6 Common Myths Surrounding Chiropractic Care

6 Common Chiropractic Myths

If you’re one of the millions of people who experience back and neck pain, you’ve likely considered getting chiropractic care. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions about chiropractic care that often prevent people from seeking care. This is most likely due to misinformation about how chiropractic care actually works, the methods that are utilized, and a lack of knowledge about the schooling that chiropractors go through to be able to practice. 

Here are 6 of the most common chiropractic myths and the truths behind them.​

Myth 1: Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain

While back pain is one of the most common problems chiropractors treat, the truth is that they treat a wide variety of conditions. A chiropractor takes many similar courses to traditional medical students including anatomy, neurology, pathology, and biochemistry. They know more about the human body than just the spine, but through their practice, they acknowledge the significance that spinal strength can play in overall wellbeing. The spine is connected to the nervous system, so pinched nerves and other issues can produce symptoms in other parts of the body. 

Here are just a few common conditions that can be neutralized by comprehensive chiropractic care:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Disc Problems
• Headaches and migraines
• Sports injuries
• Whiplash and collision injuries
• Sciatica
• Fibromyalgia
• Scoliosis
• Knee and ankle pain

Myth 2: Chiropractors Aren't As Educated As Physicians

As previously stated, not only do chiropractors take similar university courses when compared to traditional medical students, but they also are licensed and qualified graduates to serve as health care providers in the United States and other countries. Chiropractic school is rigorous and at the completion of the Doctor of Chiropractic degree, students must then pass a four-part national board exam to obtain their licenses. From there, chiropractors continue to attend regular seminars on the latest research and techniques.

​Myth 3: Chiropractic Costs A Lot Of Money

The truth is that chiropractic care is often less expensive than most other types of medical visits and the majority of health insurance plans cover chiropractic care expenses. Check with your insurance provider if chiropractic care is covered in your plan.

At Petrak Family Chiropractic Center,  we will sit down with you to go over all of the exact costs, examine your health benefits, and work with your insurance provider regarding the details of your coverage. You will be aware of every cost, at all times and any out-of-pocket cost will be discussed prior to treatment. We want our patients to be completely comfortable, and part of that means complete transparency when it comes to costs.

Myth 4: Chiropractic Adjustments are Dangerous or Painful

While all medical procedures have some degree of risk to them, the risks associated with chiropractic care are low as the procedures are less invasive than other forms of medicine. Chiropractic care is a natural form of medicine and is much safer than other types of pain management like painkillers or steroids. Most patients experience immediate pain relief following an adjustment. The most common side effect of chiropractic adjustments is soreness which is similar to the soreness you might experience from working out after a long break. Any soreness should resolve on its own within a few days.

During adjustments, “cracking” or “popping” sounds may be heard. The myth that chiropractic care is painful or dangerous stems from the belief that these sounds come from bones rubbing together. In actuality, these sounds come from air bubbles popping around the joints similar to when you crack your knuckles and are completely normal.

​Myth 5: Chiropractic Care is Only for Adults

Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for patients of all ages. In fact, chiropractic care for children can be especially effective as their bones and body grow to help reduce the number of spinal issues they have later in life. For children who are active in sports and other physical activities, chiropractic is an effective form of injury prevention and recovery.

​Myth 6: Chiropractic Care is a Lifetime Commitment

One of the biggest misconceptions about chiropractic is that, once you start chiropractic care, you need to keep going back for the rest of your life. The truth is that you are ultimately in control of when and how often you choose to get treatment. How often you visit the chiropractor will mostly depend on your overall spinal health. If you have severe spinal issues, your chiropractor may recommend regular check-ups. However, if you’re recovering from an injury, you may only require a certain number of adjustments before treatment is no longer needed.

At Petrak Family Chiropractic Center, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s targeted to your individual needs. Some patients may choose to have regular maintenance appointments because of chiropractic’s health benefits, but this is not a requirement.

Contact Us with Any Questions About Chiropractic Care

​These are just a few of the most common myths about chiropractic, but others still persist. Seeking any new kind of medical care can often cause concerns, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction. If you have any questions about chiropractic care, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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