Myths about Chiropractic Care Debunked
Chiropractic care is a holistic health approach and alternative medicine that diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal disorders, including spinal issues, sprains, strains, discomfort, pain, and injuries.
A chiropractor is an experienced, licensed, and trained health professional who makes substantial efforts to ensure the body functions optimally. The health provider uses spinal adjustments and manipulations to relieve discomfort and pain in muscles and joints.
Spinal manipulations increase blood flow to the injured muscles and tissues and improve nerve conductivity with surrounding structures, including muscles and joints, to relieve pain.
However, there are numerous misconceptions and myths about chiropractic care. These myths prevent people from seeking chiropractic treatment and rely on allopathic and modern medicine. So, without further ado, let us debunk the myths about chiropractic care.
Myth 1: Adjustments/Manipulations Can Hurt
Chiropractors use different methods to adjust the spine, such as classic dynamic thrust, light forces/contacts, manipulation techniques, or instrument/table-assisted delivery. So, most people think that these techniques can hurt them.
However, this is one of the myths common among people in Australia. In reality, professional chiropractors with years of experience use effective and safe procedures suitable to the patient’s age, gender, musculoskeletal health, disorder, and comfort levels.
A 2015 research study highlights that chiropractic care provides a great sense of relief. Although you may feel the chiropractor leans on your bones, your body quickly adapts to the adjustments.
So you won’t feel discomfort, tender muscles, or pain. The same study reports that chiropractic care does not lead to adverse side effects. Moreover, your nervous system integrates the spinal adjustments and their effects, allowing you to improve your health without feeling harmed.
Myth 2: I only have to See a Chiropractor When I am in Pain
Some people believe visiting a chiropractor is necessary when they feel discomfort or pain in their musculoskeletal structure. So, this is one of the myths about chiropractic care we will debunk today.
A professional chiropractor takes preventative measures and uses safe techniques to prevent problems in the future. Therefore, you can see a chiropractor in Bundaberg for a checkup and ensure your muscles and joints function properly.
Although most people think it is counterintuitive, seeing a chiropractor or getting advice can streamline your health. A research study published on NCBI states that chiropractor care follows an effective preventive modality.
Myth 3: Chiropractic Care is not Evidence-Based
For several years, chiropractors have made substantial efforts to treat patients with optimal outcomes. However, one of the myths about chiropractic care is that there is a lack of evidence.
In fact, if you were to type into google scholar “ chiropractic and lower back pain” you would find 49,000 results.
A research study published in the National Library of Medicine highlights that plenty of evidence that proves and confirms the efficacy of chiropractic care. Today, hundreds of research studies, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, have been conducted over the past 15 years to establish validity.
Myth 4: Chiropractic Care Costs Too Much
Most Australians think that chiropractic care is expensive and a waste of time. However, this is one of the myths that must be debunked. A news article highlights that chiropractic care is way more affordable than other treatments.
The article states that over 300,000 people in Australia visit their local chiropractors weekly for checkups and relieve neck/back/shoulder pain, muscle discomfort, nerve issues, and joint problems.
According to Dr. Coxon, the President of the Australian Chiropractors Association, the average cost of visiting a chiropractic clinic is between $90 and $150, depending on the clinic’s location and the health provider’s experience.
Moreover, the good news is that many insurance companies cover chiropractic care, meaning you can seek treatment with reduced out-of-pocket costs for your musculoskeletal problem.
Myth 5: I tried Chiropractic Treatment, But It Didn’t Work
One of the most significant myths about chiropractic care in Australia is that Chiropractic does not work.
Chiropractic care does work, however it does not work for everyone. Most people that come to see a Chiropractor start because they have tried everything else first and it didn’t work so they come to the Chiropractor as a last resort.
Many people have found great benefit in seeing a Chiropractor which is why it has been around for over 125 years. One study found that Chiropractors in Australia manage an estimated 21.3 million patient visits each year. Furthermore another study found that patients expressed a high level of satisfaction with their Chiropractors and overall care.
No two Chiropractors are ever the same. Currently it is estimated that there is over 200 different Chiropractic techniques available, so it is next to impossible to receive the same care from one Chiropractor to the next. We always recommend trying multiple Chiropractors to get a feel of what techniques work best for you.
Some chiropractors focus on nutritional counseling, while others use light-force techniques and mechanical instruments to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Which method works the best depends on various factors, such as:
The patient’s age
Type of injury
Injury’s severity
Injury location
Myth 6: Chiropractic Care is Dangerous/Risky
Like all things in healthcare there are risks associated.
Every patient has the right to know the benefits and risks of various healthcare techniques, including chiropractic care. One of the myths about chiropractic care among Australians is that this form of alternative medicine can increase the risk of stroke due to neck or back manipulations.
A study published on NCBI states that the severe complications or risks associated with chiropractic care are rare. The study found only one complication in every 3,846,153 neck manipulations. To put this into perspective, the chance of being struck by lightning is 1 in 15,300 according this government article.
Final Words
There are numerous myths about chiropractic care. For example, spinal and joint manipulation can increase the risk of fractures and injuries. However,most of these risks are rare and you can minimize these risks further by choosing a qualified, experienced and skilled Chiropractor.
Therefore, you must find a professional chiropractor with years of experience and a good track record before undergoing treatment. Contact us today for more information, or visit our Bundaberg clinic to see the high-quality chiropractic care services for different musculoskeletal disorders.
