Do You Believe These 7 Chiropractic Care Myths?
Chiropractic care is a misunderstood healthcare profession that, despite being used by more than 35 million people across the US, is full of myths and misconceptions. What do 35 million people know about chiropractors that you don’t?
Let’s dig into the 7 biggest chiropractic care myths and uncover some truth.
Chiropractic Care Myth #1: Chiropractic Care is Not Safe
Many believe chiropractic care is not a safe alternative for relieving joint, neck, and spine pain and stiffness. When performed by a licensed, trained chiropractor, manipulation is safe and effective. In fact, it’s a far safer alternative than addictive pain medications, muscle relaxants, steroid injections, and surgeries.
Chiropractic Care Myth #2: Chiropractors are not “Real” Doctors
A common misconception is that chiropractors are not “real” doctors. The truth behind this chiropractic care myth may surprise you. Chiropractic care doctors not only complete rigorous training and educational requirements, but these requirements are as much as—or more than—medical students complete to achieve their licenses. Even after completing their educational curriculum, chiropractic care students must sit for state and national board exams and complete a real-world residency program focused on patient care in a clinical setting. In addition, some chiropractors complete studies in advanced nutrition and other specialties.
Chiropractic Care Myth #3: Chiropractic Care is Only for Back and Neck Pain
You may think a chiropractic visit is only necessary if you’re experiencing discomfort. This chiropractic care myth is simply untrue.
Chiropractic care encompasses so much more relieving than back and neck pain. In fact, you don’t need to be in pain to benefit from a chiropractor. Some surprising benefits of chiropractic care include:
- Reduced migraines and headaches
- Arthritis relief
- Boosted athletic performance
- Support for the immune system
- Improved breathing
- Better digestion
- Increased energy
- Mood boost and decrease in anxiety and depression levels
- Improved sleep
- Better balance
- Blood pressure control
Chiropractic care effectively supports many of your body’s systems because it focuses on restoring function and communication to your nervous system, improves posture to relieve pressure on your internal organs, relaxes you, and decreases reliance on opioids for pain relief.
Chiropractic Care Myth #3: Conventional Medical Providers Don’t Recommend Chiropractic Care
Contrary to this widely believed chiropractic care myth, traditional medicine recognizes chiropractors as a valuable asset to the medical field. Conventional medical providers understand the benefits of chiropractic care to patients suffering with pain, limited range of motion, and inflammation in the spine and joints. They recommend this treatment to get patients back on track after an accident or to relieve chronic pain and reduce reliance on opioids. Many hospitals have chiropractors on staff, and the practice is accepted as stand-alone treatment, complementary medicine for a treatment plan, or part of a more comprehensive physical therapy approach.
Chiropractic Care Myth #4: Spinal and Joint Manipulations are Painful
Many people fear seeing a chiropractor because they think the treatments will hurt. The opposite is true. Most patients experience relief during their visit because of the release of tension caused by a spinal misalignment. The “popping” sound heard during an adjustment isn’t bone against bone, as many believe. It is the sound of tiny gas bubbles released as the pressure changes within the joints.
Chiropractic Care Myth #5: Once You Start, You Can’t Stop
Many believe that once chiropractic care starts, it must be continued long-term. The truth is that most patients see improvements quickly but choose to continue care because of the benefits they see in their quality of life.
Chiropractic Care Myth #6: You Can Adjust Your Own Back, Neck, and Joints
There’s nothing worse to a chiropractor than hearing about do-it-yourself adjustments to the back, neck, and joints. Cracking your knuckles, twisting your neck, or having someone walk on your back are inefficient ways to relieve pressure and pain. The average person does not understand the process, and they can cause more damage to the joints surrounding the affected area. Gentle stretching is recommended, but more forceful techniques are risky. Leave the “back cracking” to the professionals!
Chiropractic Care Myth #7: All Chiropractors Are the Same
The diagnostics and therapies recommended by chiropractors can vary widely. The providers at The Highland Wellness Center in Highland Heights, Ohio, are focused on a functional medicine approach that seeks to uncover the root causes of medical conditions—such as chronic pain and arthritis. Many chiropractors seek to relieve the pain, but functional medicine looks deeper into discovering why the pain exists. Once the root cause is uncovered and addressed, pain, stiffness, and inflammation will resolve. The result is a holistic view of your health and comprehensive, customized treatment plans that bring lasting relief.
The Highland Wellness Center debunks the chiropractic care myth of one-size-fits-all treatments by offering acupuncture, massage therapy, and treatment through applied kinesiology. Discover why our patients love us and recommend us more than any other chiropractor in and around Highland Heights when you schedule your first appointment. Let us help you achieve the healthy, pain-free life you deserve.