I’m a guy who likes facts. That’s because I’m a chiropractor. We’re medical health professionals and our area of medicine has been around for well over 100 years.
But some people prefer myth to fact, persisting in their belief in their myth of choice, even in the face of evidence. That makes me a little cranky, so this post is dedicated to 5 chiropractic myths – busted. It’s time they were put to rest permanently because they’re not representative of the truth (that was my diplomatic voice). They’re misleading.
You might even call them “fake news”.
So, let’s get down to some myth-busting, shall we?
Myth #1: We’re not “real” doctors
I’ve bitten my tongue long enough over this one.
Name a US state in which chiropractors aren’t licensed as primary healthcare providers. You can’t because there isn’t one.
In fact, chiropractors have a similar status in dozens of nations, globally. Educationally, we’re expected to follow the same curriculum as GPs are.
Part of our learning journey is interning for no fewer than 900 hundred hours with licensed chiropractors in clinical settings. We also need to pass 4 separate federally-required board exams and then, state boards.
Myth #2: “Real” doctors don’t like us
Knowing some history will set this one straight. Starting in the 1940s, chiropractic was actively and intentionally attacked by the American Medical Association. In fact, the AMA was found guilty of conspiracy for its efforts to undermine the success of the chiropractic branch of medicine.
Today, it’s a different story. We work together, due to the ongoing rehabilitation of chiropractic as a viable, valid medical area. We’re all on the same team now because the truth has finally been accepted – chiropractic heals.
Myth #3: Chiropractic care in perpetuity
Some people believe that going to a chiropractor is the road to Hell, as they’ll be doomed to come to us forever, after only one visit.
This is a distortion of the truth about chiropractic – that it can be used as a preventative measure against the march of time on your spine and the systems supporting it. Regular adjustments can prevent all kinds of conditions that can lead to deterioration. Just like car maintenance.
That doesn’t suggest one visit dooms you to never feeling well again unless you keeping coming back.
Myth #4: We induce strokes
This one’s the doozy of all doozies.
A stroke on the adjustment table is about as likely as getting hit by a bolt of lightning. Enough said.
Myth #5: Only effective for the back
Chiropractic is effective for myriad conditions. Regular adjustments even support the health of your immune system because they ensure that your spine is in alignment.
Migraines and carpal tunnel syndrome are just two areas chiropractic can help you with. What’s more as a chiropractor, I can advise you about overall health supports like nutrition and exercise, as well as helping you improve your posture and problems with your gait.
I’m a proud chiropractor and I work with a team of multi-disciplinarian clinicians at Back & Body Medical. Contact us.
