Is chiropractic care safe? Can kids go to the chiropractor? If you’ve never been to a chiropractor before, you might have heard some sensational myths about it.
Whether you’re actively considering treatment or you’re just skeptical about claims that chiropractors are good for you, this list of chiropractic facts will address the most common myths you might believe.
1. Chiropractic Care Is Only for Treating Back Pain
While lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit the chiropractor, it’s far from the only condition we can treat. That’s because your spinal cord is the main hub of your central nervous system (CNS).
The CNS connects to a host of other body systems, including your vital organs. In addition to alleviating back pain, going to a chiropractor can help relieve pain and discomfort related to:
- Headaches
- Neurological function
- Pinched nerves
- Tight muscles
- Clogged sinuses
- Concussion recovery
- Stiff neck
Contact your local clinic for more specific information on the conditions we can treat.
2. Chiropractors Only Focus on Spinal Adjustments
You might think all we do is crack our patients’ backs. However, we also perform adjustments on other joints, including your wrists, hips, knees and more.
A patient’s treatment plan might also include:
- Soft tissue therapy: Using massage techniques, we can release some of the tension in your muscles and connective tissue (fascia).
- Joint bracing or taping: If you have an injury, we might brace or tape a joint to add extra support and speed up your recovery.
- Exercises and stretches: We might prescribe specific exercises and stretches to help you restore mobility and joint stability.
3. Chiropractic Care Isn’t Science-Based
Chiropractic care dates back to the late 19th century, when Daniel David Palmer founded the first chiropractic school. Since then, the field has expanded significantly with discoveries from qualified researchers and practitioners.
Chiropractors follow an evidence-based protocol to diagnose the issue you’re dealing with and develop an effective treatment plan. Here’s what our process at Thrive Chiropractic Group looks like:
- Day 1: We’ll meet with you to discuss your medical history, concerns and needs. We’ll also perform exams, such as imaging, if we need to gain additional insight into your condition.
- Day 2: After our team goes over your information, we’ll meet with you to review your condition and needs. You’ll receive a customized treatment plan and potentially an initial adjustment.
- Day 3: From this point forward, you’ll begin your treatment plan with routine adjustments and outside exercises to help improve mobility and eliminate pain in your problem areas.
4. Chiropractic Adjustments Are Dangerous
Understandably, many people wonder if chiropractors are safe — adjustments can be unnerving to people who have never gotten them before. In reality, chiropractic adjustments are safe when performed by a trained professional.
They’re also less risky than more invasive treatments like surgery and painkillers. Spinal adjustments and neck manipulations can help you avoid the long recovery and potential side effects that come with those more conventional treatments.
5. Chiropractors Aren’t “Real” Doctors
Chiropractic care is a legitimate treatment method, yet many people don’t consider chiropractors to be doctors. In reality, both chiropractors and medical doctors are highly trained health care professionals. They just hold different doctoral degrees.
Like medical students, chiropractic students typically take anywhere from three to five years to complete a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. They then must pass national and state exams to obtain a license in the state where they want to practice.
In addition to their chiropractic classes, students must take many of the same courses as doctors. Biology, anatomy and imaging interpretation are just a few examples.
6. Once You Go, You Can’t Stop
Another common myth that keeps people from seeking chiropractic treatment is the fear of becoming a lifelong patient.
After an exam and an initial adjustment, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan will include:
- Duration: Your chiropractor will determine how long your treatment plan will last, which may include the number of sessions you need or the number of months it will take.
- Frequency: While your plan might initially involve you coming in as often as three times per week, your appointments will gradually space out more as you progress through your treatment plan.
- Treatments: Your treatment plan might include massage, exercise and guided stretching to improve mobility and function.
While following this plan is the most effective way to get the treatment you need, you’re allowed to decline and do something else. And once you complete your treatment plan, you can come back every so often for maintenance care — what you feel comfortable with is 100% your call.
7. Chiropractic Care Is Only for Adults
Kids can benefit from chiropractic care just as much as adults can. During early development, kids are especially prone to injuries that can negatively impact their back and neck function later on in life. Bringing your children to a clinic early can help ensure their spines are healthy and pain-free throughout their formative years.
Children can begin receiving chiropractic care as young as infancy. The treatments are generally the same as the ones adults receive, but chiropractors will use gentler pressure during adjustments.
8. Chiropractic Care Is Only for Pain Relief
Some people only think to visit the chiropractor when they’re already in pain. But did you know chiropractic care can help you prevent conditions from developing further?
Preventive care is always more effective than treating an injury or illness after it appears. It’s why you visit your primary care provider for annual checkups and stay up to date on your vaccines — you maintain your health to reduce your chances of getting seriously sick.
Preventive chiropractic care is just like that, but for your spine and joints.
9. Chiropractors “Crack” Your Bones
While you might hear loud cracking or popping sounds during an adjustment, that noise doesn’t come from your bones. Instead, these noises happen due to cavitation, which is when trapped gas escapes the synovial fluid.
Your synovial fluid is a thick, clear liquid that lubricates all of your joints and ensures a smooth range of motion. When you move, gas bubbles can appear in that fluid and build pressure between the joints. Applying a precise force to those joints triggers cavitation, which pops the bubbles and relieves that internal pressure.
That’s what chiropractors do during an adjustment. The main difference is that a chiropractor has the knowledge and experience to safely release the pressure between your joints without causing injury.
Let Us Help You Thrive
Are chiropractors worth it? The answer truly depends on whether you believe chiropractic care will improve your quality of life. We hope this evidence helps you see how chiropractic care can help you feel better now and for years to come.
Whether you’re an athlete looking to optimize performance or prevent spinal issues from escalating, Thrive Chiropractic Group is here for you. We focus on long-term and preventive treatment to keep you feeling your best. Contact us today to book your appointment.