October is National Chiropractic Month, a time to emphasize and educate people about chiropractic care as one of the most widely used alternative methods of treatment in the United States.
But despite its growing popularity, many people don’t recognize it as a valid treatment option and continue to have questions about what kind of role it can and should have in their lives.
If you’ve ever wondered if chiropractic care is safe, scientific, then this is for you. Here are ten of the most common myths about chiropractic treatment - and we’re busting all of them!
Chiropractic Myths
1. Chiropractic Care is Expensive
If you sit down and compare the cost of a chiropractic adjustment and a visit to the doctor’s office, going to the chiropractor is actually cheaper.
Not only is it cheaper than a regular check up, chiropractic care helps you avoid paying for expensive, long-term and invasive treatments like medication, surgery, and intensive physical therapy.
2. Chiropractic Care is Dangerous
Because so much of chiropractic care is rooted in the neck and spine, many people believe chiropractic care can cause more harm than good and prefer the word and practice of medical doctors.
Not only is chiropractic care less dangerous than surgery and medical side effects, it’s also been proven that more people have a higher risk for serious side effects and death from invasive surgeries and drugs like aspirin.
3. Chiropractic Care is Unsafe for Children
One of the most widespread myths about chiropractic care is that it’s not safe for children.
Not only is chiropractic care completely safe for kids, it’s also proven that the younger a child can receive a chiropractic adjustment, the better for their growth and development. Ideally, a child will be adjusted when they are a baby, even right after their birth.
4. Chiropractors Aren’t Real Doctors
Another common misconception people have is that chiropractors are not only less qualified than medical doctors, but they aren’t real doctors at all.
Not only do chiropractors have to complete a four-year undergraduate degree, they also have to their doctorate (another 4 or 5 years of school) and pass State and National board certifications to get their licenses.
5. Chiropractic Adjustments are Painful
Many people go as far to call chiropractors “bonecrushers,” and the many videos on YouTube that display harsh adjustments and loud cracking don’t do anything to disprove that theory.
And although many children and adults get nervous at the thought of receiving a chiropractic adjustment, they shouldn’t. Many adults and children find the adjustments relax them and relieve tension. Chiropractors are experts when it comes to understanding the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems, as well as how to find and relieve any problems or misalignments.
6.Chiropractors Only Treat Back and Neck Pain
While the most common ailments that chiropractors treat are back and neck pain, there are a whole range of conditions, problems and injuries that chiropractors can fix.
For example, chiropractors see patients for: poor sleep, lack of energy, sciatica, migraines, arthritic pain, colic, constipation, reflux, spectrum disorders, and conditions like ADHD.
7. Chiropractic Adjustments are Bad For Your Bones
In all fairness, it’s hard to think that chiropractic care is actually good for your bones when you see videos of chiropractic adjustments that result in loud pops and cracks.
But any noises you do hear in a chiropractic adjustment are actually just the sounds of gas and fluid moving through your joints while you are stretched, like when you pop your knuckles!
Many chiropractors even avoid the specific movements that make loud cracks and pops, and opt for gentler stretches and movements that don’t emit any noises.
8. You Can’t Prove that Chiropractic Care Works
Many people believe that chiropractic care doesn’t work, especially if chiropractors use gentle methods and small adjustments on their patients, but is that really true?
A study published in the British Medical Journal reported that of the 183 with neck pain were randomly selected to receive chiropractic care, physiotherapy (exercise), and traditional practitioner care over 52 weeks, those who received chiropractic care recovered faster than those who received physiotherapy and general practitioner care.
9. Chiropractic Care Isn’t Scientific
Chiropractors and their methods are completely rooted in science. It’s been proven time and again that the nervous system controls and regulates the entire body and also lives in and around the spine.
When the spine becomes damaged or misaligned, the nervous system doesn’t function properly, which can result in countless aches, pains, and regular problems.
10. Once You Start Going to the Chiropractor, You Can Never Stop
Whoever created this myth definitely never went to see a chiropractor. The amount of chiropractic care you pursue is completely up to you.
While most chiropractors will create a targeted care plan that includes both a timeline and a recommended number of sessions that you need to complete your care and, it’s your choice for how long and often you go.
Mythbusting Chiropractic Care
If you’ve ever been reluctant to consider chiropractic care as a form of treatment, hopefully you’ll reconsider now that we’ve busted all the spooky myths and legends that get circulated about it.
Chiropractic isn’t just an effective form of care, it’s also less expensive and invasive compared to other treatment options.
Now that you know that truth about chiropractic care, think about where in your life you might need an adjustment.
Do you have trouble sleeping?
Maybe you suffer from chronic headaches?
Have you had ongoing back pain with no relief?
Even if you feel relatively healthy and injury-free, visiting a chiropractor can help you determine if you have any issues or misalignments that you may not even be aware of.
If you’re interested in getting a chiropractic evaluation and adjustment, contact Living Hope Chiropractic today!