Top 10 Chiropractic Myths (Debunked)
There’s a lot of misinformation about chiropractic care.
Allow us to debunk the top 10 chiropractic myths.
Did you know that chiropractic treatment has been around since 1895? Yet, despite its 100-year-long history, there is still a shroud of mystery surrounding this holistic treatment option.
Some people fear pain, others think it’s a scam, and some even think that a chiropractor is just a quack with no education other than “cracking” bones.
These myths couldn’t be further from the truth! Read on as we debunk the top 10 chiropractic myths.
Myth #1. You Can Do It Yourself
Not only will it be ineffective, but any pain you’re experiencing could be worsened by attempting to “adjust” yourself.
You might hear the same cracking or popping when you try this method, but you will definitely not see the same results. Chiropractors are trained professionals who take care in applying the right force in the right direction, to ensure you walk out as pain free as can be.
Myth #2: It’s Not Safe
Not only is chiropractic care safe, but it is actually considered more safe and effective than other means of treatment.
Tylenol, for example, is a short-term pain remedy that can—in large quantities—cause liver damage. Prescription strength painkillers are even worse, with addictive side effects. And do we even need to talk about the risks associated with surgery?
On the other hand, chiropractic care is a gentle, natural, and holistic means to long-term pain relief.
Myth #3: Chiropractors Aren’t Real Doctors
While they don’t hold a medical degree (and can’t prescribe anything for your cold), chiropractors are doctors.
For a doctor of chiropractic degree, a chiropractor must undergo 4,200 hours of post-graduate education—roughly the same as the hours needed for medical school. Chiropractors take courses in anatomy, biology, imaging interpretation, and more in addition to their courses in chiropractic care.
Once they are finished with school, chiropractors must also be certified by a state licensing board.
Myth #4: I’ll Have To Keep Going Forever
Just because you’re adjusted once, it doesn’t mean you will need lifelong adjustments.
When you see your chiropractor, they will lay out a plan of care and explain to you that while it is in your best interest to follow the care plan, you’re not obligated to do so.
Your care plan will be unique to you because your needs will be different from everyone else. The chiropractor may recommend adjustments, massages, and homeopathic remedies.
At Oviedo Chiropractic, we will never recommend that you see us more than is absolutely necessary. Typically, patients see us every 3 weeks—nothing like the “three-times-a-week” you may have heard elsewhere.
Myth #5: It’s Costly
Most medical insurance companies actually have chiropractic care in their plans.
Make sure to call your personal insurance to see what they cover. Some will cover a few visits a year and others will cover more. Some offices will also have care plans for those who don’t have insurance.
At Oviedo Chiropractic, you’ll find that our self-pay options (for chiropractic and massage therapy) are extremely affordable. Discuss your situation with your chiropractor and you might be surprised at their prices.
Myth #6: Kids Don’t Need It
Chiropractic care can begin as young as infancy.
Children experience many injuries during childhood that can affect their spine, bones, and other areas. Chiropractors use different forces and different pressures for children, as their bodies are more fragile. They are more gentle with their technique as well.
Myth #7: My Bones Are Cracking
The pops and cracks you hear during an adjustment are not your bones cracking or rubbing together. (You actually have spongy discs in between your bones to prevent this from happening, as it’s extremely painful!)
The sounds you hear are actually pockets of air or gas within the synovial fluid that collapse (think of it as bubble wrap!) as a side effect of the adjustment. When a chiropractor adjusts the alignment of your joints, these pockets of air rapidly collapse and cause that distinct sound.
Myth #8: It’s Going To Hurt
A lot of people wonder if the treatment they receive from the chiropractor will hurt. However, if you’re thinking about going to the chiropractor, it’s probably because you’re already in pain!
You may experience some pain or discomfort during the adjustment, but remember, this technique is meant to relieve pain, not further it.
After your adjustment, you may also feel some mild muscle soreness (like how you feel after a good workout) but this should lessen after a few more visits.
Myth #9: It’s Just For My Back
Chiropractors are known for working with the spine, but chiropractic care branches out to many areas of the body.
If your chiropractor seems to be spending an inordinate amount of time on your spine to treat, say, your shoulder, remember that the nervous system (i.e. the spinal cord) stems directly from the spine.
Feel free to bring any type of pain to your chiropractor’s attention. The joints in your wrists, ankles, knees, and elbows (just to name a few) can be adjusted just like the vertebrae in your spine.
Myth #10: If I’m Not In Pain, I Shouldn’t Go
This couldn’t be further from the truth!
Most of us have our yearly checkups with our physicians or maintain counseling even when our mental health is in tip-top shape. The same goes for adjustments with your chiropractor.
Don’t wait to be in pain to see us. After your course of treatment is finished, make sure you see us regularly so we can help to stop pain before it starts.
Conclusion
A lot of our patients come to us with anxiety about adjustments and we are always happy to educate them and put them at ease.
Many times, they have been living in pain, with no help from traditional medical care. We take our time to explain everything to our patients and yes, even debunk common chiropractic myths for them.
You don’t have to live in pain and we are always here to help. Call us today to schedule your appointment and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
