Chiropractic Care: Myths and the Truth

Chiropractic appointments may seem mysterious to those who have never gone, but chiropractors are specially licensed medical professionals who perform manual manipulation of the musculoskeletal system to help promote healing within the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, the procedures performed by a chiropractor are safe and can help regulate lower-back problems, among other things.

Chiropractic profession demystified

There are many myths about what chiropractors do. To sort everything out, it is essential to debunk a few of the common myths about the practice.

Myth: Chiropractors are not trusted by doctors

The most perpetuated myth out there may be that medical doctors do not endorse chiropractic practices. Chiropractors do not go through the same type of school and training that medical doctors do, and therefore, some people think that that makes them inferior. In truth, many medical doctors promote chiropractic adjustment and methods to patients who will benefit most from it. With opioid addiction reaching record numbers, doctors may recommend that patients with chronic back and neck pain see chiropractors for treatment rather than prescribe them medication.

Myth: Chiropractors only treat back pain

Chiropractors treat much more than just back or neck problems. They also take on patients other than those who have suffered motor vehicle accidents or slip-and-fall accidents. The belief that chiropractors only treat those who are referred by attorneys or those who have spinal pain issues is false. In fact, chiropractors treat a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions and other ailments, including:

• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Fibromyalgia
• Immune health

Some conditions warrant several sessions of spinal manipulation, while others may only necessitate one. Consultation with a chiropractor can help patients determine what course of treatment will work best. A chiropractor will often work in cooperation with a medical doctor to ensure that the patient's needs are being met and that the two doctors are on the same page when it comes to medication and physical therapy.

Myth: Spinal adjustments are dangerous

People may believe that spinal manipulations and adjustments are dangerous. But the fact is that when they are performed by a duly licensed professional, adjustments can prove safer and more beneficial than other treatment options for the same condition. Certain ailments, such as chronic back pain, may typically be treated with surgery or powerful pain medication that can cause severe side effects, including the possibility of addiction. However, proper adjustment of the spinal cord through physical manipulation can relieve inflammation and the pain that goes along with chronic conditions. It is the lack of blood flow to these areas that can cause stiffness and pain.

Myth: Are chiropractic adjustments painful?

Chiropractic adjustments can be uncomfortable, but they usually do not cause any pain. Chiropractic adjustments involve precisely manipulating joints, and people often wrongly assume that they are painful due to the cracking and popping sounds that joints make when being manipulated. These noises are made by gas and air moving through the fluid in a person’s joints as a chiropractor stretches them out. It is the same reason that cracking the knuckles makes popping sounds.

Chiropractic adjustments do not often hurt, and they typically provide instant pain relief. Some people do feel discomfort as their joints are manipulated, but many people report it as a “feel good” type of pain, not unlike "popping" the back or cracking the knuckles. Some patients report feeling sore after getting chiropractic care, but that goes away within a few days. It is the same type of soreness that exercise causes.

Myth: Only adults can benefit from chiropractic care

Chiropractors can treat patients of all ages, and some even get additional training focused on treating children and babies. Studies conducted by the American Chiropractic Association show that chiropractic adjustments are safe for most children and infants. These studies show these adjustments can reduce the risk of spinal disorders in adulthood.

Chiropractic manipulation can also help with neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD. It reduces anxiety and stress while increasing energy. Chiropractic treatments help prevent injuries and promote the healing of existing injuries. Children are typically more active than adults, and these treatments can help keep them healthy enough to engage in their favorite activities. 

Conclusion

There is a great deal of misinformation out there about chiropractic practices. Taking the time to understand the methods utilized and the relief offered may benefit anyone who has a temporary or permanent condition. Contact us today to learn more.

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