Are chiropractors real doctors? Are chiropractic adjustments a myth? Chiropractic is stupid!
I once had a friend who told me that he didn’t believe in chiropractic adjustments or subluxation.
I asked why?
He claims there was no research for it from the medical community.
Now, as someone who has been seeing chiropractors since I was 12, this came as a shock!
While the discoveries of the intricacies of the human body are evolving faster than ever, chiropractic care has quickly established itself as a viable option in the health community, so, let’s look at the top six chiropractic myths to better inform us about this new branch of health care.
Myth 1: Not Enough Scientific Evidence
There are now a plethora of randomized controlled trials supporting chiropractic care. Overall, it has been observed that chiropractic care improves neck pain, back pain, and headache as well as relieving joint injuries (i.e. whiplash, carpal tunnel).
Myth 2: Chiropractors Aren’t Real Doctors
This is the farthest thing from the truth. Why are chiropractors doctors? Chiropractors take four years of pre-med undergraduate classes. They continue their higher education at an accredited chiropractic school for four years. During these years they must complete at least 4,200 hours of classroom, lab, and clinic experience.
Myth 3: Chiropractic Treatment is Dangerous
Is chiropractic safe? Much of chiropractic treatment is non-surgical and non-invasive, so, it has been deemed one of the safest treatments for all musculoskeletal pain. In fact, the American Chiropractic Association has conducted randomized-controlled trials that show that invasive surgeries for the neck and spine as well as anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin have higher risks reoccurring pain.
Myth 4: All They Do Is Crack Bones
Chiropractic treatment works by delivering localized and specific impulses into a muscle, joint, or nerve. So, while you can crack your own joints at home, you are not applying the same techniques that will help your body feel better and your adjustments hold longer. People love getting their bones cracked professionally.
Myth 5: Chiropractic Care Is Too Expensive
Hospital medical treatment is 50-70 times more expensive than chiropractic treatment. In fact, 80% of the cost is in diagnosis alone. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics details that patients who went to a chiropractor first found their bills to be 20% cheaper in the long run. Clients who see a chiropractor first are less likely to undergo spinal surgery and avoid the costs of the procedure. Not to mention, the time put into the rehabilitation process. For more information on chiropractic cost out of pocket go here.
Myth 6: Unsafe for Children
Is it safe to take a child to a chiropractor? Children are more susceptible to neck and back injuries due to their high levels of activity. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that most children experience 1,500 spine related traumas before they turn the age of five; chiropractic care can negate these long-lasting effects to their bodies and as such is highly recommended.
Chiropractic care set the foundation for my own life for a healthy and pain-free lifestyle. While everyone’s experience may not be exactly the same, I highly encourage everyone to start with a chiropractic appointment. The key to safety in pediatric chiropractic is education, says Supreet Shah DC, MS, CCSP. The human body is a marvelous creation and it is our job to keep it fit and happy to ensure that we live out our best life.
To get to the root cause of pain and discomfort, schedule an initial consultation, including a comprehensive evaluation and first treatment.
