Chiropractic is an effective and safe treatment that reduces back pain, neck pain, joint pain, migraines, and many other ailments. Yet, despite its proven effectiveness, many misconceptions still surround chiropractic care.
For example, some people think that the cracking sound they hear during spinal manipulations indicates that their spines are being cracked or that the adjustment hurts. This isn’t true.
Myth 1: Chiropractors Aren’t Doctors
The term doctor tends to be reserved for those who are Doctor’s of Medicine (MD’s), but the truth is there are several medical professionals that hold the title of “doctor,” including doctors of osteopathic medicine, naturopathy, and chiropractors. These physicians are all trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions, injuries, and illnesses. They are also all licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery.
A lot of people have a hard time with the idea that chiropractors are doctors, but it’s important to realize that this myth is completely unfounded. In fact, a doctor of chiropractic receives more than 4,485 hours of classroom instruction, and is required to pass a national board exam before being allowed to practice. This is equivalent to the amount of classroom instruction that medical students receive, and is the same level of education as any other medical professional. In fact, there are different types of chiropractors such as an emergency chiropractor.
Another common misconception about chiropractors is that they aren’t safe, but this too is untrue. In fact, studies have shown that chiropractic treatment is up to 1000 times safer than taking Tylenol or ibuprofen and 10 times safer than spinal surgery! Furthermore, there are many factors that can affect the safety of chiropractic care, such as the quality of the chiropractor, the type of technique used, and the patient’s age and overall health.
Many people have heard that getting a chiropractic adjustment is going to be extremely painful, but this too is a complete myth. Although the initial adjustment may cause some brief discomfort, most patients report feeling relieved after their appointment. Additionally, the sounds that are sometimes heard during an adjustment are called cavitation, and are a similar sound to when you crack your knuckles.
It’s also a common misconception that once you start chiropractic care, you have to keep coming back indefinitely. However, just like physical therapy, once you’ve gotten your pain under control, you can come in for routine appointments to maintain your results and prevent relapse.
Chiropractic is also an effective treatment for a wide variety of aches and pains that are not related to the spine, such as musculoskeletal issues with the shoulders, knees, feet, and hips. It can even be used to treat infants and children, as well as pregnant women. In fact, chiropractic treatment during pregnancy has been proven to increase brain development and improve sleep in children.
Myth 2: Chiropractors Aren’t Safe
Chiropractic treatment focuses on spinal manipulation and adjustments. While these methods may feel uncomfortable at times, they are extremely safe when performed by licensed and trained chiropractors. In fact, they’re much safer than surgery or taking medication.
In addition to completing at least 8 years of higher education and passing extensive examinations, chiropractors undergo extensive training before becoming licensed practitioners. They take many of the same classes that medical students do, including anatomy, physiology, and pediatrics. This makes them highly qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat patients like any other doctor would.
During a spinal adjustment, the chiropractor may apply a mechanical thrust to your spine. This usually produces a popping sound. This is nothing to be concerned about, though. Rather, the sound is caused by gases inside of your spine being released when the joint is manually adjusted. The same principle applies to cracking your knuckles. However, unlike your knuckles, your spinal joints aren’t likely to dislocate or break.
Chiropractic can help relieve pain, improve posture, reduce depression, and ease symptoms associated with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. Additionally, it can help prevent injuries in athletes and increase overall wellness.
Chiropractors can also provide nutritional and wellness advice, allowing patients to lead healthier lives. As a result, it’s no surprise that chiropractic care has become the 3rd largest profession in the world.
Despite the many positive outcomes of chiropractic, there is still a stigma that surrounds it. However, it’s important to remember that many of these myths and misconceptions have their roots in misinformation and lack of experience with the practice. Educating yourself about chiropractic can help you determine if it is right for you and your family.
Myth 3: Chiropractors Aren’t Effective
Chiropractic is one of the most widely recognized and safest drug free treatments for not only back pain but a wide range of other health issues. Many other treatments such as drugs, surgery and invasive therapies come with higher risks. Getting regular adjustments not only relieves back and neck pain but prevents future issues by keeping the body in alignment.
While some medical doctors don’t approve of chiropractic care, most do. In fact, many doctors recommend chiropractic treatments as a way to speed up healing and reduce pain and discomfort. Some medical doctors even work with chiropractors to treat patients with chronic injuries and conditions.
The most common myth about chiropractic care is that it hurts. While some treatment may cause a brief moment of pain, it’s not due to the adjustment itself but rather from the pressure that’s being released. The popping sounds you’ve heard on TV are actually the nitrogen gasses in your spinal joints releasing as the pressure is eased. It’s the same thing that happens when you crack your knuckles.
There are numerous studies that prove the effectiveness of chiropractic treatments. For example, a study published in Spine found that chiropractic care was more effective than physical therapy and steroid injections for treating sciatic nerve pain. Another study conducted by the American College of Rheumatology found that chiropractic care reduced chronic neck and back pain more than other forms of treatment.
In addition, there are countless stories of people who have benefited from consistent chiropractic treatments. From professional athletes to individuals seeking to improve their overall quality of life, many people choose to get regular chiropractic adjustments.
If you’re interested in learning more about how chiropractic can help alleviate your pain, contact us today. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable chiropractors would be happy to discuss your options for pain relief. We understand that each patient has unique needs and will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that best suits your situation. We strive to create a comfortable environment that promotes healing and wellness, and we’re here for you when you need us.
Myth 4: Chiropractors Aren’t Licensed
There was a time not so long ago when medical doctors were still slandering chiropractic and saying that it wasn’t medicine. But today, the two professions work hand in hand and chiropractors are often recommended by medical doctors for treatment of musculoskeletal problems.
Many people are scared of going to the chiropractor because they’re worried that the spinal adjustments will hurt. This is a big misconception because, in reality, spinal manipulation doesn’t hurt for most patients. For some patients, however, there can be a brief moment of discomfort during an adjustment. This is because the pressure in the joints may change and the gas bubbles that were trapped inside release, which can cause a popping sound. It is similar to the sensation you experience when cracking your knuckles. The discomfort is short-lived, and the treatment actually relieves the patient’s pain.
If you’re nervous about experiencing pain during your spinal adjustment, ask your chiropractor to use adjunctive therapies during the visit. These include ultrasound, which uses sound waves to help reduce swelling, electrotherapy (which uses small electric pulses to stimulate muscles), and low-level laser therapy, which penetrates the tissues without creating heat. These techniques can reduce the stiffness and inflammation that cause pain.
One of the most persistent myths about chiropractic is that you have to go back for a long period of time, even after you’ve started feeling better. In fact, chiropractors usually recommend that you get adjusted on a regular basis to prevent further issues and maintain good health. This is no different than the way your doctor or dentist recommends you come in for routine visits, such as yearly physicals and mammograms.
Chiropractic is a unique form of medicine that focuses on manipulating the spine and other joints to treat illnesses. It was founded by Daniel David Palmer in 1895, who believed that disease stemmed from abnormal nerve signals caused by misalignments of the spinal cord and that chiropractic could cure most diseases by realigning the spine. Although chiropractors now utilize other methods, including soft tissue massage, exercise, and nutrition, spinal manipulation remains at the heart of the practice. Chiropractors spend a lot of time in school to learn the correct ways to adjust the body and treat various ailments.
