What a chiropractor does
Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between your spine, how you move, and your nervous system. Your spine does more than support your body: it enables movement and protects your spinal cord, which carries signals between your brain and the rest of your body.
At Annex Family Chiropractic, Dr. Gelber takes a neurologically focused, assessment-first approach. Rather than looking only at where something hurts, he considers your health history, spinal movement, posture, and relevant examination findings to build a clearer picture of your situation.
The first step isn't to assume what's wrong. It's to understand what's going on.
The spine and the nervous system, together
Your nervous system helps coordinate movement and how your body responds to the demands of everyday life. Your spine provides support, allows you to move, and protects the spinal cord.
When parts of your spine aren't moving as well as they should, your body may compensate. These patterns are worth investigating, particularly when you're experiencing recurring discomfort, stiffness, or difficulty doing the things you enjoy.
This is one reason I look beyond the immediate complaint. My aim is to understand what the examination reveals, identify areas that may benefit from attention, and determine whether chiropractic care makes sense for you.
Your symptoms matter, but they're not always the whole story.
The science
Chiropractic research is exploring how spinal adjustments may influence the way the brain processes sensory information and coordinates movement.
Dr. Heidi Haavik is a neuroscientist whose research investigates the relationship between spinal function, chiropractic adjustments and the nervous system. Her work offers an interesting look at the science being explored in this area.
The research is an evolving area of study. Findings about changes in nervous system activity don't automatically establish a particular health benefit for every patient. At AFC, research informs our interest in this relationship, while individual care recommendations remain based on each patient's assessment and circumstances.
How long will it take to get well?
It's a common question, and there's no single answer. The right approach depends on your history, examination findings, goals, and how you respond to care.
Early on, the focus may be on improving comfort and making everyday movement easier. When appropriate, care may then focus on improving spinal movement and function over time. Not everyone needs every phase, and the timing depends on the individual.
At your Report of Findings, I'll explain my recommendations, why I'm making them, and the associated costs. We'll also review your progress as care proceeds and adjust the approach when needed.
The goal is for you to understand what we're working toward and why, not simply to prescribe a set number of visits.
When should you consider seeing a chiropractor?
Many people seek chiropractic care after weeks, months or even years of planning their lives around discomfort: skipping activities, avoiding a long drive or finding that everyday movements have become more difficult.
Others come because they want to understand their spinal health, improve how they move or stay active as they get older.
Common reasons people visit Annex Family Chiropractic include:
The clinic also welcomes babies, children, expectant mothers and families, with assessment and care adapted to the individual.
You don't need to know exactly what's wrong before booking. That's part of what the evaluation is designed to help clarify.
First, understand. Then decide.
The first visit focuses on your health history, concerns and goals. Dr. Gelber assesses your posture, movement and spinal function, using hands-on examination, relevant orthopedic and neurological tests, and computerized Insight scans. X-rays or other imaging are considered when clinically indicated.
At your second visit, Dr. Gelber explains what the assessment revealed, what the findings may mean for you and what he recommends. You'll have an opportunity to ask questions, understand the proposed care plan and review associated fees.
If chiropractic care is appropriate and you choose to proceed, care may begin at this appointment.
What patients say
He explained every detail of the treatment from the beginning, so it was easy for me to understand what we are trying to achieve in the end. It is definitely a collaborative work, so it is great that he also listens to all the health concern or questions!
I highly recommend Annex Family Chiropractic - it's an incredibly welcoming environment with an emphasis on personalizing your experience! Dr. Gelber is very kind and super informative.
Individual results may vary. Every patient's experience is their own.
Before you book
The answer starts with understanding your situation.
A thorough assessment helps Dr. Gelber determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate, what may be worth addressing and what you could reasonably work toward.
If chiropractic isn't the right fit, he'll explain his reasoning and, where possible, help direct you toward a more suitable next step.
The goal isn't simply to recommend an adjustment. It's to help you make an informed decision about your health.
Whether you're looking for help with back pain, neck pain, headaches or stiffness, or simply want to better understand your spinal health, the first step is an evaluation. We'll look at what's going on, discuss what we find and help you explore whether chiropractic care makes sense for you.
Questions before booking? Call 416-967-4466.
