Dr. David Gusta – Chiropractor | Victoria, BC

Dr. David Gusta is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Colwood Chiropractic in Victoria, BC. With a strong commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care, Dr. Gusta aligns his approach with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC). His focus is on providing personalized treatment plans that address each patient's unique health concerns, fostering a welcoming environment where community and well-being are prioritized. Patients can expect compassionate care that emphasizes not only symptom relief but also the promotion of long-term health and vitality.

Dr. Gusta has developed a reputation for his gentle yet effective chiropractic techniques, making him a trusted healthcare provider for patients of all ages. His approach integrates evidence-based practices with a holistic view of health, considering the connection between the spine, nervous system, and overall wellness. Whether working with athletes aiming to enhance performance, families seeking wellness care, or seniors managing age-related conditions, Dr. Gusta strives to empower his patients through education and proactive health strategies.

Educated with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Dr. Gusta continuously enhances his skills through ongoing professional development. His areas of interest include managing sports injuries, headache and TMJ disorders, family chiropractic care, and postural correction. Fluent in English, Dr. Gusta is committed to helping the Victoria community achieve better health outcomes through compassionate, community-focused chiropractic care.

Dr. David Gusta provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Investigating and addressing potential musculoskeletal contributions from the neck or jaw that may be linked to certain types of tinnitus.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (Cervicogenic & BPPV Management): Sensations of unsteadiness, spinning, or lightheadedness that can be related to neck problems (cervicogenic dizziness) or inner ear crystal displacement (BPPV, if trained in repositioning maneuvers).
• Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Discomfort, stiffness, or aching in the neck, which can arise suddenly or develop over time, often impacting daily movement and potentially referring pain to the shoulders or arms.
• TMJ / Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Disorders - TMD): Addressing the biomechanical factors contributing to TMD, helping to alleviate muscle tension around the jaw and restore comfortable movement.

Back & Spine Conditions

• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction / Pain: Chiropractic care for SI joint pain, often involving adjustments and exercises to address underlying imbalances.
• Spinal Stenosis (Cervical or Lumbar - Symptomatic): Narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness, often in the legs (lumbar) or arms (cervical).

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Discomfort, muscle strain, and joint stress resulting from poor or sustained body alignment during daily activities like sitting, standing, or working.
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: A chronic pain disorder characterized by the development of sensitive points in muscles (trigger points) that can cause deep, aching pain locally or in seemingly unrelated parts of the body (referred pain).

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Gusta can assess your needs.

• Radiographic (X-ray) Imaging & Analysis: Utilizing X-ray imaging, if necessary, to get a clear picture of your spinal health and guide precise treatment.
• Prenatal & Postnatal Chiropractic Care: Modified, gentle chiropractic techniques tailored to address the unique musculoskeletal challenges faced during pregnancy (e.g., back pain, pelvic pain) and in the postpartum period.
• Webster Technique (for Pregnancy): A specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment for pregnant individuals, aimed at reducing sacral subluxation and optimizing pelvic biomechanics to support a more comfortable pregnancy and birth (practitioner certification dependent).
• Comprehensive Chiropractic Examination: A thorough assessment including health history, postural analysis, spinal alignment checks, range of motion testing, orthopedic and neurological tests to determine the cause of your concern.
• Pediatric Chiropractic Care: Gentle assessment and modified adjusting techniques specifically adapted for the unique needs of infants, children, and adolescents for various musculoskeletal concerns.
• Geriatric Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care to help seniors maintain activity levels, manage arthritis pain, and improve stability.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Gusta. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC).

At Colwood Chiropractic, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Gusta frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often share how pain when twisting my back to reach for something affected their ability to working on your car in the garage. With Dr. David's help and a focus on waking up feeling more rested and with less morning stiffness, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• If difficulty bending over to pick things up is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying taking your photography gear out for long nature shoots, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. David focuses on achieving a noticeable boost in overall energy levels and vitality so you can engage in the things you love again.
• Imagine being able to kayaking or canoeing on the lake without foot pain making it hard to stand or walk for long holding you back. Dr. David works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as experiencing a smoother and more comfortable postpartum recovery, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
• Dr. David understands how frustrating tailbone pain making sitting excruciating can be. By aiming for being able to lift everyday objects without the fear of pain or re-injury, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like getting a full night's restful sleep with renewed confidence.

Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Gusta, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Colwood Chiropractic is situated in the vibrant Victoria neighborhood of Victoria, BC, within a reputable chiropractic clinic that offers a welcoming environment for all patients. The clinic’s central location makes it easy to access for residents and visitors alike, being conveniently close to the Royal BC Museum. Easily reachable via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), the clinic is committed to ensuring accessibility for everyone. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is chiropractic care covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

In British Columbia, MSP provides partial coverage for chiropractic services through the MSP Supplementary Benefits program. This typically includes a set number of visits per year, often around 10, with most patients incurring a co-payment. Eligibility depends on specific criteria, such as income level or age, and it's important to verify your coverage and any limits directly with MSP. For private insurance, many extended health plans also offer coverage for chiropractic care, so checking with your provider is recommended.

Will I need to get X-rays before starting chiropractic care?

No, X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Dr. Gusta will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if imaging is necessary. Imaging is typically recommended to rule out more serious conditions, such as fractures or significant spinal pathology, or if the patient’s condition is not improving as expected with conservative care. Diagnostic imaging guidelines are always followed to minimize radiation exposure.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in BC?

No, in British Columbia, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals. Patients can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes, so it’s advisable to check your specific insurance policy.

What does a chiropractor mean by a 'subluxation' or 'joint restriction'?

A 'vertebral subluxation' or 'joint restriction' refers to a spinal or extremity joint that has lost its normal position or motion. This can irritate surrounding nerves, muscles, and tissues, potentially causing pain, inflammation, or reduced mobility. The goal of chiropractic adjustment is to correct these restrictions and restore proper joint function.

Do chiropractors only treat back pain?

No, chiropractors are trained to treat a wide range of conditions related to the spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system. This includes neck pain, headaches, sciatica, sports injuries, arthritis, and limb pain, among others.

Is it safe to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is generally safe and can be very beneficial for managing common musculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and sciatica. Chiropractors trained in pregnancy care use modified adjustment techniques and specialized tables or pillows to ensure comfort and safety for both mother and baby. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Gusta, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.

Can children and babies receive chiropractic care?

Yes, chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for children of all ages. Techniques are always modified to be gentle and appropriate for each child's age and size. Parents often seek chiropractic care for concerns related to posture, after minor falls or sports injuries, or to support overall spinal health during growth spurts. Gentle approaches may also help with issues like colic or feeding difficulties in infants.

Colwood Chiropractic
652 - A Kelly Road
Victoria, BC V9B 2A5

Phone: (604) 491-1000

Dr. David Gusta is regulated by the Health Professions Act in BC and is a member of the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC).

Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC): https://find.bcchiro.com/code/find.php?doctor=10817

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.