Chiropractors have been treating millions of people worldwide for their lingering back pain, neck pain, and headaches for decades now.
But it wasn’t until the recent age of social media that the popularity of chiropractors skyrocketed.
Videos of chiropractors cracking necks and spines have surfaced online, and more chiropractic myths came with all that added buzz.
Seeing these videos of chiropractors looking like they’re about to break someone’s neck leads people to Googling, “Are chiropractors dangerous?”
Lo and behold, the answer is “no!”
Chiropractic care is one of the best things you can do for your spine health, and we’re here to debunk all the common myths about chiropractors so you won’t feel scared to see one!
Setting the Record Straight on Chiropractic Care
Myth #1: Chiropractors Are Not Real Doctors
Being a doctor isn’t just about the title or the attire. It’s about the level of study, the kind of knowledge you’ve got under your belt, and the responsibilities you take on to look after people’s health.
Chiropractors are doctors—just not the same type as your family physician. They’re called doctors of chiropractic, earning that title through 4 years of graduate-level education to learn all about bones, nerves, muscles, and ligaments.
After graduating, they must pass a rigorous board exam and earn a license—just like medical doctors.
Furthermore, even after all that studying and testing, chiropractic doctors are dedicated to continuous learning by taking courses and staying up-to-date with the latest in health care to keep their license fresh.
And if you’re still skeptical about their extensive training, both federal law and the Department of Health and Human Services officially recognize chiropractors as doctors—the ultimate stamp of approval!
Myth #2: Chiropractors Are Not Trusted by the Medical Community
It’s true that back in the day, there was a bit of a cold shoulder from the medical community towards chiropractors. They just didn’t get what chiropractic professionals were all about.
Fast-forwarding to the 80s, a massive legal showdown in Illinois determined that the American Medical Association was unfair to the chiropractic profession.
Nowadays, medical doctors often give a high-five to chiropractors, sending patients their way when they know it’s a musculoskeletal issue right up the chiropractor’s alley! And chiropractors do the same, referring patients to medical doctors when their healthcare expertise is needed.
Myth #3: Chiropractic Is All about Back Pain
Chiropractic care is a secret passageway to overall health, not just a quick fix for a sore back!
Other than back and neck pain, chiropractic medicine will also address:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Carpal tunnel
- High blood pressure
- Pregnancy-related discomfort
Myth #4: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Painful
Chiropractic adjustments may look painful because of all the cracking and popping noises. But the truth is, these sounds are no different than the sound you hear when you crack your knuckles!
Imagine you’ve got a soda bottle, and you twist the cap off. You hear that fizz and pop, right?
That’s approximately what happens during a chiropractic adjustment—the gas bubbles in the joints are released with a popping sound, which many patients find satisfying!
Myth #5: Chiropractic Techniques Cause Strokes
When we hear “stroke,” we automatically think of the brain and the nervous system.
Since chiropractors work with the spine—a big part of the nervous system—some have correlated chiropractic treatments to stroke incidents.
But the science says otherwise.
Numerous peer-reviewed studies have disproved—time and time again—the link between chiropractic care and stroke.
All the stroke incidents following spine manipulations were caused by previous injuries, whose pain the patients were seeking to alleviate through chiropractic treatment.
Myth #6: Chiropractic Care Always Requires X-Rays
Not all chiropractic visits involve X-rays. Period.
If you’ve got a simple problem, like your back being out of whack because you slept funny, an adjustment is all your chiropractor needs to sort out your discomfort.
Indeed, X-rays allow chiropractors to see your musculoskeletal system up close. However, not all issues stem from the bones—something X-rays won’t show!
While some chiropractors perform X-rays during your first visit to get the complete picture of your spine, it’s not a must-do for every patient or problem.
Myth #7: Chiropractic Treatment Requires Permanent Care
Chiropractic care isn’t some trap ensnaring you forever and ever.
Instead, it’s about putting a tailored treatment plan in place.
Some patients require several visits to tackle a tricky back issue. In contrast, others are good to go after a quick spinal adjustment!
Once they’ve done their job, your chiropractor will teach you how to care for your back with exercise routines and healthy habits. Their guidance will empower you to preserve your proper posture!
