In the age of the internet, there’s a lot of readily-accessible information out there about chiropractic care. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation, too, making it easy to get confused about what exactly chiropractic care entails and whether or not it’s right for you. If you want to know the truth about chiropractic care, keep reading to debunk some myths and shed light on the true benefits of chiropractic care.
Myth #1: Chiropractic Care is Painful
With all the videos of chiropractors popping people’s joints and cracking their backs that have been circulating around social media recently, it can be easy to assume that chiropractic care is painful. After all, some of the adjustments can look kind of intense, and the popping noises can be anxiety-inducing.
Despite how it may look, the truth is that chiropractic care actually relieves pain by using gentle, controlled techniques to realign the body’s musculoskeletal system. Any discomfort felt during the process should be minimal and only last for a short time.
Myth #2: Chiropractic Adjustments are Dangerous
One of the most common myths about chiropractic care is that it is dangerous. People love to circulate stories about how chiropractic adjustments can break people’s bones or dislocate their joints. If you’ve never had an adjustment, you might be wary of some of the equipment, tools, and techniques chiropractors use and may have a hard time trusting them to manipulate your body in such a hands-on way.
The truth is that chiropractors undergo rigorous training and education in order to perform safe, effective adjustments for their patients. Because chiropractic treatment is non-invasive and drug-free, it can actually be a safer alternative to other treatment options such as surgery or heavy medication, which can come with complications or negative side effects.
Myth #3: Once You Start, You Can’t Stop
Many people think that once you start receiving chiropractic care, you’ll have to keep going forever in order to achieve long-lasting results. In reality, the frequency and duration of chiropractic treatment depend on many different factors, including the end goals of treatment, the parts of the body affected, the patient’s overall health, and how the body responds to treatment.
In addition to providing chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors develop an individualized treatment plan that includes nutrition, at-home exercises, stretches, and lifestyle recommendations to empower patients to take control of their health. The ultimate goal of chiropractic care is to improve the patient’s life and provide long-term relief, not create dependency.
Myth #4: Chiropractors Aren’t Real Doctors
You’ve probably heard people talk about how chiropractors are not real doctors. However, just because they don’t practice traditional medicine doesn’t mean that they are not qualified medical professionals with extensive training.
In order to become a chiropractor, one must complete training similar to that of medical doctors, including a four-year doctoral program that covers nutrition, physiology, radiology, anatomy, and more. Like other healthcare providers, chiropractors are licensed and regulated to ensure they provide safe, effective care and meet high standards of quality and professionalism. As long as you choose a chiropractor with the proper training and education, you can be sure that your health is in good, capable hands.
Myth #5: Chiropractic Care is Only for Back Pain
Because chiropractic adjustments often focus on the spine, you may think that chiropractic care is only used to treat back pain. In reality, the scope of this treatment goes far beyond the back and extends to all parts of the body. Chiropractors can address many different musculoskeletal issues, including neck pain, headaches, sciatica, joint pain, sports injuries, and even conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Because the spinal cord sends signals to the brain and throughout the body, adjustments in the spine can affect any part of the body. Chiropractors are trained to know exactly how to manipulate the spine to achieve the desired results in other parts of the body, not just the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic care is known to relieve constipation, improve organ function, aid proper digestion, increase energy, improve quality of sleep, increase flexibility, and regulate heart rate and breathing.
The reality is that chiropractic care affects the whole body, and the ultimate goal of treatment is to improve patients’ lives by improving their overall health and well-being.
Improve Your Health With Care from Elevate Wellness
At Elevate Wellness Chiropractic, all our team members are highly qualified to provide chiropractic care and help improve your quality of life. If you want to discover for yourself the benefits of chiropractic care, schedule an appointment with us today!