Five Chiropractic Myths Busted

Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) sometimes get a bad rap when it comes to perceptions on the efficacy of the practice, with common myths playing culprit. Although, a 2015 study by the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information at the National Institutes of Health), found that generally DCs are regarded favorably and largely believe chiropractic to be safe. As the study respondents’’ likelihood to use a DC increased, the perceptions of effectiveness and trustworthiness also increased. Good news for our industry. However, there are still a few popular misconceptions about the profession.

While it is true that spinal manipulation is a frequent part of chiropractic care, it is not the only thing. DCs are spinal and musculoskeletal specialists.  In fact, our foremost provided care is diagnosis. Identifying your injury, and its underlying causes – while providing a clear path for how to overcome it – is paramount to the success of any recovery plan.  In addition to manipulation, chiropractors provide soft tissue treatments; physical therapy modalities; therapeutic exercises; nutrition counseling; and lifestyle advice.

No treatment or intervention comes completely without risk. However, chiropractic manipulation is safe with the most common side effect being soreness.  Additionally, specially trained osteopaths and physical therapists also perform spinal manipulation as part of their healthcare delivery. One common misconception on the dangers is that manipulation of the cervical region can cause a stroke.  However, no scientific evidence demonstrating causation has ever been put forward. In fact, far more dangerous and common complications stem from the use of prescription drugs and over the counter medications to treat chronic pain – resulting in DCs and PTs paying far less in malpractice premiums than their medical colleagues.

Not true. Most acute injuries will respond to a focused course of care. There is some evidence to demonstrate that regular spinal manipulation decreases the risk, and incidence, of low back pain. Many patients choose to get regular adjustments in much the same way that many people get regular massages.  Just as dentists recommend two visits a year, and PTs recommend monthly therapy, patients may elect to get regular adjustments.

Today, patients are responsible for more and more out-of-pocket expenses with higher deductibles and copays than ever before. However, most insurance plans cover chiropractic care and even Medicare covers in-part. Overall, chiropractic and physical therapy treatment plans are often far less expensive than beginning your treatment with a medical physician – whether with a family doctor or a specialist. Most chiropractors and physical therapists can accurately diagnose and treat your injury for less than the cost of a single MRI. Additionally, pain medication only masks symptoms while chiropractic care and physical therapy can fix the source of the underlying problem.

While chiropractors frequently specialize in low back pain, DCs treat most musculoskeletal injuries from work injuries, whiplash, and headaches, to hip and knee pain. Some chiropractors even specialize in sports injuries – as we do in this clinic – others in vestibular and balance dysfunction; chronic pain; peripheral neuropathies and so on.

But, if you are suffering from chronic pain and haven’t thought about chiropractic with physical therapy as a solution, give it a try. You may just find that that the myths aren’t all they are cracked up to be. In our clinic we provide integration with chiropractic and physical therapy helping our patients with lasting solutions. We focus on treating the patient and not the diagnosis.