6 Chiropractic Myths and Facts
Chiropractic care offers a drug-free and holistic approach to healing the body and has helped millions of people to live healthier and pain-free lives.
But, for as long as it has existed, chiropractic has been surrounded by misinformation and misconceptions. If you’ve heard about chiropractic care, you may have come across one or more of these myths below. We’re here today to set the record straight.
Myth No1: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Painful
Fact:
This is the most common of all the chiropractic myths.
Although your first adjustment may feel different to anything you’ve experienced before, chiropractic care is safe and effective, and many people report a positive experience after treatment.
If you’re feeling nervous about having your bones “cracked” then you can rest assured, that regardless of the nicknames chiropractors have been wrongly given, the last thing a chiropractor will ever do, is “crack your bones”. They are there to align your bones, not crack them. Not only that, your chiropractor will always answer any questions or concerns you might have, and they will never perform any adjustments that you do not feel comfortable with.
Myth No2: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Dangerous
Fact:
Another misunderstanding some people have around chiropractic is that it is dangerous. Chiropractic care carry’s minimal risk compared to other treatment methods such as surgery or long-term drug use.
Injures from chiropractic are extremally rare, and several studies like this one have been carried out to help prove that chiropractic is a safe and effective form of treatment. While a minority of patients may feel some muscle soreness or stiffness after an adjustment, this typically dissipates within a day or 2.
Myth No3: Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain
Fact:
This one has been lingering in the chiropractic field for several years and couldn’t be further from the truth. Many people around the world see chiropractors for a wide range of reasons, including:
- treatments for tension headaches
- prevention of migraine
- pregnancy care
- treatment of postural problems
- treatment of joint and muscle pain
- treatment of neck and hip pain and so much more
Many people choose chiropractic as a form of preventative care, so don’t think you have to wait until you are injured or in pain before you seek treatment. Going for regular adjustments can be an effective way of maintaining your spine health and posture, especially if you spend a lot of your time sitting down at a desk or you like to stay active with physical sports.
Myth No4: Chiropractic Care Involves Only Spinal Manipulation
Fact:
Chiropractic care is widely known for treating spine-related issues through spinal adjustments. What you might not know, is that this isn’t the only method or treatment style that chiropractors can implement.
Practitioners can use a range of techniques in conjunction with adjustments to assist the body’s healing process, based on your individual needs and requirements. These can include body massages, nerve stimulation, exercise-based therapy and stretching. Chiropractors can also offer lifestyle advice to patients to guide them in making necessary lifestyle changes.
Myth No5: Chiropractors Are Not ‘Real’ Doctors
Fact:
Chiropractic offers a different approach to conventional medicine, but that doesn’t mean the practitioners aren’t any less educated or trained. It’s a requirement for aspiring chiropractors to obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, which typically takes four years to complete.
Once qualified, every chiropractor is required to obtain a license from the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) before they are allowed to start practising. Many chiropractors will then go on to obtain certifications in chiropractic specialities, such as pregnancy care. These chiropractic programs are rigorous, with students obtaining deep knowledge about the human body and its systems.
Not only that but it is a requirement of the profession and the GCC (mentioned above) that chiropractors have to undertake and record at least 30 hours of continued professional development (CPD). So you can rest assured that your local UCA registered chiropractor is constantly learning to stay on top of current research and understanding of the human body.
When you visit your chiropractor, you can feel safe in the knowledge that you are in capable and well-trained hands.
Myth No6: Once You Initiate Chiropractic Care, You Have to Keep Going Back
Fact:
Many people choose to schedule regular chiropractic appointments as a form of preventative care, but you are by no means tied into the treatments. Once your initial pain or problem has been resolved, and your care plan has come to an end, you can of course choose to end your treatment there.
When you first see a chiropractor, they will evaluate your history, conduct an examination along with a series of thorough but non-invasive tests to fully understand your condition and needs. This will allow your chiropractor to devise a treatment plan specially tailored to your particular needs meaning the frequency of visits and the techniques used will vary, depending on your particular condition.
As your treatments progress and your spine health and alignment are improving, your chiropractor will likely recommend a reduced frequency of visits, and eventually, you may move to a maintenance plan.
Ultimately, while we recommend you listen to the advice of your chiropractor, the decision of when your care ends is wholly in your hands.
A New Perspective
There are several ways you can benefit from chiropractic care, and now that you have an honest and true insight into some of the chiropractic myths and truths, we hope you understand the practice a little better.
If you’re suffering from pain, dysfunction, or you would just like to improve your posture and overall health, then get in touch with your local UCA registered chiropractor and see if they can help you move towards a healthier, holistic approach to your health and life in general.