10 Chiropractic Myths And Truths
#1. Not Very Many People Go To See A Chiropractor:Chiropractic is the 3rd largest primary health care profession in the western world next to Medicine and Dentistry.
#2. Chiropractic Doctors Are Not Real Doctors:
Doctors of Chiropractic and Doctors of Medicine take the same class load with a
few exceptions that you can see in the table to the right. Residencies are required by both degrees prior to graduation. These entail the student successfully completing several hundred clinical hours of “real” patient management in a clinical setting under professional supervision. Most Chiropractic colleges require students to partake in a clinical externship program which places them in actual chiropractic offices, which allows them to enhance their knowledge on clinical skills, as well as, how to run an office from all aspects. Both Doctors have to successfully complete National Board Exams prior to obtaining a license. Continuing education is then required to maintain a high level of competency and to stay up to date on the latest research and techniques for both Doctorate degrees.#3. Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain:
Back pain is what Chiropractors are known for, but the root of Chiropractic is much deeper than that. Chiropractors affect your spinal column, which in turn affects your nerves and tissues. This allows us to help your body heal itself so you can develop Wellness from Within. Some of the non soft tissue conditions we can help treat are: migraine headaches, ear infections, colic, ADD, sinus issues, common cold, dysmenorrhea (painful menses), ulcers and bowel complications, just to list a few.
#4. Spinal Adjustments Hurt:
People usually feel instant relief after a spinal adjustment. Patients tend to get off the table feeling more relaxed, higher energy, out of discomfort/pain . Patients that are in an acute pain level sometimes experience pain during the actual adjustment because any movement during the acute phase causes them pain, but after the treatment they usually feel relief and a decrease in the pain level.
#5. Spinal Adjustments Are Dangerous:
Chiropractic adjustments are safe when performed by a Doctor of Chiropractic, but can be dangerous when performed by another healthcare professional that is less trained in the area of expertise. It has been shown that Chiropractic adjustments are among the safest and most effective ways to treat back and neck pain. Conservative spinal manipulations should be pursued in most cases before considering drug and surgical intervention.
The result of injury following a chiropractic treatment is less than 0.01% according to medical studies. This compares with a much higher risk of invasive procedures involving injections, medications, and surgeries. Some people fear they will have a stroke if their neck is adjusted; the truth is there is no scientific evidence to show an increase risk of any serious event following a chiropractic adjustment. There are some who suggest that the chance of having a stroke after a spinal manipulation is about 1 in 1,000,000. This number has never been scientifically proven it is only estimated, but it shows that you have a better chance of being struck by lightening, being killed on a bicycle and dying from taking aspirin then by being seriously injured by chiropractic care.
#6. Cracking your Knuckles will give you Arthritis:
There was a study done to see if there was a correlation between one developing osteoarthrits and cracking their knuckles on their hands. The participants included 15 people who cracked their knuckles and 13 who did not crack their knuckles. Of the 15 that did crack their knuckles only 1 showed arthritic changes. On the contrary, 5 of the 13 who did not crack their knuckles showed that they had arthritic changes in their hands. This shows that joints receive a therapeutic effect from an adjustment. This is because the movement of the joint back into place allows the joint itself to get nourishment from the exchange of gases . It also allows the fluid and gases of the joint capsule to move and not stay stagnant, which also helps decrease the arthritic formation.
#7. Chiropractors Crack Your Bones:
A chiropractic adjustment is focused on mobilizing a specific joint that is fixated to restore normal function. This fixation affects your whole body through handicapping other joints, as well as, internal organs. The audible sound, which is sometimes heard during the adjustment, is the sound of Oxygen, Nitrogen and CO2 being released due to the opening of the joint space.
#8. Chiropractic Care Is Only For Adults:
Most insurance companies have Chiropractic coverage. Insurances are turning to more cost effective, preventative measures to help their clients stay healthy and prevent complications and serious health issues later in life. Most Chiropractors also offer a cash based price for those patients that do not have insurance or do not have insurance coverage for Chiropractic care. This is usually at an affordable cost so that you can keep yourself and your family healthy.
#10. You Will Have To Continue Chiropractic Care For The Rest Of Your Life:
Chiropractors promote preventative care to help their patients avoid pain, disease and sickness in their patients. After getting their patients out of acute pain, they usually recommend their patients return for checkups. This is equivalent to a dentist recommending checkups to help their patients prevent cavities and gum disease. The preventative approach in health care has been gaining large support in the medical community and with insurance because it has been proven to be cost and health effective in the long term. Chiropractic checkups are safe, convenient, quick and natural and prevent complicated problems in the future. Many patients see changes in their energy, immune function, sleep patterns and general well being with chiropractic care, but it always is your choice on how often you see your Chiropractor.
“Chiropractic adds years to your life and life to your years!”
I hope this answered any questions about Chiropractic you might have. If there are any questions or concerns that I have not addressed of yours please do not hesitate to contact me. I would love to help assist you in achieving Wellness from Within through Chiropractic Care, Active Release Technique and Nutritional Counseling.
In Health,
Dr. Katie Decker, D.C., MSEd Steadman Hawkins Clinic Denver Active Release Provider Live Well Health Coach Steadman Hawkins Clinic Denver twitter: @DrKDecker
“Wellness from Within!”
