Discover 8 Common Myths About Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a popular way to reduce pain and improve overall wellness. However, misconceptions about chiropractors can prevent people from getting the treatment they need.
Some people think chiropractors aren’t real doctors or that spinal manipulations are dangerous. But the truth is, chiropractors are highly qualified medical professionals who undergo rigorous education and training.
Chiropractors aren’t doctors
When people hear the word doctor, they generally assume it’s someone who has an M.D.—a medical degree earned through med school, an internship, and residency. However, the term doctor can also be used to refer to any licensed practitioner who diagnoses and treats illnesses or injuries within their realm of expertise. Chiropractors are doctors, and they have a lot of training in treating neck pain and other ailments.
Chiropractors can be trained in a variety of methods to help with pain relief, such as posture corrections, soft tissue therapy, kinesio taping, and massages. They can also perform joint bracing, heat or cold treatment, and nutritional counseling.
While some patients seek chiropractic care to prevent back pain, others get treatment to relieve symptoms like headaches and joint pain. Regardless of the goal, chiropractors are trained to treat each patient as an individual, and they work hand-in-hand with medical practitioners to ensure that patients are getting the best possible care.
Chiropractors don’t treat children
Chiropractic is known for treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, neck pain, earaches, migraines, arthritis, pregnancy issues, blood pressure problems, and more. Many patients have received great relief from their conditions thanks to spinal manipulation and adjustments. Because of the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment, insurance companies often cover its costs.
Babies, toddlers, and children have unique physiology and anatomy that chiropractors must take into account when they’re treating them. For example, infants’ bones and joints are softer and more malleable than those of adults. So, a chiropractor needs to use gentler manipulations when they’re treating babies.
However, this doesn’t mean that chiropractors can’t treat kids. In fact, chiropractors have been treating kids for over 30 years. Some parents turn to pediatric chiropractors for help with a variety of issues, such as colic, constipation, reflux, and musculoskeletal problems. Chiropractors have also been shown to be effective at helping kids with a number of behavioral and developmental issues, such as autism and non-verbal speech delay. Moreover, studies have found that infants who receive regular chiropractic care can develop better posture than those who don’t.
Chiropractors aren’t effective
Although chiropractic treatment is renowned for addressing back and neck pain, it can also benefit people with a variety of other neuromusculoskeletal issues. This includes headaches, joint pain, sciatica and even fibromyalgia.
The reason that spinal manipulation can benefit so many different conditions is because it addresses the root cause, rather than simply alleviating symptoms. This is why it’s important to choose a reputable chiropractor who is familiar with all of the different types of musculoskeletal problems.
Chiropractors have a conservative understanding of health care and believe that the least invasive and safest methods should be used first before considering medication or surgery (except for life-threatening situations). This is why they often work with patients’ Medical Doctors to ensure that their treatment plans are fully integrated. They can also help you set realistic expectations for your recovery. For example, you might need to receive regular adjustments for several weeks to months before your problem is resolved. In the meantime, you can try performing some simple at-home exercises that will help speed up your recovery.
Chiropractors are expensive
Many people avoid seeing a chiropractor because they believe they are expensive. However, the truth is that chiropractors are very affordable compared to other medical procedures like spinal surgery and pain medication. Plus, chiropractic treatment is much safer than taking Tylenol or ibuprofen for back pain, which can have side effects and risk of injury or death.
Chiropractors are trained in a comprehensive and holistic healthcare approach, similar to medical doctors. They are also required to complete rigorous academic coursework and hands-on clinical training, as well as adhere to strict standards of care and ethics.
The cost of a chiropractic session depends on several factors, including the severity of your injury and how many sessions you require. Some health insurance plans cover chiropractic treatments, but you may need to pay a deductible or copay. You may also want to consider a membership option, which allows you to pay a monthly fee in exchange for a number of chiropractic visits.
The potential expense of a visit to a chiropractor may be one reason why some people wait so long to schedule an appointment. However, it is worth the investment to find a practitioner that is right for you.
Chiropractors treat only back problems
Many new patients view chiropractors as a last-ditch option when their other health care providers are stumped by their symptoms. It’s certainly true that chiropractic can help relieve back pain, according to Duke University research. It can also improve posture, which is a benefit for those with hyperkyphosis (hunchback) syndrome. And it may help reduce depression, which often co-occurs with chronic pain.
It’s important to note that chiropractors only treat problems within their area of expertise, and if they find that you have an issue beyond their scope of practice, they will refer you to the right healthcare professional. This helps to prevent misdiagnosis.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that chiropractors can treat more than just your neck and back. They can also assist with issues such as sciatica, fibromyalgia, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Plus, it’s important to realize that chiropractic doesn’t require a lifelong commitment. In fact, most people who seek chiropractic treatment experience relief after just one or two treatments. And, compared to surgical options, over-the-counter medications, and prescription painkillers, chiropractic is a safer and more effective way to address pain.
Chiropractors aren’t effective at treating headaches
If you suffer from chronic headaches, migraines or neck pain, you’ve likely considered visiting a chiropractor. But perhaps the misinformation you’ve heard about this treatment has kept you from making an appointment.
Chiropractors know that not all headaches are the same and are able to identify the underlying causes of your head pain. They are able to relieve tension headaches by releasing the tight muscles that lead to these painful symptoms. They can also help ease migraines by identifying triggers and correcting the spinal subluxations that cause them to form, especially if they’re experts like the Scottsdale chiropractors.
Regular visits to your chiropractor can keep your spine-your body’s information highway-in tip top shape, so that messages from the brain zip right along and are able to reach the rest of the body without any interruptions. This is in stark contrast to over-the-counter painkillers that rely on masking your symptoms with chemicals that can damage your stomach, liver, and kidneys. Chiropractors have a much lower risk for side effects and should always be your first choice when seeking pain relief.
Chiropractors aren’t effective at treating migraines
Migraines are debilitating and can cause many different symptoms, including sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and pain. Fortunately, chiropractors are able to treat these symptoms and prevent future migraines.
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to treat headaches, including spinal manipulation and massage. They may also recommend lifestyle changes or acupuncture, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Acupuncture involves the insertion of small needles at points believed to be responsible for triggering migraines, and it can be highly effective in reducing migraine pain and frequency.
There are a lot of misconceptions about chiropractic care, and these myths can lead people to avoid receiving the treatments they need. However, chiropractors are trained to address a wide range of musculoskeletal issues and provide pain relief without the need for prescription medications. If you’re suffering from back pain, neck pain, or other health concerns, contact your nearest Physicians Group clinic today to learn more about how chiropractic can help. Then you can get back on the road to recovery!
Chiropractors aren’t effective at treating neck pain
Have you ever woke up with a crick in the neck that makes it difficult to turn your head? Neck pain can derail your day and be a symptom of an underlying health issue.
While chiropractic isn’t an effective treatment for every type of pain, it can be a great way to treat many common ailments. This is because chiropractors take a holistic, conservative approach to care and focus on the musculoskeletal system.
In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractors also use soft tissue massage, kinesio taping, and joint bracing to relieve pain. They can also recommend exercises and stretches to improve neck mobility.
When it comes to treating neck pain, chiropractic is far more effective than medical treatments like medication or surgery. For example, over-the-counter NSAIDs increase the risk of heart attack and ulcers, while prescription painkillers can have addictive side effects. By utilizing a hands-on approach, chiropractic can offer natural, long-term relief without the need for drugs or surgery.
