Chiropractic myths explained.

Chiropractor myths, ideas, and sensationalism.

Oh I don’t use chiropractors, I heard that it can break your neck, twist your spine, cripple you, rip your tendons, hurt your nerves, ruin your coffee, and make your tuna casserole spoil, as well as other little tidbits of urban myths that send people running into surgery rather than to the chiropractor. A chiropractor who can often make a difference to symptoms you are experiencing and all without cutting into any part of you. How cool is that?

How do these rumors get started anyway? The Internet can be a place of great information and disinformation. Everyone needs to check the sources and if possible check multiple sources before going with an opinion. Just because it’s written and it’s out there it doesn’t make it true.

Myth #1: A chiropractor worked on my niece, nephew, great aunts uncle’s cousin’s mother and they damaged her for life while adjusting her. 
Now having an adjustment can possibly make a person uncomfortable for a minute, but often its more a fear of the unknown than anything concrete. It is certainly not painful or dangerous to get an adjustment. Occasionally a ‘pop’ will be experienced by some people, especially when the cervical area is adjusted. However, adjusting this area can help resolve headaches, cranial or cervical stress, or an aching neck or shoulders, in addition to a host of other problems. The myth perpetuates because it seems like it might be possible and when you first have an adjustment the process is a little unnerving, it’s a new sensation to have someone adjusting the spine and neck area. The facts are: According to a 1993 Ontario Ministry of health commissioned study, (in addition to other research and studies that can be read at the same site) The Manga Report, from the University of Ottawa, reviewed all the international evidence on the management and low cost of back pain care. Pran Manga, Ph.D. concluded that significant cost savings would occur if the management of low back pain were transferred from physicians to chiropractors. He determined that chiropractic is safer than medical management of low back pain. “Many medical therapies are of questionable validity or are dearly inadequate. Chiropractic care is greatly superior to medical treatment in terms of scientific validity, safety, cost effectiveness, and patient satisfaction.” Dr. Manga concluded that “chiropractic should be fully insured (and) fully integrated into the Ontario health care system.”

#2 Myth: The education for Chiropractors is not comparable with Medical doctors.
Chiropractors require 2-4 years of premed undergraduate study, (depending on college attend and the state they wish to practice in) prior to entering chiropractic college.  Chiropractic college is approximately 4-5 years of academic study, including training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, radiology, differential diagnosis, chiropractic adjustive techniques, biomechanics and other health-related studies. Each student also completes several hundred clinical hours of ‘real’ patient management in a clinical setting under professional supervision. Many colleges also require clinical externship programs placed through chiropractic offices. Near or soon after graduation, the new doctor of chiropractic needs to complete rigorous National and State Board examinations, prior to obtaining a license to practice chiropractic. Once licensed, most states require that chiropractors receive annual continuing education to ensure that the highest level of competency is maintained.

For MD’s it takes four years to earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. The course of study is divided into two roughly equal parts. Preclinical study generally comprises the first two years and consists of classroom and laboratory instruction in core subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, and neurosciences. Once the student successfully completes preclinical training, he or she moves on to the clinical portion. This usually occupies the final two years of medical school and takes place almost exclusively on the wards of a teaching hospital or, occasionally, with community physicians. DO/MD’s are required to have 4 plus years of undergrad education prior to medical school and thousands of patient contact hours during their clinical placements.

#3 Myth: It hurts!
Chiropractic adjustments should never cause pain and actually many patients report feeling relief almost as soon as the treatment is completed. Occasionally if the area you are having adjusted has inflammation or is already sore, the adjustment may initially exasperate that, but with ice and rest it should resolve very quickly. In the case of herniated disks and DRX-9000 treatments, the recuperation and healing will take slightly longer to feel, however your doctor will advise you of the number of treatments it should take before you start getting relief.

#4 Myth: I am too old or too young for chiropractic care.
As spine trauma can occur at any age, and actually for infants their first experience with this trauma can be during the birth process. Modified adjustments can be used on very young infants, old age pensioners, and everyone in between. There are many studies to show that chiropractic care can prove beneficial in alleviating arthritis pain or in helping children resolve ear infections, bed wetting and allergy problems.

#5 Myth: Chiropractors always x-ray you.
Not so, most chiropractors will utilize x-rays only when necessary as they are very aware that over use of x-rays can also be detrimental to our health. For most alignment problems a chiropractor can actually feel or see in your gait where you most need your adjustments, much like a masseuse who can feel the knots in your muscle tissue.

#6 Myth: I don’t want to get naked for the exam.
Actually your chiropractor does not want that either. During an examination the chiropractor is able to make the adjustments while you are fully clothed. We do recommend you wear sweats or loose fitting clothing to your appointment for your comfort.

#7 Myth: Chiropractors only treat bad backs, but I don’t have one, can a chiropractor really help me?
Chiropractors believe that your body can heal itself. All body functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord and the nerves in your body. When a problem is caused by irritation or pressure on a nerve, chiropractors are potentially the best group of doctors who can relieve this pressure for you.

Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy!

Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan with your questions at 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com

One Response to “Chiropractic myths explained.”

1. Sue Massey Says:
   November 9th, 2008 at 7:01 pm

   Well said… Great information, keep up the great work!

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