Even though chiropractors perform one of the leading forms of preventative and conservative healthcare in the world, there are plenty of misconceptions surrounding chiropractic care. While some of the inaccurate information might be well-intentioned, in most cases, it does more harm than good.
Unfortunately, many myths surrounding chiropractic care prevent people from getting highly effective and conservative treatment for a variety of painful and debilitating physical issues. What’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to chiropractic treatment? Read on to learn some of the most widespread myths and the truths behind the fallacies.
Chiropractic Care Only Helps With Back Problems
Although chiropractors do perform spinal adjustments, that’s not the only thing they do! Visiting a chiropractor for regular treatment can also provide long-lasting relief for:
● Headaches
● Shin splints
● Tendonitis
● Frozen shoulder
● IT band syndrome
● Plantar fasciitis
● Nerve pain
● Sciatica
The list goes on, and on, and on. As a conservative treatment, chiropractic can help alleviate many common aches, pains, and mobility outside of the spine. Plus, chiropractic care is one of the best forms of preventative care available and can help keep the body functioning optimally by improving joint alignment, mobility, and systemic nerve function.
Chiropractors also specialize in several other forms of treatment aside from adjustments. Movement-based massage, Graston therapy, Kinesio taping, TENS therapy, and other alternative therapies can help improve or prevent a variety of physical problems.
You Can’t Get Chiropractic Treatments if You’ve Had Back Surgery
Chiropractic care is never a one-size-fits-all approach, which means that many people who’ve had back surgery can still see a chiropractor for ongoing treatment. If you’ve had surgery, it’s important to share your health history with your chiropractor, so he can develop a suitable treatment plan for your needs. If any part of your spine is unstable or modified in any way, a chiropractor can employ special techniques to ensure it receives the appropriate care.
It’s important to note that some people who’ve had back surgery shouldn’t get chiropractic care. But the only way to determine whether or not it’s safe is to get a comprehensive, in-office consultation.
Chiropractic Treatment Isn’t Appropriate for People Who Have Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis does not automatically bar anyone from seeing a chiropractor! Your unique needs and health history will determine whether chiropractic treatment is right for you. If it isn’t, a chiropractor can point you in the direction of other conservative therapies that may help you.
Chiropractic Adjustments Are Dangerous
Not so! No one has ever compiled definitive evidence that chiropractic care is less safe than any other treatment modality. Many studies have confirmed this. Here’s a verifiable fact you may not know: Studies have confirmed that taking over-the-counter pain medication can be up to 100 times riskier than seeing a chiropractor for back pain or neck pain.
Chiropractic Care Will Loosen Your Spinal Joints
Chiropractic adjustments do not make your spine loose! When you get an adjustment, your chiropractor is returning misaligned spinal vertebrae to their proper alignment. He’s not loosening up your joints or making them unstable. In fact, the opposite is true.
Properly aligned joints are far more stable than those that have moved out of position, which is why routine adjustments help the spine and surrounding tissues heal. Routine care can help improve your mobility and overall function since the nerves that supply every part of your body stem from your spine.
Science Doesn’t Support the Efficacy of Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractors provide evidence-based care, and yes, there is research to support the efficacy of this conservative treatment approach. If you’re curious, check out Evidence-Based Practice and Chiropractic Care from the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine.
Chiropractic Care Takes Too Long to Produce Appreciable Benefits
If you’re planning to see a chiropractor to address back pain, neck pain, an injury, or any other ailment, your timeframe for results will depend on a variety of factors. What’s causing the pain, the length of time you’ve been in pain, whether you adhere to your treatment plan, and other lifestyle factors all play into your results.
Many people notice a difference after a single treatment while others take a bit longer — every person is unique, as is their condition and response to treatment.
Get Comprehensive Chiropractic Care in Plymouth, MN
Whether you’re new to chiropractic treatment or looking for a new provider, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Bomberg Chiropractic in Plymouth, MN! We specialize in comprehensive chiropractic services for athletes, pregnant women, and desk workers, as well as auto accident and workers comp treatment services. Chiropractic adjustments, massage, Graston Technique, Kinesio taping, and TENS therapy are just a handful of our many services, and we develop highly individualized treatment plans for each patient we see.
To get started or learn more about how we can help you, feel free to call our office today at 763-450-1755 or schedule an appointment online. You can also send us a message with your info, and we’ll be in touch!