Five Chiropractic Myths Busted

Balanced • December 4, 2016

We’re not your average chiropractic clinic – with an integrated health and wellness approach , physical therapy, and lifestyle counseling offered as well – yet some popular misconceptions about chiropractic still rise to the surface. So, we thought it might be helpful to bust a few popular myths on the topic.

Chiropractic Myths Busted:

All they do is “crack” backs.
- While it is true spinal manipulation is a frequent part of care that a chiropractor provides, it isn’t the only thing we do. Chiropractors are spinal and musculoskeletal specialists, and diagnosis is our primary role. We identify your injury, and what caused it, and provide a clear plan on how to overcome it. In addition to manipulation, chiropractors also provide soft tissue treatments, physical therapy modalities, therapeutic exercises, nutrition counseling and lifestyle advice.
Chiropractic manipulation is dangerous.
- While it is true that no treatment or intervention is without risk, chiropractic manipulation is safe. The most common side effect is soreness. Another common misconception is that manipulation of the cervical region can cause a stroke. However, there has never been any scientific evidence demonstrating causation. Far more dangerous and common complications may come from the use of prescription and over the counter medications. Specially trained osteopaths and physical therapists also perform spinal manipulation – and we pay far less in malpractice premiums.
I will have to go forever.
- Not true. Most acute injuries will respond to a focused course of care. Some limited evidence shows that regular spinal manipulation decreases the risk of low back pain. So, many patients choose to get regular adjustments – like you might get a regular massage or visit the dentist.
Chiropractic care is expensive.
- Most insurance plans cover chiropractic care and even Medicare covers part of your care, which is good since patients are responsible for more and more out of pocket expenses with higher deductibles and copays than ever before. Chiropractic and physical therapy treatment plans are often far less expensive than traditional care, and we can more accurately diagnosis and treat your injury for less than the cost of a single MRI. Pain medication also comes with dangerous side effects, and only masks symptoms, while chiropractic care and physical therapy actually fix the problem.
Chiropractors only treat back pain.
- While chiropractors frequently specialize in low back pain, chiropractors treat most musculoskeletal injuries from work injuries, whiplash, headaches, to hip and knee pain. Some chiropractors specialize in sports injuries, as we do in our clinic, other in vestibular and balance dysfunction, chronic pain, peripheral neuropathies and so on.

At the end of the day, if you’re suffering from pain, a visit to a chiropractor may be just what the doctor ordered.

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