Many people have spinal issues that require chiropractic care. You can benefit if you have neck, shoulder or back issues.
Chiropractors manipulate spinal areas to relieve pain and pressure. Many people respond positively to adjustments to manage their symptoms. These are myths about chiropractic care debunked.
Myth: Chiropractors Are Not Real Doctors
There is a myth that chiropractors are not real doctors, but they must meet educational and licensing requirements and uphold professional standards and regulations. Comparing chiropractic education to that of medical doctors brings understanding to this misconception.
Educational and Licensing Requirements for Chiropractors
According to the National University of Health Sciences, chiropractors must obtain education for their Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree and state licensure. Like doctors, they must also complete laboratory studies and clinical internships before practicing.
Comparing Chiropractic Education to Medical Education
According to the University of Bridgeport, chiropractors must meet clinical requirements to care for patients and obtain licenses. This involves studying anatomy, neurology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology before pursuing clinical science education. Like doctors, chiropractors must undergo a year-long internship and make rotations to complete their training and begin treating patients.
Professional Standards and Regulations
Chiropractors must abide by professional standards and regulations. According to the American Chiropractic Association, this means following the ACA Code of Ethics to maintain professionalism.
According to the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards, all health care professionals are regulated to ensure statewide professionalism. Regulations include obtaining scientific undergraduate education, graduating from an accredited chiropractic college, undergoing examinations and background investigations and understanding state laws.
Myth: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Dangerous
One of the most common myths is that chiropractic adjustments are dangerous. This is false based on techniques and methods used, risks and benefits of chiropractic care and safety records and studies.
Chiropractic Techniques and Methods
According to Medical News Today, there are over 130 different chiropractic techniques for easing pain and increasing range of motion. Examples include the activator, diversified, flexion distraction and Thompson drop-table methods. Techniques involve gentle or forceful hand manipulation of the joints, depending on the patient’s condition, and sometimes, specialized instruments are used.
Risks vs. Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care has both risks and benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment by someone not formally trained and unlicensed may be dangerous. Chiropractic is also risky in individuals with severe osteoporosis, spinal cancer, herniated disc, increased stroke risk or spinal compression.
According to Cleveland Clinic, chiropractic care has benefits. It can improve posture, relieve migraines, ease pain, increase range of motion, treat minor neck and spinal injuries and reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.
Safety Records and Studies
According to the American Chiropractic Association, studies show chiropractic care is safe and effective at relieving pain and decreasing the need for opioids. Research has also shown that adjustments alleviate chronic and acute low back pain and benefit those with cervicogenic headaches.
Myth: Chiropractic Care Is Only for Back Pain
Many believe chiropractic care is only for back pain. However, it also applies to head, neck and joint conditions, plays a role in overall wellness and preventative care and can be used for athletes and rehabilitation.
Applications for Head, Neck and Joint Conditions
Chiropractic care can treat migraines and neck-related headaches, arthritis and joint pain. It relieves neck and upper spine pain and improves mobility in patients with degenerative disc disease.
Role in Overall Wellness and Preventative Care
Proper alignment with chiropractic care can improve your immune system’s functionality and give you better protection from ailments. It can also promote better mental health.
Chiropractic Care for Athletes and Rehabilitation
Athletes who have chiropractic care see improvements in flexibility and reduced wear and tear-related musculoskeletal injuries. Chiropractic rehabilitation relieves chronic back pain, joint stiffness and range of motion. It’s a minimally invasive option compared to surgery.
Myth: Chiropractic Is Not Scientifically Valid
Some argue that chiropractic is not scientifically valid. Research and evidence supporting its efficacy, the integration of chiropractic care in conventional medicine and stories and testimonials from patients debunk this myth.
Research and Evidence Supporting Chiropractic Efficacy
Research shows that chiropractic care is effective for back, neck and shoulder pain. It can also treat musculoskeletal ailments, migraines and sports injuries.
Integration of Chiropractic Care in Conventional Medicine
Chiropractic care is sometimes incorporated into conventional medicine. This is especially true in treating spinal conditions and osteoarthritis.
Stories and Testimonials from Patients
Most patients positively view chiropractic care. Stories and testimonials often note improvements in back or neck pain, headaches and even sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Any Scientific Evidence That Chiropractic Works?
Many scientific journals highlight evidence of chiropractic effectiveness. Studies show it can treat back and neck pain, spinal conditions and headaches.
Why Do Doctors Discourage Chiropractors?
Doctors discourage chiropractors because their treatment approaches differ from traditional medicine.
Does Chiropractic Have Any Actual Benefits?
It eases back, neck and shoulder pain, migraines and osteoarthritis symptoms.
What Is a Red Flag in Chiropractic?
It’s a sign that it can counteract with certain conditions. For example, people with high stroke risk, severe osteoporosis and spinal cancer are poor candidates for chiropractic care
