Last night, I was conversing with my friends about their thoughts on chiropractic care and chiropractors as a whole. One thing that I learned from them was that they are WRONG. Just kidding. I was curious about the myths and beliefs stigmatizing people from getting chiropractic care. After talking with Dr. Jamila, we came up with some answers to some common questions and concerns that my friends and other people may have:
- Chiropractors can only treat back pain.
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- NOT TRUE! Chiropractors are neuromusculoskeletal experts trained in assessing, diagnosing, treating and preventing biomechanical disorders from the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems! Not only that, but chiropractors can also provide lifestyle counselling about nutrition, fitness and ergonomic advice as well as provide rehabilitative stretches and exercises!
- There is no evidence to support the effectiveness of chiropractic care
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- FALSE! Researchers have invested significant resources into building a robust body of evidence that studies manual therapists’ impact on different musculoskeletal conditions. For example, spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is recommended as the first-line intervention for back pain in numerous clinical guidelines!
- Once you see a chiropractor, you have to keep going back.
Contrary to popular belief, chiropractors don’t want to see you forever. When seeking care from a chiropractor, they will perform an assessment that includes a history and physical examination to determine pain or the cause of discomfort. Once a diagnosis is provided, a treatment plan will be developed in collaboration with the patient—depending on the person, the recommended course of care may vary. At the end of the day, the decision to continue care is completely up to you!
- Chiropractors are not ‘real’ doctors.
Chiropractors are regulated in all 10 Canadian provinces and can use the title “doctor,” like physicians, once they complete the extensive Doctor of Chiropractic degree program. Typically, this includes three years of an undergraduate degree, followed by a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic program. Chiropractic training focuses on spinal health, musculoskeletal conditions (involving joints and surrounding tissues), and the nervous system.] They can diagnose conditions related to the musculoskeletal system but generally do not prescribe medications or perform surgeries – though they can refer to surgeons if appropriate.
- Adjustments are painful.
In general, adjustments or joint manipulations do NOT hurt. Patients often find immediate pain relief. Many patients are nervous about the popping or cracking sound, but that is just the rapid creation of a gas-filled cavity within the synovial fluid when the joint is separated. Think about cracking your knuckles! Sometimes, a chiropractor may suggest a different course of care. Chiropractors today are trained in many therapies and techniques. It is essential to feel comfortable enough to speak frankly with your chiropractor to see if other techniques or treatment modalities, such as shockwave, laser, needling, or soft tissue work, might be effective.
Working at a chiropractic clinic, some might think I’m biased, but I witness firsthand the reactions and progress of the patients I see. Some suffer from chronic lower back pain, foot pain, headaches, neck pain, bad posture, and other musculoskeletal issues. It’s rewarding to see them needing treatment less frequently over time! Chiropractic care can be effective if patients make lifestyle changes and follow their chiropractor’s advice outside of appointments. We look forward to seeing you at the Chiropractic Health Centre!