Working in the Chiropractic world, we hear a lot of different stories and myths that are just plain not true! To set the record straight, here are some of the most common ones we hear, and why they are simply false.
1.) Chiropractic adjustments will be painful.
Specific chiropractic adjustments are relatively painless; moreover, Torque Release Technique (TRT) is a chiropractic adjustment technique that is ideal for patients who not only are adverse to the ‘popping, clicking, clacking‘ of a traditional adjustment, but also for patients who are in a high amount of pain and discomfort upon entering the office.
While some people may experience sensation or ‘soreness’ after some adjustments, it is simply the body making changes and movements towards ideal health. Think of it as similar to getting a good workout in!
2.) I can adjust my own back.
Some people love the cracking sound, and some people hate it. Either way, this sound simply does not mean one thing or another. When you are being adjusted, we are working off of the specific reading from your spine to offer an adjustment that is correct for your current condition.
Not all adjustments are doing the same thing, which is why is is so important to understand that ‘cracking’ does not equate to a chiropractic adjustment. In fact, if done improperly, it can be downright dangerous for you to ‘crack your back’ or have a friend do it for you. If possible, avoid doing it altogether, and leave it to the doctor to ensure your spine is being moved properly.
3.) Chiropractic is dangerous for children.
In fact, more and more families are starting to bringing their children into the chiropractic office for issues such as colic, acid reflux, ear infections, breastfeeding struggles, you name it!
Chiropractic is an amazing drug-free alternative that helps to strengthen the nervous system so that it can function as it was designed to.
In turn, it allows your body to function and heal the way it was designed – drug free.
Children as young as infants benefit from chiropractic adjustments as the simple effects from a stressful birth, fall or slip can severely move the spine out of alignment causing major complications down the road.
4.) Chiropractic is only good at pain management.
While chiropractic is well known for it’s benefits when it comes to pain, there is a plethora of other issues that chiropractic helps with as well. Here are some of the primary reasons we see patients in our office:
*Neurosensory disorders
*Numbness/tingliness
*Ear infections / dizziness
*Depression/anxiety
..Just to name a few!
*The reason chiropractic can help with so many symptoms is because it works with your nervous system to move your spine into proper alignment, allowing a non-disrupted medium for healing within your body. As your body knows how to heal a cut on your finger, it also innately knows how to heal other things that go wrong.
5.) Chiropractic care is expensive.
Proper chiropractic care has been shown to reduce the likelihood for spinal surgery, as well as, reliance on drugs and medicine. Looking at the long term benefits of chiropractic care, patients typically save money on medical bills by living a proactive lifestyle, eliminating issues before they get too serious.
Also, some insurance companies do cover chiropractic adjustments, but it really depends on the type of plan you have. Chiropractic care is an investment in your overall health throughout your life, and while it may seem more expensive than an over the counter pill, it could save you serious medical bills down the road.
6.) Chiropractors are not REAL doctors.
Your typical chiropractor will have to obtain a 4 year pre-medical undergraduate degree, followed by 4-5 years from an accredited Chiropractic school. During this time, they also need to complete hours of lab, clinical, and residency work within offices before they are approved to be a Doctor of Chiropractic. This experience alone empowers chiropractors to be a trusted doctor in the field; however, many go further to work with seasoned Doctors of Chiropractic to learn new techniques and gain hands on experience with patients. (Pardon the pun.)
It is not easy for someone to become a chiropractor, so rest assured that your doctor is experienced in his/her field.
**Of course, like any other profession, not all people will provide the same level of service and expertise.**
It is important to do your research before choosing which Doctor of Chiropractic is right for you and your family. It never hurts to ask around and seek out referrals. I always joke with our staff that we give more referrals in a week than we do adjustments.
