Chiropractic Care for Older Adults in Markham: Safety Questions to Ask

Published by Markham Pain Clinic · November 8, 2026

Chiropractic care for older adults in Markham should begin with a health history, an assessment, and a clear discussion of options. Age alone does not decide whether care is suitable. The proposed approach should reflect current health, medications, goals, risks, preferences, and whether another healthcare professional should be involved.[1][2][4]

What should an older adult expect from a chiropractic assessment?

The first step should be a conversation about the concern, daily activities, health conditions, medications, past injuries or surgeries, and goals.[2][3] Bring an up-to-date medication list and share any recent changes in balance, strength, sensation, or general health.[3]

Ontario's chiropractic manipulation standard requires a case history, examination, and clinical reasoning before an adjustment or manipulation is considered.[2] It also requires the practitioner to consider patient selection, indications, contraindications, the patient's health, the goal of care, and prognosis.[2]

An assessment does not mean that spinal manipulation must be performed.[1][2] Depending on the findings, options may include education, exercise advice, joint mobilization, soft-tissue techniques, a modified approach, monitoring, or referral to another healthcare professional.[2][4] Markham Pain Clinic describes its chiropractic service here: https://www.markhampain.com/services/chiropractic-care

Why do health conditions and medications matter?

Older adults can have health factors that change which techniques are appropriate.[3][4] NCCIH advises patients to tell a chiropractor about medical conditions, prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.[3] It also says underlying health problems may increase the risk of injury from spinal manipulation or mobilization, which makes a thorough assessment important.[3]

Share information about diagnosed bone or joint conditions, recent fractures or surgery, cancer history, blood-thinning medication, dizziness, fainting, numbness, weakness, or a recent fall.[2][3] This list is not a diagnosis or a complete safety screen.[2][3] Its purpose is to help the practitioner decide whether care should proceed, be changed, or be deferred for medical assessment.[2][3]

How should the care plan be tailored for an older adult?

A plan should fit the person's goals and health rather than follow a fixed routine.[2][4] WHO guidance for chronic primary low back pain includes older adults and says care should be person-centred, integrated, and tailored to physical, psychological, and social factors.[4] WHO includes spinal manipulative therapy among several possible nonsurgical options, not as a stand-alone answer for every person.[4]

Useful questions include:

• What did the assessment find, and what remains uncertain?
• Which technique are you recommending, and why?
• What benefits, material risks, and side effects should I understand?
• Are gentler or non-thrust options reasonable for me?
• How will progress be measured, and when will the plan be reviewed?
• What findings would mean referral to another healthcare professional?

What does informed consent require in Ontario?

Consent should be informed, voluntary, and related to the person's condition and circumstances.[1] Before care begins, the chiropractor should discuss the proposed examination or treatment, why it is being suggested, alternatives, expected benefits, material risks and side effects, and the likely consequences of not proceeding.[1]

Consent is an ongoing conversation.[1] You can ask for an explanation, decline a technique, request a different approach, or withdraw consent.[1] If neck manipulation is proposed, Ontario's consent standard specifically requires discussion of the rare but potentially serious risk of stroke associated with cervical adjustments.[1] NCCIH also says patients need to be informed about the potential risk of cervical artery dissection, while noting that these events are rare and that causation remains disputed.[3]

When should chiropractic care wait for medical assessment?

New, severe, rapidly worsening, or unexplained symptoms should not be assumed to be a routine joint or muscle problem.[2][3] Ontario's chiropractic manipulation standard requires clinical reasoning to rule out possible pathologies before manipulation is considered.[2] Call emergency services when symptoms may be life-threatening.

For other new or concerning symptoms, contact a qualified healthcare professional before arranging manual care.[2][3] A chiropractor should also refer when the assessment suggests that the concern needs care outside the chiropractic scope.[2]

How can you arrange chiropractic care in Markham?

Markham Pain Clinic lists chiropractic care as a spine, joint, and mobility-focused service. Suitability and the specific approach depend on an individual assessment.[2][3]

Markham Pain Clinic 8312 McCowan Rd Suite #206 Markham, ON L3P 8E1 +1 905-470-2626

Contact the clinic: https://www.markhampain.com/contact

Request an appointment: https://markhampainclinic.janeapp.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spinal manipulation always part of chiropractic care for older adults?

No.[1][2] The proposed approach should follow an assessment and informed-consent discussion.[1][2] Mobilization, education, exercise advice, soft-tissue work, referral, or no manual treatment may be considered depending on the findings and the person's preferences.[1][2][3]

Can I ask for a gentler technique?

Yes.[1] Ontario's consent standard says reasonable patient requests and preferences should be accommodated while the chiropractor maintains safe, ethical care.[1] Ask what alternatives are available and whether a non-thrust approach is appropriate for your situation.[1]

Should I bring a medication list?

Yes.[3] NCCIH recommends telling the chiropractor about prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements.[3] A current list helps the practitioner understand health factors that may affect assessment or care.[2][3]

Does age alone determine whether chiropractic care is suitable?

No.[2][4] Suitability depends on the health history, assessment, goals, risks, and preferences.[2][4] WHO's guidance for chronic primary low back pain includes older people and stresses care tailored to the individual.[4]

Medical Disclaimer

This article provides general educational information and is not a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or substitute for care from a qualified healthcare professional. Chiropractic care is not suitable for every person or every concern.[2][3][4] Seek urgent medical care for severe, sudden, or rapidly worsening symptoms, or if you believe you may have a medical emergency.

Sources

[1] https://cco.on.ca/cco-resources/s-013-consent — College of Chiropractors of Ontario: Consent Standard S-013 [2] https://cco.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/S-005Nov2025.pdf — College of Chiropractors of Ontario: Chiropractic Adjustment or Manipulation Standard S-005 [3] https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/spinal-manipulation-what-you-need-to-know — National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Spinal Manipulation: What You Need To Know [4] https://www.who.int/news/item/07-12-2023-who-releases-guidelines-on-chronic-low-back-pain — World Health Organization: WHO releases guidelines on chronic low back pain