Debunking Common Myths About Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a type of alternative medicine that focuses on the alignment of the spine. Do some people believe that chiropractic care can help treat a wide variety of health problems, but is it really all it's cracked up to be? In this post, we're going to debunk some common myths about chiropractic care. Stay tuned!
MYTH #1: CHIROPRACTORS are NOT REAL DOCTORS
Chiropractic is a regulated profession in Canada and is governed by provincially-legislated regulatory and licensing authorities. The College of Chiropractors in Ontario is responsible for ensuring that all chiropractic applicants in Ontario meet the registration requirements and issuing certificates of registration to those who have passed.
There are currently more than 9,000 licensed chiropractors. Before they could be granted a license to practice, all of them had completed rigorous academic and practical training. To become a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), you must fulfill national standardized education requirements.
All chiropractors are primary contact providers. If you believe you may need a chiropractor to treat your condition, you can visit them immediately for a diagnosis.
MYTH #2: CHIROPRACTORS TAKE CARE OF YOUR BACK ONLY
Chiropractic adjustments are primarily recommended for chronic or acute back pain (sprains, strains), but they can also provide many other benefits. Chiropractic treatment, when combined with physiotherapy or another medically proven method, can speed up the recovery of patients from injuries to their joints, bones, muscles, and connective tissues like cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
It can also serve as a preventive measure for future back problems such as sciatica, herniated discs, or cervicogenic headaches.
Chiropractic care can also address other problems, such as:
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues
- High blood pressure
- Low-quality sleep
- Anxiety and stress
- Pregnancy-related pain and discomfort
Although it is still controversial, strong evidence supports the claim that chiropractic improves your immune system.
However, you should not consider chiropractic treatment for broken bones, bone disease, infections, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, blood circulation issues, or infections that affect your nervous system.
MYTH #3: IT'S NOT SAFE for Adults. WHY IS IT PERFECT FOR KIDS?
The ability to treat everyone is a skill that chiropractors have, including the elderly and infants. Because it is a natural, safe procedure that promotes self-healing and quick healing, their spinal adjustments (the popping and cracking) have fewer risks. There is less evidence that chiropractic treatment can alter or worsen a serious condition than medications or surgery.
Some people are concerned about the possible connection between neck adjustments and stroke. This is mostly due to aggressive neck manipulation. Before consulting with a chiropractor to treat neck problems, it is best to consult your primary care physician.
Chiro has been shown to be safe for children and infants. In some cases, it can also help with anxiety and stress management. Children who play sports and are active may find chiropractic procedures safer than traditional injury prevention or treatment methods.
Before you go to a session with your chiro, you should speak up about safety concerns. This applies whether you are the one who is going or the parent of a child that needs it. You should consult your doctor or your child's pediatrician before considering chiropractic treatment.
MYTH #4: I CAN NOT AFFORD CHIROPRACTIC CARE
A chiropractor's initial assessment costs $88 to $150. In the event that you change providers, you are required to have a reassessment. Depending on the agreement you have with your provider, follow-up sessions can cost $50 to $150.
Although it is obvious that these prices are not cheap, the Canadian Chiropractic Association continues to support initiatives to make chiropractic care affordable for all. You can also look into public funding per province and extended health benefits as options for financing chiropractic care.
MYTH #5: NO PAIN, No GAIN
Many people believe that the crackling sounds heard during chiro sessions indicate pain. It's actually gas/air moving through your joints. Although chiropractic adjustments may feel uncomfortable at first, they will get easier over time, and your body will adapt. Some people find the crackling sound of their joints oddly satisfying.
It can be intimidating to go to the chiro for the first time. Your first visit to the chiro is like getting a massage. However, your chiro will be going over your pain points. They will ask about your pain and any medical conditions. All information will be reviewed and explained before the actual treatment so that you are ready for whatever may come. It's normal to feel some pain after a session.
MYTH # 6: ONCE YOU GET CRACKED, YOU HAVE TO GO BACK. FOREVER
Your relationship with your chiropractor is not one of marriage. You are not there for the rest of your life. This myth is based on the belief that routine care is required for most chiropractic treatments. It is understandable that a patient shouldn't visit a chiropractor for the first time. Most back and neck pain problems, especially chronic ones, will return and not disappear in one visit.
For chiropractic care for injuries, the patient may be assigned a number of adjustments depending on the severity and time it takes for the injured area to heal. The patient does not need to return once he or she has fully healed.
It is up to you how often you go to the chiro to get treatment. Your chiropractor can assess your condition, create a treatment plan, and then guide you through it.
Conclusion:
-Chiropractors only treat back pain. This is false; chiropractors can help with various issues such as migraines, neck pain, and even allergies. In fact, any issue that is caused by nerve interference can be treated by a chiropractor.
-Chiropractic care is expensive and not covered by insurance. While it may vary depending on your location and the services you need, chiropractic care can be relatively affordable. And in many cases, insurance will cover at least part of the cost.
-Chiropractors use dangerous treatments that could harm patients. This one is definitely false – chiropractors use gentle manipulations.