When it comes to researching chiropractic care, you may come upon a lot of misinformation. Despite its growing popularity and proven benefits, many people still spread outdated misconceptions, feeding into the lingering skepticism of this practice. Let’s clear the air and set the record straight by debunking the top 10 myths about chiropractic care.
Myth #1: Chiropractors Aren’t Real Doctors
While chiropractors don’t hold Doctor of Medicine degrees, they are licensed healthcare professionals who undergo extensive education and training. They need to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and complete significant pre-medical coursework before they can obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, which requires a minimum of four years of doctoral-level study, including classes on anatomy, physiology, and neurology. They also need to complete at least 4,200 hours of hands-on clinical experience.
Chiropractors are also expected to keep their education updated in order to keep their licensure.
Myth #2: Once You Start Going, You Have to Go Forever
While many patients choose to invest in regular chiropractic care for maintenance and wellness, it’s not a lifetime requirement in order to fix issues. Treatment plans are tailored to your specific needs, whether it’s short-term pain relief or long-term support, and aren’t designed to make you dependent on your treatment plan.
As your body becomes more properly aligned and your muscles get stronger, you can have fewer and fewer spinal adjustments later on.
Myth #3: Chiropractic Adjustments are Dangerous
Chiropractic care is a safe, drug-free, and non-invasive treatment for musculoskeletal issues. Complications are extremely rare, especially when performed by a licensed and experienced chiropractor. The risk of serious issues after treatment is about 1 in 1 million.
To ensure you feel completely comfortable, chiropractors will conduct thorough assessments to determine the right approach for your specific condition.
Myth #4: It’s Only for Back Pain
While chiropractors commonly treat back pain, they also help with many other musculoskeletal, nervous, and immune issues. Virginia Family Chiropractic provides treatment for:
- Scoliosis
- Herniated discs
- Poor posture
- Neck pain
- Headaches & Migraines
- Facial Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Numbness and tingling
- Fibromyalgia
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Arthritis
- TMJ Disorder
- Knee and hip pain
- Joint and shoulder pain
When you visit a chiropractor, you can experience improvements in overall health and function.
Myth #5: Chiropractic is Not Based on Science
Modern chiropractic care is grounded in evidence-based practices. Numerous studies support its effectiveness in treating lower back pain, tension headaches, as well as improving mobility in older adults. In fact, the American College of Physicians has recently included spinal manipulation in its clinical practice guidelines, as an essential treatment for acute and chronic low back pain. The World Health Organization also recognizes the effectiveness of chiropractic care.
Myth #6: Adjustments are Painful
Most patients report feeling relief or a sense of release after an adjustment. While you may experience some mild soreness afterward, the treatment itself is quick and relatively comfortable.
The popping sound, also known as cavitation, that you hear when someone is being adjusted, is a normal, non-painful occurrence. It happens when gas (mainly nitrogen and carbon dioxide) bubbles within the synovial fluid around joints collapse or burst. This fluid acts as a lubricant, allowing for smooth movement. It’s a sign of pressure changes not injury or damage and should never be cause for concern.
Myth #7: Chiropractors just “Crack Backs and Necks”
Chiropractic care involves a lot more than adjustments. It can include soft tissue manipulation (massage therapy), lifestyle counseling, exercise recommendations, nutrition guidance, and other holistic therapies designed to support your overall well-being. In addition to standard care, Virginia Chiropractic also offers laser therapy, trigger point injections, and shockwave therapy.
Myth #8: It’s Not Safe for Children or Seniors
Chiropractors are trained to work with people of all ages. Pediatric and geriatric care involves gentle, modified techniques suitable for each stage of life. Chiropractic care for children dates back to 1910, and today chiropractors can help with colic, acid reflux, and posture issues. For aging adults, adjustments can help increase mobility.
Myth #9: Chiropractic Can Cure Everything
While chiropractic care can help relieve pain, align your spine, strengthen your muscles, and support your overall health, it’s not a miracle cure for any condition or injury.
Myth #9: You Can Do the Adjustments Yourself
Cracking your knuckles, back, neck, or any other joint may provide temporary relief, but it won’t correct the underlying issue — and it could cause you harm. Safe and effective adjustments should only be performed by a trained chiropractor. They know how to find the spot that isn’t moving correctly and adjust it properly.
Don’t Trust Everything You Read and Hear
Don’t let outdated myths and skepticism keep you from experiencing the benefits of chiropractic care. Whether you want to manage chronic pain or improve mobility, or are just looking to boost your overall wellness, chiropractic treatment is a safe and effective option.