ask about your current complaint — what hurts, when it started, what makes it better or worse, and what you’ve already tried. They’ll also ask about your health history, any previous injuries, and your goals for treatment.
Next comes the physical assessment. This includes watching how you move, testing your range of motion, and examining the joints and muscles involved in your complaint. Depending on what they find, they may assess areas you wouldn’t expect — like your hips when you come in for neck pain, or your feet when you’re dealing with lower back issues. The body is connected, and good chiropractors look at the whole picture.
Your chiropractor will then explain what they found — in plain language, without jargon. They’ll outline a treatment plan, tell you how many visits they recommend and why, and give you an honest estimate of what to expect.
Treatment usually begins at the first visit. You won’t spend the whole session on paperwork and leave without getting help.
Does Chiropractic Hurt?
For most people, chiropractic care is comfortable and well-tolerated. Many patients feel immediate relief after an adjustment — a combination of reduced joint restriction and muscle relaxation.
Some people experience mild muscle soreness for 24–48 hours after their first session, similar to how your body feels after a new workout. This is a normal response as your body adjusts to the changes made during treatment. It typically resolves quickly and is much less common after the first couple of visits.
If you are nervous about adjustments, tell your chiropractor. At Affinity, we have multiple techniques available and will always adapt to your comfort level. There is no single approach that works for everyone, and your preferences matter.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
Yes. Chiropractic care is one of the most studied manual therapies in the world, and the research consistently supports its safety and effectiveness for musculoskeletal conditions — particularly back and neck pain.
As with any healthcare treatment, there are contraindications. Chiropractic adjustments are not appropriate for everyone in every situation. At your first appointment, your chiropractor will screen your health history carefully and adapt their approach — or refer you elsewhere — if adjustments are not appropriate for your condition.
At Affinity Wellness, our chiropractors follow evidence-based protocols and prioritize your safety and comfort above all else. If a gentler approach is more appropriate for you, that’s what we’ll use.
How Is Chiropractic Different From Physiotherapy?
This is a question worth answering directly, because patients ask it often.
Both chiropractors and physiotherapists treat musculoskeletal pain. Both use hands-on treatment. Both give exercises. There is meaningful overlap — and at Affinity Wellness, our chiro and physio teams communicate and collaborate regularly.
The key differences come down to emphasis and approach:
Chiropractors specialize in joint mobility, spinal alignment, and the relationship between the joints and nervous system. Adjustments are their primary tool. Appointments tend to be shorter and more frequent, especially in the early stages of treatment.
Physiotherapists specialize in movement rehabilitation, exercise prescription, and restoring function after injury or surgery. They also do manual therapy, but their approach tends to place more emphasis on progressive exercise and long-term self-management.
Neither is better than the other. The right choice depends on your condition, your goals, and your personal preference. Many Affinity patients see both — and often get better results because of it.
Not sure which one is right for you? Read our full guide: [Physiotherapy vs. Chiropractic vs. Massage — Which Do You Actually Need?]
How Many Chiropractic Sessions Will You Need?
This depends entirely on your condition, how long you’ve had it, and how your body responds to treatment.
For acute injuries — something you’ve had for days or a few weeks — you might notice significant improvement within 3–6 sessions.
For chronic conditions — pain you’ve been living with for months or years — progress typically takes longer. A realistic care plan for a chronic condition might involve 8–12 sessions over 6–8 weeks, followed by a reassessment.
At Affinity, we’ll give you a clear timeline and expected outcome at your first appointment. We don’t recommend more sessions than your condition warrants, and we reassess regularly to make sure your treatment plan continues to make sense as you progress.
Is Chiropractic Covered by Insurance in BC?
Yes. Most extended health benefit plans in BC include chiropractic coverage. Coverage limits vary by plan — typically ranging from $300 to $1,000 per year.
ICBC covers chiropractic care for patients recovering from motor vehicle accidents in BC. Affinity Wellness bills ICBC directly.
Affinity also offers direct billing to most major insurance providers — you don’t need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. Our reception team is happy to help clarify your coverage before you book.
Who Should See a Chiropractor at Affinity Wellness?
You might be a great fit for chiropractic care if:
- You have back or neck pain that hasn’t resolved on its own
- Your joints feel stiff, locked, or like they “need to be cracked”
- You get frequent tension headaches or cervicogenic headaches
- You’ve been in a car accident and have whiplash or spinal symptoms
- You sit at a desk all day and are dealing with postural pain
- You’re an athlete wanting to recover faster and perform better
- You’ve tried other treatments and haven’t found lasting relief
- You want drug-free, hands-on care that addresses the root cause of your pain
You don’t need a referral. You can book directly.
Ready to Book?
Our chiropractic team at Affinity Wellness in Kelowna — Dr. Sasha Schulz, Dr. Clayton Selles, and Dr. Emina Arima — are accepting new patients. We offer Saturday appointments, direct billing, and ICBC billing.
Book online 24/7, or call us at (778) 478-0548. We’d love to help.
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Written by Dr. Clayton Selles, DC | Chiropractor, Affinity Wellness Kelowna, BC | affinitywellness.ca | (778) 478-0548
Dr. Clayton Selles is a registered chiropractor at Affinity Wellness in Kelowna, BC. He is registered with the British Columbia College of Chiropractors (BCCC) and has extensive experience treating back and neck pain, sports injuries, headaches, and ICBC claims.
