8 Common Myths Related to Chiropractic Treatment

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Millions of patients have benefitted from chiropractic treatment that provided a permanent solution to their chronic pain and suffering. Despite being so beneficial and having no side-effects, people still have apprehensions about the treatment because of widely circulating misconceptions regarding it. Numerous satisfied patients have only good things to say about chiropractic treatment, but the myths fail to go away. Because of this, a lot of people who can benefit from chiropractors are skeptical about visiting them. Some of the most prevalent myths about chiropractic treatment are going to be proven wrong in this article.

Myth 1: Chiropractors do not undergo certified training.

Due to the nature of chiropractic treatment, people regard chiropractic physicians as less trained compared to other doctors. People think that not only are they less qualified, but not even real doctors. This notion is nowhere near reality. Chiropractors have a complete four-year undergraduate degree along with a doctorate (another 4 to 5 years of school). In order to get their license, they have to pass State and National board certifications. They are authorized to use the title “doctor” similar to physicians, dentists, and other specialists.

Myth 2: They are not trusted by other doctors.

Back in the 1940s, a few physicians belonging to the American Medical Association (AMA) disapproved of chiropractic care and tried to eliminate the profession by portraying them as uneducated. Because of their efforts, there were misconceptions about chiropractors that persisted until the 1980s, when a lawsuit found AMA guilty of various conspiracies against chiropractic services. As of today, there is immense support among the medical community towards chiropractic care. The effectiveness of this treatment has been largely accepted by the medical society with many hospitals having chiropractors in their staff.

Myth 3: Chiropractic care is expensive.

If you compare the price of chiropractic treatment and regular medical treatment, you will find the former to be way cheaper. It saves you more money by letting you avoid paying for expensive medications and surgery. There is no need to be involved in long-term intensive physical therapy, as chiropractic care provides a less expensive and natural alternative to healing. A lot of chiropractic clinics accept most forms of insurance, giving you additional leverage towards reduced medical bills. It might only be expensive if you have to seek long-term treatment but that is only possible if your problem is acute.

Myth 4: Once you get this treatment, you have to keep going back.

When one visits any chiropractic clinic, a complete assessment is performed in which your current physical condition and history are considered. A diagnosis is obtained on the basis of these observations and a treatment plan is devised with complete input from the patient. The plan is set according to the requirements and goals of the patient and only recommends the number of visits that are absolutely essential considering the patient’s condition. The course of care may vary but the ultimate decision lies with the patient. Both the practitioner and the patient exercise a shared-decision making power in which the patient’s recovery is prioritized.

Myth 5: Chiropractic adjustments are painful.

Mostly, adjustment or joint manipulation do not hurt. Contrarily, a large number of patients report instant relief from pain. The cracking or the popping sound that is produced during the adjustment makes the patients nervous but does not produce any sensation of pain. The sound is believed to be generated by the release of the gas bubbles from the joint – similar to the sound produced when you crack your knuckles. Chiropractors are experts in understanding skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, and relieving the body from any problems or misalignments.

Myth 6: The treatment is only useful for people who are suffering from back pain.

There is no denying that chiropractic care is normally used to cure back and neck pain but there are multiple other conditions, problems, and injuries that can be fixed through it. Chiropractors can help patients who suffer from sleep problems, lack of energy, migraines, arthritic pain, constipation, colic, and spectrum disorders. They can also help in treating musculoskeletal pains in any part of the body. A lot of chiropractors also provide postural testing and help with exercise and nutritional advice.

Myth 7: Chiropractic care is only suitable for adults.

People fear that chiropractic care is unsafe for children but the practice in children dates back to as early as 1910. Because it is non-invasive, chiropractic treatments are safe and effective for plenty of ailments that are found in children. Chiropractic students are trained as proper physicians and work with other healthcare providers to find the best possible treatments for their young patients. Not only is it safe for children but it has also been proven that when a young child receives chiropractic adjustment, it is better for their growth and development.

Myth 8: The adjustments are not good for the health of your bones.

It is hard to think that chiropractic adjustments do any good to your bones when one views any videos. The loud pops and cracks are more scarier than soothing and may cause any person to freak out and give up on the idea of getting this treatment. In reality, the sounds are nothing but a release of gas from the joints. These adjustments are not at all dangerous but only serve as a safe alternative to other conventional pain management methods like anti-inflammatory medication, steroids, and surgery. The truth is that chiropractic treatment is less invasive as compared to other medical practices.

Conclusion

If you have been reluctant until now to seek chiropractic care for your problem, it may be time to consider this treatment. Always make sure to ask as many questions you have about your health and treatment plan. Act as a partner in your care and be fully involved in the treatment process. While it may not be a solution for all medical problems, it is considered to be a safe medical practice.

Find a chiropractor near you.

Sources


  1. https://www.torontoneckandbackpain.com/three-common-myths-about-chiropractic/
  2. https://www.murdoch.edu.au/news/series/series-articles/creating-healthy-futures/top-5-chiropractic-myths-busted
  3. https://chiropractic.ca/blog/the-top-6-common-myths-about-chiropractic-treatment/
  4. https://greenwoodchiro.com/blog/146388-10-common-myths-about-chiropractic-care

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Dr. Neil Boecking is a chiropractor and the founder and President of Pro-Care Medical Centers. He attended Texas Tech University and earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Parker College of Chiropractic, in Dallas, Texas. He also leads the chiropractic profession as the Secretary of the District 8 Texas Chiropractic Association.

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