Debunking 5 Chiropractic Myths

You’ve heard the rumors about chiropractic care, so today we’re here to set some things straight and talk about what’s true, and debunk the most common chiropractic myths.

1. Once you start seeing a chiropractor you have to go forever.

Definitely not! Chiropractic care has three main effects:

1. 1. Reduce your pain and symptoms

2. 2. Stabilize and strengthen your spine to prevent future injuries or flare-ups

3. 3. Keep your nervous system in check, meaning it helps your body better respond to the stressors around it, optimizes your brain/ body communication, and overall improves the function of your body.

How often you go and how long you see a chiropractor for is up to YOU. If you just want your symptoms to go away, that might only take a few visits. But, if you are looking to implement a more holistic or wellness-based way of living into your lifestyle you may enjoy the effects of chiropractic long term.

So do you have to go forever? Nope! But, could you see benefits from seeing a chiropractor long-term? Absolutely!

2. Going to a chiropractor is expensive.

Ever heard the saying “the greatest wealth is health”?

When you think about how much it costs to go to the chiropractor, think about how much you’d spend to be healthy.

The cost of chiropractic care is typically on par with other physical medicines, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy. Chiropractic care is also shown to be significantly cheaper (and easier on your body) than surgery.

Most chiropractors work hard to keep their services at an affordable price. Check to see if your chiropractor might accept, HSA/ FSA, or offer payment plans to help you save money on your care.

Chiropractic care does come at a cost, but ask yourself where you value preserving your health to determine how expensive it really is.

3. Chiropractic care is only for adults.

It sure isn’t! Dr. Nicole has extra training in working with kids and babies because that’s how important chiropractic care for kids really is!

Just like anyone with teeth might see a dentist, anyone with a spine might benefit from seeing a chiropractor.

You might ask why kids would need to see a chiropractor since most kids don’t experience pain. Just like adults, you don’t have to be in pain to benefit from seeing a chiropractor. As mentioned above, chiropractic care helps the body adapt to the stresses around it better. So what stresses do kids have? More than you’d think.

• Was your child’s head or neck pulled on during delivery?
• Has your child fallen down while learning to stand or walk?
• Has your child fallen off their bike?
• Does your child wear their backpack hanging low or on one shoulder?
• Does your child’s diet have a lot of processed foods in it?

These are just a few examples of things that can cause stress in one way or another that the body and nervous system has to adapt to. If you answered “YES” to the above questions, your child might benefit from seeing a chiropractor.

The goal of chiropractic care is to treat the cause and prevent pain/injury/illness from occurring. So what better time to start preventing these things than right now with your little ones?

4. If you don’t hear a “pop” the adjustment didn’t work.

There are thousands of techniques that can be used to adjust the spine. Some of them cause you to hear a “pop”, but others do not.

When you hear a popping sound, while you’re getting adjusted or even just moving around, it is the sound of air being released from the joint space.

A proper chiropractic adjustment puts motion back into a specific joint either manually (with the doctor’s hands), or with the assistance of an instrument. Depending on the method used and how much air is in the joint spaces, the adjustment may or may not have a “pop”.

So, next time you get adjusted don’t be fooled by the “pop”, or lack thereof!

5. Chiropractors aren’t real doctors.

There is a major misconception that chiropractors aren’t as qualified or have less education than other types of doctors.

In most cases, chiropractors spend 4 years studying to earn their undergraduate bachelors degree. That is then followed by a nearly 4 year program to earn their Doctorate of Chiropractic.

Different doctorate programs spend time focusing on different specialties. In chiropractic school, much of the education is about preventative health, adjusting the spine and extremities, and a philosophy of looking at the body as one. This differs from other doctorate programs, but the diversity in our learning and education is what makes having a chiropractor on your team so great!

Dr. Nicole earned her undergraduate degree in Nutrition at The Ohio State University followed by 4 years of studying at Logan University earning her Doctorate of Chiropractic and Masters of Sports Science and Rehabilitation degrees. Since graduating, Dr. Nicole has done hundreds of hours of continuing education in topics ranging from postpartum, prenatal, pediatric, and family chiropractic care in order to best treat her patients. You can read more about her education and experience here.