Chiropractic Care Myths vs. Facts: Everything You Need to Know
Unfortunately, there are still several common myths about chiropractors floating around out there, and they can make people nervous to seek chiropractic care.
In reality, chiropractic care can offer many health benefits and can do so without the use of prescription drugs and their respective side effects. Don’t let misinformation keep you from reaping the benefits of chiropractic care.
Chiropractic treatment can be a major turning point for those suffering from chronic pain. And a treatment plan that includes chiropractic services can help patients rediscover pain-free living without the use of painkillers. If you’re worried about spinal manipulation or even the cost of chiropractic treatment, let us clear away some of your misconceptions.
Debunking Chiropractic Myths
Most sources date chiropractic care back to the 1890s, and even though this particular form of treatment has been around for more than 100 years, it still faces some skepticism.
But, with the rise in painkiller addiction and the long-term health impact of drugs’ side effects, chiropractic treatment’s popularity has seen a major shift. Medical associations have begun looking for more holistic ways to treat illness and chronic pain, which, in turn, has led to a greater acceptance of the benefits of chiropractic care in the medical community.
However, the years of debate surrounding chiropractic care have left lingering misconceptions and misinformation that still color how people look at chiropractic treatment today. Let’s take a look at some of those common misconceptions and compare them to the reality of this highly effective treatment.
Myth #1: Chiropractors Aren’t Real Doctors
One of the most common myths about chiropractors is that they aren’t real doctors.
It is true that a chiropractor does not hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) title like general practitioners. But, this does not mean that chiropractors are not real doctors.
Instead, chiropractors earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. Obtaining a DC requires a similar course of study to other medical care doctors, but when chiropractic students enter into a Doctor of Chiropractic degree program, they begin to focus on the spine and other parts of the skeleton and muscle system.
Holding a DC rather than an MD does not mean that a doctor of chiropractic is not a real doctor – it just means that they are experts in their particular field rather than general medicine.
Myth #2: Chiropractic Treatment Is Only for Back Pain
Many think that you only need to go see a chiropractor if you already have low back pain or neck pain. This isn’t true. While spinal adjustment can certainly help relieve back pain, visiting a chiropractor can help with much more than that.
Chiropractors work with the nervous system, joints, and muscles. The nervous system is a large part of our overall wellness – it’s the main coordinator of the body. As a result, chiropractic care can help with many common conditions, including immune system issues, reaching far beyond just back pain.
Myth #3: You Need Referrals From Other Medical Doctors
Common misinformation leads people to believe that they can’t see a chiropractor until they are given a referral by their primary care provider.
This misinformation is completely false. You can contact chiropractic offices directly. Some insurances may have a referral requirement in order for visits to be covered, but most do not.
Myth #4: Chiropractic Treatment Is Expensive
Many think that chiropractic care isn’t something they can afford. However, chiropractic treatment is typically less expensive than general medical care. Spinal adjustments cost between $30 and $75, on average. And, most health insurance companies cover a portion of the cost of chiropractic care, making it a very cost-effective form of relief.
Myth #5: Chiropractic Treatment Isn’t Safe
For people who are unfamiliar with adjustments, there is a misconception that chiropractic care is dangerous. Some people think that it is painful, and that the popping sounds mean something bad (or that spinal manipulation isn’t safe).
Licensed chiropractors know how to apply the right pressure and force so that care is as pain free as possible – there’s very little to no discomfort when receiving actual chiropractic care from a professional. In fact, it can often provide immediate relief.
The truth is that chiropractic care can be far less dangerous than many other medical treatments, such as surgery or the use of prescription drugs.
Myth #6: Chiropractic Treatment is Only For Adults
A lot of people think that going to the chiropractor is for adult patients only and that manipulation is too dangerous for children.
This is false. There are many benefits of chiropractic care for children, too. In fact, pediatric chiropractic care can help improve children’s brain development and focus, along with promoting proper growth. In fact, you can begin taking your child to receive chiropractic services when they’re only a few months old.
Myth #7: Once You Start Chiropractic Adjustments, You Can’t Stop
Some believe that once they begin chiropractic care, they’ll need to continue getting treatment forever. The myth is that after you receive a spinal adjustment, your body will forget how to align itself without a chiropractor.
Again, this thought process is false. Unlike painkillers, chiropractic care doesn’t create a physical dependency to the treatment plan. It is true that new patients may feel relief after an initial treatment only for pain to return later, but the chiropractic treatment didn’t cause this pain. When your body is in proper alignment and the muscles adjust (and get stronger), the chiropractic treatment plan can lead to fewer and fewer spinal adjustments later on.
Fact: Chiropractic Care Can Help Chronic Pain and Illness
A treatment plan that includes chiropractic care can help alleviate chronic pain in the back, neck, and joints. It can also help with several other chronic conditions and lead to a better quality of life overall.
Visiting a chiropractor can also make a big difference with the following conditions:
- Depression
- Chronic Fatigue
- Migraines
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Asthma
- Insomnia
- High Blood Pressure
There are plenty of benefits to chiropractic care beyond just easing lower back and neck pain. Our nervous system is attached to all of our body’s wellness, so visiting a chiropractor can make a world of difference with overall well-being.
Meridian HealthCare Can Meet Your Chiropractic Needs
Meridian HealthCare takes your wellness seriously.
That’s why we have experienced, licensed chiropractors on staff. Chiropractic care is an important part of pain-free, prescription drug-free living. Don’t believe the chiropractic myths and misinformation. If you’re dealing with chronic pain or issues that haven’t responded to conventional treatment, there is hope. Reach out today and experience the benefits that chiropractic care can offer!
