Chiropractic care helps treat various common illnesses that can affect people’s quality of life. These include nerve pain, muscle tightness, and back pain. However, for some reason, numerous myths have surrounded chiropractic care. Inaccurate information has dominated and passed around for many years.
You may have many questions regarding the practice. Is chiropractic care legit? How does chiropractic treatment work? Are chiropractors doctors?
This post aims to give clarity to the myths and misconceptions surrounding Canadian chiropractic care. When you understand just exactly how a chiropractor can help, you will be able to make an informed decision.
Myth #1: Chiropractors Are Quack Doctors
Both the neck and the spine are extremely delicate parts of the body. That’s why it is extremely important to find a healthcare provider with whom you can trust. Chiropractors are real doctors with extensive knowledge of the human body, especially the musculoskeletal system. To get a chiropractic degree, chiropractors need to have had at least 4200 hours of combined classroom, laboratory, and clinical training — that’s 4 years of pre-medical undergraduate education — and 4 to 5 years of study at an accredited chiropractic college. Some even receive additional specialty training, such as orthopedics or pediatrics to provide a wider range of patients with quality care and treat a variety of health conditions.
Myth #2: Chiropractic Adjustments are Dangerous
Unfortunately, many people believe that chiropractic care is ineffective and tends to be more dangerous than standard medical care. However, there are many studies stating that chiropractic therapy is less invasive than other medical treatments. Unlike surgery and pain medications, neck manipulation or spinal adjustment does not have adverse after-effects or the risk of sepsis-related complications.
Myth #3: Chiropractic Care Is Expensive
Many chiropractic patients have disagreed that getting chiropractic adjustment is a costly treatment. Many patients are relieved to know that most insurance providers cover chiropractic care. If not, you do not have to worry about the expenses as chiropractic treatment tends to cost less than medical treatment. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics showed that patients with low back pain who received chiropractic treatment paid 20% lesser than medical treatment. Chiropractic patients with spinal problems are less likely to undergo costly spinal surgery.
Myth #4: Chiropractic Care is Unsafe for Children
Chiropractic care is widely believed to be dangerous to children. However, this is not the case. Various studies claim that chiropractic treatment is not only safe but highly recommended for children since they are more active and susceptible to injuries that affect their neck and back. This is especially true if they actively engage in sports or spend long hours on electronic devices, which can cause spinal problems.
Chiropractors use gentle spinal or neck manipulation techniques when working on children. If you are unsure if chiropractic therapy is right for your child, consult a chiropractic professional.
Myth #5: Chiropractic Care Requires Lifelong Commitment
The chiropractor will examine your health condition by assessing your history and perform a physical examination to determine the cause of the problem. The diagnosis will help the chiropractor create a unique treatment plan for the patients, along with the number of initial visits to see how the patient will respond to the therapy and scheduled reassessments. The course of treatment depends on the current health condition of the patient. However, the decision to continue the treatment ultimately lies in the patient. It is also important that the patients do not hesitate to ask questions so the chiropractor can address their concerns and provide recommendations.
Myth #6: Chiropractic Adjustments are Painful
If you are struggling with a painful back, the last thing you want to experience is a worsened pain after receiving a chiropractic adjustment. A chiropractic adjustment is not painful if done properly. While some patients may feel a bit of discomfort, it is due to your present injury and not the adjustment itself. The discomfort will subside, and you will feel relieved after the session.
Myth #7: Chiropractors Require Referrals From Medical Doctors
Some new patients considered chiropractic care as their last option when other treatment options do not work. Many of them seek primary care from medical practitioners first and later switch to chiropractic care if symptoms persist. Chiropractors use the same techniques to assess the symptoms as other medical professionals.
If you are in pain, the physician will conduct a physical exam. If the exam does not yield clear results, the doctor will recommend other diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Although chiropractors use and follow the same approach, they are trained to treat the injury immediately. On the other hand, physicians and other medical professionals recommend prescription medications or refer patients to physiotherapy.
Myth #8: Chiropractic Care Is Only Effective for Back Pain
Chiropractors receive extensive training in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing health disorders stemming from the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems. In addition to the studies supporting the effectiveness of chiropractic therapy in treating musculoskeletal disorders related to the spine, there is also growing evidence that supports how chiropractic care helps manage extremities, headaches, and TMJ pain. After getting a diagnosis, the chiropractor will also recommend patients with lifestyle counselling about nutrition, fitness, and ergonomics that can help manage or prevent potential health problems. Chiropractic care is not all about having a healthy spine but also a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle.
Now that we have debunked the top misconceptions surrounding chiropractic care, we hope you will feel more comfortable looking for a chiropractor in your local area. Make sure to choose a reliable chiropractor with the right training and experience.
Fairway Chiropractic Centre has treated a variety of musculoskeletal disorders and helped patients get on the path of healing and recovery. Reclaim your quality of life now! Give us a call at (519) 748-5535 to book a chiropractic care session in our Kitchener office. Fill in our contact form and let us know how we can help you.
