Facts On 5 Common Chiropractic Myths

Originally posted on www.familychiroplus.com/facts-on-5-common-chiropractic-myths/

"As successful as chiropractic has become, there are still a lot of myths circulating among the general public. The fact is that many people still do not understand what chiropractors do.

As a patient, when you are making any medical decisions about any part of your body it is important that you have all the facts.

5 Common Chiropractic Myths

Myth #1.  Chiropractors are not real doctors. 

Fact. Chiropractors are licensed as health care providers in every U.S. state and dozens of countries around the world. While the competition for acceptance in chiropractic school is not as fierce as medical school, the chiropractic and medical school curricula are extremely rigorous and virtually identical.

A chiropractor has equally extensive education in basic human health sciences as any other doctor. The biggest difference between chiropractors and medical doctors is not in their level of education but in their method of treatment.

Myth #2. Once you start going to a chiropractor, you have to keep going for the rest of your life.

Fact. You only have to continue going to the chiropractor as long as you wish to maintain the health of your neuromusculoskeletal system. Although you can enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care, even if you receive care for a short time, the real benefits come into play when you make chiropractic care a part of your wellness lifestyle.

Many patients choose to get regular adjustments much like you might get a regular massage or visit the dentist.

Myth #3. People can give themselves an adjustment by “cracking” their neck or back.

Fact. Just as you wouldn’t perform surgery on yourself, it’s always the best to leave the adjustments of your back and neck to the professional chiropractor.

While some people can get their neck or back to “pop” this usually only affects the segments that are not the real problem and would be almost impossible to adjust oneself in a way or correct any subluxations.

Myth #4. Chiropractic manipulation is dangerous.

Fact. While it is true that no treatment or intervention is without risk, chiropractic manipulation is safe. Most of the time a spinal adjustment itself will not hurt at all. In fact, a great sense of relief is often experienced by the patient.

An adjustment will correct any misalignments in the spine thus relieving pressure on the joints and spinal nerves, creating space and relieving pain due to the pressure.

Myth #5. Chiropractors only treat back pain.

Fact. Chiropractors are commonly known to help patients with back problems but that is not all they do. During their education, every chiropractor learns how to administer clinical examinations and offer the proper diagnosis of the entire human body.

Chiropractors often diagnose problems unrelated to the spine, offer nutritional advice, and prescribe exercises to patients."