Separating Chiropractic truths from Myths

Many people who have received chiropractic care health benefits have advocated for them to others. On the other hand, people who are skeptical about them have raised their concerns. Amidst this, many myths are circulating concerning chiropractic care. Are there any truths to those statements, or are they myths? In this article, we would discuss the myths and find out what the truth is.


Spinal adjustments hurt

One of the common statements that we get to hear a lot is that 'spinal adjustments hurt.' However, this is not true. Many patients with back pain have reported feeling instant relief post chiropractic care. On some occasions, patients with severe back or neck pain might have experienced certain degrees of discomfort during treatment for obvious reasons. But, they also have stated that post-treatment, they felt much better. Owing to the severity and causes of your pain, your spinal decompression chiropractor would determine your required number of treatment sessions. With each session, patients reported an improvement in their health.

Spinal adjustments are dangerous

When done by experienced and professional chiropractors, it is one of the safest treatments for patients with back or neck pain. As per a 1993 study commissioned by the Ontario Ministry of Health, no clinical or case-control study was found that displays or even indicate that spinal manipulation is unsafe for low back pain. At the same time, Pran Manga, Ph.D., the lead investigator of the study has warned that spinal adjustments otherwise performed by healthcare professionals that are not chiropractors are harmful. Therefore, you must ensure that you are seeking spinal manipulation from a licensed and experienced chiropractor only.

In this regard, it is important to mention that the Agency of Health Care Policy and Research or AHCPR of the U.S Department of Health & Human Services, has released clinical practice guidelines on December 8, 1994, regarding the management of acute lower back pain. They released these guidelines after studying the diagnostic and treatment methods for acute low back pain extensively. As per their study, one must pursue conservative treatment such as spinal manipulation, before considering seeking surgeries. Besides, the possibility of serious complications as a result of spinal manipulation is also rare. Additionally, they also don't recommend oral steroids or antidepressant medicines for patients with low back issues. Hence do not hesitate to seek spinal decompression therapy for chronic pain.  

Compared to Medical Doctors Chiropractic doctors lack education

It is another false statement. Similar to medical doctors, except for surgery and pharmacology, chiropractors also need to go through thorough training and education. An aspiring chiropractor needs to undergo 2-4 years of premed undergraduate studies before entering a chiropractic college. This period may vary based on the state one wishes to practice and the college they attended. Next, they should complete 4-5 academic years at a chiropractic college studying various health-related studies. These include

  • Anatomy
  • Pathology
  • Neurology
  • Physiology
  • Radiology
  • Bio-mechanics
  • Differential diagnosis
  • Chiropractic adjustive techniques
  • And many more

Before graduation, the future doctors of chiropractic also need to successfully spend hundreds of clinical hours under the supervision of a professional in pain management of actual patients in a clinical setting. Many chiropractic colleges also require their students to participate in clinical externship programs in real chiropractic offices to improve their skills.

After completing their graduation, the new doctors of chiropractic need to complete National and State Board examinations to obtain their license to practice chiropractic. If that is not enough, most of the states need the chiropractors to pursue annual continuing education to maintain a higher level of competency.

Chiropractic is not scientific

It is another myth. Chiropractors always aim to provide the safest and most efficient healing to their patients. For this, they have dedicated themselves to conduct scientific studies to improve diagnostic and treatment methods. In the past two decades, chiropractic health care has conducted scientific researches to prove the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care. Many studies are still being carried out, while medical doctors and government researchers in the U.S and many other countries have performed several studies in this regard.

One needs to continue chiropractic care for their remaining life

Most chiropractors encourage their patients to follow a preventative lifestyle to maintain their spinal health. This statement caused many people to believe that one needs to undergo chiropractic care throughout their life. In reality, what chiropractors meant is a little bit different. For instance, when dentists advise their patients for regular dental care, they mean that it would prevent future gum diseases and cavities risk. Similarly, regular chiropractic care can help patients take better care of their spinal health. Various factors such as injury or maintaining poor posture can cause misalignment of your spine. It further causes pain in the back, neck, shoulders, etc. Non-surgical spinal decompression helps in restoring the original alignment of the spine to relieve your pain. Hence, seek non-surgical spinal decompression treatment for pain and other discomfort caused due to spinal misalignment.

Chiropractic care is limited to treating back pain

This statement is also not true. Chiropractic care treats different types of disorders related to soft tissues and is not just limited to treating back and neck pain. It means that it treats issues related to the bones and joints in our ankles, knees, and shoulders.

Therefore, irrespective of the musculoskeletal injuries you experience, do not hesitate to seek chiropractic care to treat them.

Location: Dickson, TN, USA

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