Millions of people seek treatment from the more than 70,000 chiropractors in America each year, according to the American Chiropractic Association.
Despite those lofty numbers, there remain some misconceptions among a few people about chiropractors and the care they provide.
Let’s look at – and dispel – some of the common myths. Learning the facts can help you feel more comfortable about chiropractic care and get you on a road to pain relief and wellness.
MYTH: Having An Adjustment Is Going To Hurt
FACTS: You may feel some discomfort occasionally during an adjustment, but they’re not typically painful. Just because you may hear popping and cracking sounds that often occur, those noises don’t indicate pain. It’s similar to the noise when you crack your knuckles – loud but not painful. In fact, after an adjustment, patients often feel relief from the pain they’re battling.
MYTH: Chiropractic Care is a Lifelong Commitment
FACTS: Every patient’s treatment plan varies, whether you’re seeing a chiropractor for a specific injury or as a preventative treatment after you’re healed. It all depends on your specific problem, your doctor and of course, you! Some patients only need a few visits; others battle chronic pain that lengthens the duration of their treatment.
MYTH: Chiropractic Treatment Is Only For Adults
FACTS: Treatment has been proven to be remarkably safe for children and infants. It can be an effective preventative technique to limit your child’s chances of spinal problems as they grow into adults. Also, many children who play sports – where injuries are common – turn to chiropractic care for treatment and prevention. Chiropractic care ranges from the very young to the elderly.
MYTH: You Only Need Care If You’ve Got a Bad Back
FACTS: Back pain is common and the leading reason most patients seek treatment, but chiropractors treat everything. Their goal is to develop your overall wellness. Chiropractic care can also help with neck pain, headaches, muscle pain, digestive issues, anxiety, sleep disorders, fatigue, and sciatica. A chiropractor also can give wellness and nutritional advice.
MYTH: Chiropractors Aren’t Real Doctors
FACTS: This myth isn’t as fervent as in previous years but is still floating around. A chiropractor must pass a board exam and earn a license, just as other doctors are required to. They must continue learning and training in order to keep their licenses updated. They’re products of a four-year doctoral program that includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical internship. Federal law and the Department of Health and Human Services recognize chiropractors as doctors.
If you have any questions about chiropractic care or would like to schedule an appointment, please call a Keith Clinic Estramonte Chiropractic location or request an appointment online today.