Chiropractic Myths & Facts
Myth: Chiropractic care is more expensive
Fact: Numerous research studies have demonstrated this not to be true. A study conducted in 2009, published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, demonstrated that when care was initiated by a Doctor of Chiropractic for patients experiencing low back pain, it was 20% less expensive than when initiated by an orthopedic, medical, or physical therapist.
Myth: Chiropractic care is not safe
Fact: Chiropractic care is less invasive than other medical interventions that increase risk for injury. Surgery and medical side effects are more dangerous than any of the non-invasive methods that Chiropractors prescribe, like a neck manipulation or spinal adjustment. Compare the risk of injury or deaths attributed to Tylenol and Ibuprofen for pain control each year and to the ultra-low risk of chiropractic care. The numbers show that chiropractic care should most definitely be a first choice if safety is a concern.
Myth: It is unsafe for children to get chiropractic care
Fact: Receiving Chiropractic care as a child is widely believed to be dangerous and not advisable. Research has shown that it is not only safe, but also recommended for infants and toddlers. This is due to the importance of proper spinal function during the formative years. Children are prone to injuries that can impact the functionality of their neck and back. Chiropractors adjust their method when working with children, ensuring that they are as gentle as possible.
Myth: Once you start you have to keep going
Fact: Many people are fearful of making commitments, particularly monetary ones, and no one wants to hear that once they see a chiropractor they will have to go for the rest of their lives. The chiropractor will develop a specific treatment plan after identifying what is causing your condition. This plan includes the number of sessions the chiropractor believes you will need to complete the care and improve your symptoms. Our clinics pride themselves on the fact that we do not pressure our patients to return when they are no longer experiencing pain. We do believe in the philosophy that well-functioning spinal health leads to improved overall health. If a patient chooses to return for non-pain, wellness, or maintenance care we are happy to work with the individual to achieve their personal health goals.
Myth: Adjustments hurt
Fact: When someone is experiencing back pain, the last thing they want to experience is worsened pain in the chiropractor’s office. Chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful, though there might be some brief discomfort. This has more to do with the condition you are presenting with than the actual adjustment. In a majority of cases, our patients feel relieved and comfortable after an adjustment.
Myth: The popping noise is bad for you
Fact: This falsehood stems from the noises that are made during adjustments (aka “cavitation”). This cavitation is not your bones cracking or grinding, but the release of gas bubbles between joints. When you pull on your knuckles you hear the same sound. The noise is from the pressure within the joint changing, not your bones being damaged.
Myth: You can just adjust yourself
Fact: Consider the information below about the advanced education doctors of chiropractic have to receive before being licensed. It is highly recommended you entrust your spinal health to a Doctor of Chiropractic. Simply twisting your back or neck yourself can result in instability by stressing joints that don’t need it. If you hear a noise when you pop your back at home, it does not mean you have achieved the same results as a carefully performed spinal adjustment at our office.
Myth: There is no proof it works
Fact: Since the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research was founded it has thoroughly shown through extensive research and studies that chiropractic is not only a health care philosophy or art, but now there is significant science to back up the benefits of manipulation.
Depending upon what type of research you are looking for, the following link is a good start to see how extensive the scientific benefit of Chiropractic care is, whether it be based upon cost effectiveness, patient satisfaction, or the neuro-electro-chemical effects of the spinal manipulation.