5 Common Chiropractic Myths

There are many myths and misconceptions that exist surrounding chiropractic treatment. Many of these rumors stem from the fear of the unknown. If you’re considering chiropractic care, be sure to review these five common myths:

1) Chiropractic Treatment is Painful? 

One of the most common misconceptions about visiting a chiropractor is that it is painful. Many people who are in desperate need of a spinal adjustment may avidly avoid visiting a chiropractor out of fear they will be subjected to pain.

However, most patients that have received adjustments have reported quite the opposite. A spinal adjustment often results in relief, and is usually viewed as a very positive experience.

Sure there are some cases in which patients will feel discomfort during an alignment… There are always exceptions to anything.  A person with pre-existing back or neck pain, due to an injury or other diagnoses, may feel pressure during a chiropractic adjustment, which may cause them to be slightly uncomfortable and leave the visit feeling sore. However, this is an exception and should not deter people seeking out spinal adjustment treatment from visiting a chiropractor.

In most cases an adjustment leads to no discomfort or pain.

2) Not “Real Doctors”?

Some people fear that chiropractic professionals do not receive as much training and education as “real doctors”. Therefore, they feel safer getting treatment for their back and neck pain from a family doctor or other MD.

However, this myth is completely off-base. In fact, a degree in chiropractic requires 2,887 hours of class time, while a medical doctor requires just 2,756 hour of class time.

Chiropractors undergo rigorous training and education standards that are very similar to medical doctors. In total, chiropractors need 6-9 years of schooling and training before taking exams to receive their license.

And after receiving their licenses and practicing on their own, most states require that chiropractors take annual courses to further their knowledge and competency.

Medical doctors are generally taught that chronic conditions have no known cause, which may have a genetic or environmental component and should be treated by medication.  Chiropractic doctors have a different view point, which is more targeted to non-drug management of both acute and chronic conditions.

3) Chiropractic Treatment is Dangerous?

Another big misconception is the notion that chiropractic treatment is dangerous. Some people believe that instead of providing comfort and relief, chiropractic care will harm their spine and back, causing irreversible injury. But on the contrary, chiropractic care is often a safer option for treating and managing pain.

In 1993, the Ontario Ministry of Health stated that during their studies they found no evidence that chiropractic treatment was dangerous. They also found that it is safer than doctor-induced treatments of neck and back pain.

The only cases in which chiropractic treatment is unsafe and outright dangerous is when it is performed by health care professionals who are not qualified chiropractic doctors.

4) Chiropractors Only Treat the Neck and Back?

Many people assume that chiropractic care only focuses on treatment of the neck and back. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Chiropractors specialize in improving joint function of the spine, as well as the neck, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, hands and feet.  We offer headache relief, care after auto accidents, sciatica pain relief, and aid during pregnancy.

Chiropractic care can also result in relief from migraines, ulcers, and dysmenorrhea. All of these conditions can be linked to trouble in the spine and nervous system.

These spinal abnormalities can be treated by trained chiropractors and provide a natural and virtually painless and safe way to cope

5) Chiropractors Won’t Cure Me?

One of the biggest things stopping some people from visiting the chiropractor is that there is no easy fix or solution to back and neck problems.

Chiropractors cannot offer you one treatment to cure a spinal condition… But there are not many other health care professionals that do, either.

If the thought of having to consistently keep up with chiropractic visits deters you from getting spinal treatment, you are doing your body a great disservice.

Just as we make visits to the doctor for checkups to make sure we are healthy and not at risk for anything, regularly seeing your chiropractor will help ensure the health and comfort of your spine.

Thus, it is wise to make planned visits with a chiropractor throughout the year to check up on the state of your spine. This preventative measure will keep you from being blindsided by a back issue that has escalated to a severe problem that will impair your life.

Final Thoughts

Most of the myths that arise about the chiropractic industry are based on archaic ideas and fears. At the end of the day, chiropractors are just as well trained and qualified to treat conditions as medical doctors are. Your spine is an important part of your body and should be given proper attention by trained chiropractors. So don’t let these silly myths prevent you from getting the care you and your body need.

And if you’re in the Wauwatosa area, be sure to call Dr. Corinne Kennedy to schedule your visit:)