Myth #1: Chiropractic adjustments hurt

Chiropractic is generally painless. An adjustment  is delivered by a highly skilled doctor with years of training and a lot of clinical experience.   Many patients immediately feel relieved and relaxed after treatments.  In some cases a patient who has  been struggling with neck pain or  back pain for a long time or who has had a recent traumatic injury, may feel some discomfort during the initial  adjustment but it is rarely substantial enough to result in a true feeling of pain.    If a patient is in severe pain, as from an accident or injury, Dr. Alexander may advise other therapies, such as ice or ultrasound, to help reduce the pain first before beginning regular chiropractic treatment.

If at any time you do feel pain or discomfort, let Dr. Alexander know immediately.

Myth#2: Chiropractors “crack” your bones

Chiropractors do not “crack” you bones.  That myth comes from the popping sound that many people hear when they get adjusted.    A Chiropractic adjustment is actually the process of returning joints that have come out of place back into their proper position.  The movement of the joints can cause the release  of nitrous oxide that has built up inside the joint.  The release of this nitrous oxide is what causes the “popping” sound.  It is the same thing that happens when someone “cracks their knuckles”.

But you may ask, “If you crack your knuckles too much, won’t you get arthritis… (and so wont’ chiropractic adjustments do the same thing)?”

That  is absolutely FALSE.  Research has been done on the topic of early onset osteoarthritis and its link to chronic knuckle cracking and has actually found that knuckle cracking can cause a delay in the development of osteoarthritis*.  That’s not to say though that you should crack your knuckles every chance you get!  This article found that there were indeed injuries sustained through knuckle cracking by way of the person applying to much force to their finger causing sprains.

Chiropractic care actually helps significantly reduces the risk of developing osteoarthritis as it keeps improperly aligned joints from rubbing against each other.

*Chan PS. Steinberg DR and Bozentka, DJ.  Consequences of knuckle cracking: A report of two acute injuries. The American Journal of Orthopedics, 1999 May. Vol.41(5),949-50.

Myth #3:  Once I go to a Chiropractor I will have to keep going for the rest of my life

This is a common myth about Chiropractic.  I think the key phrase that scares people is “HAVE to keep going” as if Chiropractic becomes some sort of instant addiction.  There a many people who do continuing visiting their chiropractors throughout their life but that is because they ” CHOOSE to keep going”  Usually it is because once they experience how good they feel when their body is totally aligned, they want to maintain that healthy, positive feeling.  Most people who visit their chiropractor regularly do so only periodically when they feel the need or if they experience a new injury.

How long you continue Chiropractic care is totally in your control.  (Link here to the  section, “How long will I have to see a Chiropractor” for a more detailed description of the various treatment options.)

Myth #4: Chiropractors are not “real”  Doctors

Chiropractors actually go through very strict and demanding training and education. These courses are very similar to the ones taken by medical doctor, except for subjects like surgery and pharmacology. Chiropractors are required to study for 2 to 4 years first as an undergraduate, before completing 4 to 5 years of academic studies at a chiropractic college.

The qualified professionals are then well-equipped in subjects such as pathology, radiology, biomechanics, differential diagnosis, physiology, chiropractic adjusting techniques and other health concerns. There are also State and National Board Examinations to ensure qualification. Continuing education is required for all practitioners too.  Link here for the specific comparison between a chiropractic and medical doctors’ education.

Myth #5: Chiropractic is Dangerous

The truth is that chiropractic  adjustments, when performed by licensed chiropractors, are very safe.  Chiropractic manipulation is considered safer than other medical treatments of low-back pain and the most recent research (Neck Pain Task Force Report of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010, a study sanctioned by the United Nations and the World Health Organization) indicates neck manipulation is a safe and effective form of health care.

It is pretty much unanimously agreed that chiropractic treatment is safer than the risks associated with taking prescription pain killers, the risk of addiction to these medications, and most certainly the risks are dramatically less than surgery complications.

Chiropractic treatment is also considered as an initial option before taking strong drugs like steroids and antidepressants.

Often, chiropractic care is coupled with relaxation techniques and nutrition plans for a more effective result.

Myth #6: Chiropractic is Expensive

Chiropractic is considered to be both effective and cost-effective especially for the treatment of back and neck pain.  Just as in the risks of prescription pain killers and surgery can be dramatically higher than for chiropractic so too are the costs of these treatments compared to chiropractic.  When you factor in the costs of medical visits, extensive medical testing, and lost work compensation due to surgery ,the cost of chiropractic care is considerably less.

Chiropractic can be vastly more affordable compared to undergoing major medical interventions like surgery and getting on long term drug taking programs. Chiropractic care patients discovered that they have significantly reduced their expenses for inpatient visits, health care programs and medications.

Evaluation sessions are also quick and cheap. Patients may only need to visit their chiropractors a few times every year or so, depending on the development in the condition. Once patients have successfully gone through a treatment program, they will be given an option to continue being treated or to go for periodic visits.

Preventive programs are also available to help people get rid of back, spine and neck problems before major interventions are required.

Despite continued research efforts by health experts to unravel more about chiropractic care, there are still many who fail to understand aspects of this treatment method. Lack of information automatically results to the formation of myths and misconceptions.