Availing of chiropractic treatments is a great way to address and heal many of your body’s ailments, such as injuries. Nowadays, many patients also see a professional chiropractor for stress and anxiety management. Thus, it’s no wonder why it has grown in popularity through the years.

However, chiropractic treatments may seem non-traditional. Because its approach is often non-invasive in traditional medicine, it is a practice susceptible to skepticism, myths, and misconceptions.

Read on as we debunk the most common myths about chiropractic treatments.

Myth: You Must Continue to See a Chiropractor Once You’ve Begun

To establish the source of pain or dysfunction, chiropractors undertake a thorough history and physical examination. Based on these observations, a diagnosis and treatment plan are developed with the patient’s needs and goals in mind. Per the treatment plan, initial appointments and reevaluations at predefined intervals will be recommended. Care recommendations differed depending on the patient and condition. Your care is entirely up to you. As a patient, you should feel comfortable asking the chiropractor for recommendations and addressing problems. Decisions about the patient’s care plan should be made jointly by the patient and the practitioner.

Myth: Chiropractors Are Not “Real” Doctors

Like physicians, optometrists, and dentists, chiropractors can use the title “doctor” after completing the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program. Those who have the term “doctor” have had substantial training in their profession, allowing them to diagnose.

Myth: Your Doctor Must Recommend a Chiropractor

Chiropractors can be contacted directly. Chiropractors use their considerable diagnostic abilities to conduct a thorough evaluation to determine a diagnosis or clinical impressions. Depending on the findings, the chiropractor may recommend a course of therapy or refer the patient to another physician. Your benefits provider may require a reference in order to grant coverage.

Myth: Chiropractic Treatments Are Useless

Chiropractors’ effectiveness has been called into question. The chiropractic profession and others have invested significant resources in researching the effects of manual therapy on musculoskeletal problems. Spine and joint manipulation is an effective treatment for both acute and chronic back pain. The Bone and Joint Decade Task Force1, the American College of Physicians, the American Pain Society, and the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence all advocate spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) as the primary treatment for back pain.

Myth: Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain

Biomechanical disorders are evaluated, diagnosed, treated, and prevented by chiropractors. In addition to musculoskeletal diseases of the spine, data supports chiropractic therapy for extremities, headaches, and TMJ pain5,6. Chiropractors can provide lifestyle advice covering nutrition, fitness, and ergonomics to help manage or avoid health problems. Musculoskeletal health does not begin with a strong spine; it requires a healthy lifestyle!

Myth: Body Adjustments Cause Pain

Joint modifications are beneficial. Patients report immediate pain relief. Patients may be afraid of the “cracking” or “popping” sound made during an adjustment. The sound is said to be caused by gas bubbles escaping from the joint, similar to when you crack your knuckles.

Conclusion

Healthcare may mean different things to different people. At the same time, there are also many different ways to approach healthcare that each caters to different types of ailments, diseases, and patients. Now that you know more about chiropractic treatments and professional chiropractors, it might be high time to consider trying it out for yourself or a loved one in need.

Are you looking for chiropractic treatments in Arlington? Hawker Chiropractic offers professional services for your holistic needs. Give us a call today!