Chiropractic Myths

“I've heard chiropractic wears out your joints.”
In fact, the reverse is true... Chiropractic care can help prevent joints from wearing out!

“Adjustments are dangerous and can cause a stroke”
Chiropractic has repeatedly been proven as an extremely safe form of healthcare. Unfortunately, political and emotional issues have clouded the true scientific discussion of actual and relative risks. Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are safer than many everyday activities and are far safer than common over-the-counter painkillers and other prescribed medications.

The truth is, there is no scientific evidence that there is an increased risk of ANY serious event following a chiropractic adjustment. There are some who suggest that the chance of having a stroke from a chiropractic adjustment is about 1 in 1,000,000. While this number has never been scientifically verified, only estimated, if it is even remotely accurate it indicates that you have a better chance of being struck by lightning, being killed on a bicycle, or dying from taking aspirin, than you have of being seriously injured by chiropractic.

Myth 4: “Chiropractic is only effective for back pain”
Some chiropractors choose to focus only on caring for people who have back pain. Vertebral subluxation often contributes to this condition and the available research indicates that chiropractic is one of the most effective approaches in helping people with spinal pain.

However, the benefits of chiropractic are much greater than just helping with pain. The wide- ranging detrimental effects of the vertebral subluxation manifest in a variety of health challenges and conditions.
The majority of chiropractors focus their practice on improving an individual's overall health by correcting all subluxations in the body, not just the ones associated with back pain or any other symptom.

Most subluxations have no associated symptoms as only a small percentage of nerves actually sense pain signals. Correcting these subluxations is still very important because they are a detriment to your health whenever they are present.

Chiropractic can have a major positive impact on ANYONE's health, from newborns to geriatrics. Reducing nerve interference allows the full expression of the body's inborn ability to repair and thrive, regardless of age, condition, or the presence or absence of symptoms or disease.

Myth 5: “Spinal adjustments are uncomfortable”
There are now many techniques available to adjust the spine - ranging from the classic dynamic thrust to very light forces or contacts, and can include table or instrument assisted delivery. Modern chiropractors utilise safe and effective procedures suitable to the patient's age, condition and comfort levels.

Most times a spinal adjustment itself will not hurt at all. In fact a great sense of relief will be experienced. On some occasions it may feel like someone is momentarily pressing on a bruise.

As your body adapts to your adjustments, you may experience some additional discomfort, similar to the sensation of tender muscles after starting an exercise program. Over time, as your nervous system integrates the effects of the adjustments, most people feel a continuing sense of ease. This is one reason many people make chiropractic the cornerstone of their wellness lifestyle.

Myth 6: “Chiropractic results are just a ‘placebo effect'”
This is a convenient claim made by critics who have chosen to overlook convincing evidence to the contrary.

The placebo effect depends on the power of suggestion. Yet chiropractic results have been enjoyed by newborns, infants, pets that have been hit by cars, and others for whom the power of suggestion isn't possible!

Plus, there are alterations to a patient's spine from chiropractic care. Many see dramatic changes when they compare X-ray views taken before and after a period of care. Other tests show improved range of motion and flexibility.

There's no question that the power of suggestion can be an important ally in the healing process. However, it can't begin to explain the millions of patients who have been helped with chiropractic care.

Myth 7: “Chiropractors are not real doctors”
So, is a chiropractor a real doctor? Absolutely! A real doctor with a unique purpose. What your doctor of chiropractic can offer, no other doctor can.

The public has come to think of a doctor as someone who prescribes pills or removes organs. Sadly, many people also think this is the best, or only, method of viable health care. The current aggressive medical system is now a major cause of morbidity and mortality in itself (1-4). The public needs to understand that there is more to healthcare than just drugs and surgery - much more.

Doctors of Chiropractic (DC's) graduate with an equally extensive education in basic human health sciences as any other doctor. How chiropractors differ is in their philosophy and application of the health sciences to help individuals maximise their health. Chiropractors are the spinal health care experts in the health care system with a focus on a conservative, drug-free approach to health and performance. In most countries a chiropractor is one of five health professionals legally entitled to use the title doctor.