Chiropractic care is not an alternative treatment, but rather a working with the spine and musculoskeletal system in order to remove nerve interference and optimize nerve function. The person being cared for then can heal and overcome naturally as a result of improved alignment, strength and stability. Chiropractic care has been the subject of various myths and misconceptions as stated above. This blog aims to clear the air by addressing and debunking some of the most common misunderstandings about chiropractic care because it's so important to understand that you can never treat your way to health!
Misconception 1: Chiropractic Adjustments are Dangerous
Reality: Chiropractic adjustments are generally safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. Like any form of health care or treatments, there are risks involved, however, with chiropractic care these risks are relatively very low. The most common side effects are minor and short-lived and might include temporary discomfort in the area of adjustment. Serious complications, such as stroke or spinal injury, are exceedingly rare. It's like 1 out of 1,000,000 on the conservative side. The safety of chiropractic adjustments is supported by numerous studies and clinical trials.
Misconception 2: Chiropractors Aren't Real Doctors
Reality: Chiropractors are indeed real doctors in their field. They hold Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degrees from accredited institutions and are licensed practitioners. Their education includes extensive training in anatomy, physiology, neurology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation, among other areas, though it differs from traditional medical school training.
Misconception 3: Chiropractic Care is Only for Back Pain
Reality: While chiropractic care is widely recognized for its effectiveness in helping people suffering from back pain, its scope is much broader. Chiropractors work with the spine and nerve system, and since the nerve system controls and coordinates every bodily function, not only do we see other musculoskeletal issues improve, including neck pain, headaches, joint problems, and certain chronic pain conditions, we hear patients report improvements with their digestion, reproduction, sleep, mental health, etc. Chiropractors focus on the alignment and function of the spine to improve overall health and the full expression of life.
Misconception 4: Adjustments are Painful
Reality: Chiropractic adjustments usually do not cause pain. Patients may experience a shock as the adjustment is very quick, but this is generally not painful. Some individuals might experience mild soreness or aching after adjustments, similar to the sensations following a good workout. This discomfort typically fades within 24-48 hours. The reality is that change can be challenging but the focus is on improving function and the good news is that feeling follows function.
Misconception 5: Once You Start, You Can't Stop
Reality: The belief that once you start seeing a chiropractor, you must continue indefinitely is false. Chiropractors encourage personal responsibility! Many chiropractors offer care plans that are tailored to individual needs however the length of time someone chooses to benefit from chiropractic care is up to them. The goal of chiropractic care is to restore and maintain optimal neurological function and health care is about promoting long-term health and wellness, not just treating symptoms and/or sickness.
Misconception 6: Chiropractic Care is Expensive and Not Covered by Insurance
Reality: Chiropractic care is often comparable in cost to medical treatments and often more cost-effective in many cases. We pay for the medical treatments through exorbitantly high taxes and we pay for it in real life with side-effects from the treatment and continued degeneration because the underlying cause is not being corrected. Also, people with health insurance plans that cover chiropractic services are paying more through wage deductions for the insurance itself.
Chiropractors typically offer various options for payment to make their care more accessible. Chiropractic care, like any medical field, is surrounded by myths and misconceptions. It's essential to approach this form of care with a willingness to learn as most of what we've been taught about health is indoctrination from medical institutions that have a profit-driven motive to ensure people continually get sick. If you're considering chiropractic care, speak with a licensed chiropractor to discuss whether it's a suitable option for your health goals. Remember, debunking myths is the first step towards understanding and effectively utilizing any form of medical treatment.