Indeed, some patients regularly see their chiropractor to keep their spine health in tip-top shape. However, that’s a personal choice, not a must-do.
Myth #8: Chiropractic Care Only Applies to Adults
Chiropractic care isn’t just for adults—it’s for everyone, kids included!
Kids can get sore from a playground tumble or carrying a heavy backpack. And just like adults, they have a nervous system that needs to stay in tip-top shape to keep them being their bouncy, jumpy, playful selves without any aches or pains getting in the way.
The wonders of chiropractic care also work on infants. Colic symptoms, ear infections, and acid reflux are but a handful of the issues chiropractic techniques are more than able to address!
Myth #9: Chiropractic Care Is Expensive
Some of us hear the word “chiropractor” and immediately think dollar signs.
But here’s the real scoop: chiropractic care is not as costly as you think!
Chiropractors are all teaching your body how to better take care of itself better. Their goal is to boost your musculoskeletal health so much that you don’t need to come back all the time. Plus, they empower their patients with tips on how to stay well, like DIY stretches and exercises!
Furthermore, plenty of insurance plans cover chiropractic visits. And even if your insurance doesn’t cover it, many chiropractors offer payment plans to ensure the cost-effectiveness of your chiropractic care!
Patients without insurance can expect a $175 fee for the initial visit (including an overall health consultation) and $66 for every follow-up treatment session!
Myth #10: You Don’t Need a Chiropractor for Chiropractic Care
You’ve probably seen people twist their neck or back until they hear a loud pop and say, “I just gave myself a chiropractic adjustment!”
But before drawing any conclusions, the answer is no: that’s not how chiropractic care works.
Chiropractic professionals don’t just randomly twist you like a Rubik’s Cube—they have a plan and know how to adjust your body safely.
Also, when a part of your body is sore or stiff, and you feel like you need to pop it, it’s usually a sign that something’s not quite right. A chiropractor can figure out the source of the discomfort and help fix it. But trying to fix it yourself amounts to taking a shot in the dark without solving the real problem!
So, while it might be tempting to try and adjust yourself, it’s not the safest idea.
Myth #11: Chiropractors May Only See Referred Patients
Like visiting a dentist for a toothache, you can see a chiropractor if your back’s bugging you or you want to keep your body in tip-top shape.
All you need to do is pick up the phone, make a call, and book an appointment with your chiropractor.
No need to get a note from primary care physicians first!
Myth #12: You Should Only See a Chiropractor When You’re in Pain
Chiropractic care isn’t just about crying “uncle!” when you’re hurting; it’s also about keeping your body running smoothly.
Regular chiropractic visits are akin to a supportive coach who makes sure you’re moving right, standing tall, and not putting too much pressure on any one spot. They also help keep your spine—your body’s information highway—in line.
When the spine is in optimal shape, messages from your brain zip down your spinal cord and out to your body without a hitch!
Plus, getting your back checked out even when not in pain may reveal tiny problems before they cause significant damage.
We’re Looking Forward to Helping You at Our NJ Chiropractic Offices!
At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, under the leadership of Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care in a comfortable, healing atmosphere.
Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on debunking common chiropractic myths!
References
- “5 Universal Myths about Chiropractic Medicine.” National University Of Health Sciences, 17 Jan. 2023, www.nuhs.edu/5-universal-myths-about-chiropractic-medicine/. Accessed 7 Nov. 2023.
- “Chiropractic Myths and Facts.” Keith Clinic, 14 June 2019, keithclinic.com/patient-health/chiropractic-care/chiropractic-myths-and-facts/. Accessed 7 Nov. 2023.
- “Chiropractic Myths and Facts.” Lake Health and Chiropractic – Chiropractor in Grove, OK, www.lakehealthandchiropractic.com/articles/dear_doctor_chiro/592927-chiropractic-myths-and-facts. Accessed 7 Nov. 2023.
- “Debunking the Top 9 Chiropractic Myths.” Northeast Spine and Sports Medicine, 23 Sept. 2022, www.northeastspineandsports.com/blog/debunking-the-top-9-chiropractic-myths/. Accessed 7 Nov. 2023.
- “Myths & Facts.” Pure Family Chiropractic, 8 May 2023, www.purefamilychiro.com/myths-and-facts/. Accessed 7 Nov. 2023.
