Tracy Many people have preconceived ideas about chiropractic care that prevent them from seeking this non-invasive, drug-free treatment. Let’s debunk some of the more common myths.
Unlike Tylenol, which can cause liver damage, or prescription painkillers, which are addictive, chiropractic manipulations are safe and effective. It also reduces chronic health issues that incur high pharmaceutical costs and land people in the hospital, thus lowering long-run medical costs.
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Chiropractors Aren’t Doctors
Even though the originator of chiropractic was a self-proclaimed quack who claimed to cure scoliosis by cracking someone’s back, modern chiropractors are more well-rounded. Sadly, this does not stop some from peddling ridiculous claims to parents. For example, a chiropractor recently made headlines for claiming that spinal manipulation could treat everything from ear infections to bedwetting. Chiropractors are health professionals, Doctors of Chiropractic (DC). They study many of the same things medical doctors do, including physiology, anatomy, orthopedics, and radiology. They also undergo similar amounts of classroom time and patient experience hours. While chiropractors don’t prescribe drugs or perform surgeries, they work collaboratively as part of a care team alongside other healthcare providers, including physicians, physiotherapists, and registered massage therapists. They may also work with patients at home or in private practice. Many people find that chiropractic treatment from Brad Kern is far safer than surgical alternatives. Some patients feel better immediately after their adjustment but must continue visits to obtain long-term benefits.
Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain
The soft-tissue therapy that chiropractors use, in addition to spinal adjustments, helps to relax tight muscles. Additionally, they provide joint bracing or tape, exercises, and stretching.
They will take a detailed medical history and physical examination, including asking about past pain and injury. They will then assess your posture, gait, and movement and note any signs of musculoskeletal dysfunction. They will then decide on a care plan and treatment procedure, such as spinal manipulation. It involves manually manipulating your joints with controlled, sudden force to improve their range and quality of motion. During the adjustment, you can hear something like your knuckles cracking. This sound is caused by gas bubbles escaping the joint, which is entirely harmless.
Chiropractors Are Invasive
Although many think chiropractors use invasive procedures like spinal manipulation, it’s very safe. Spinal manipulation uses a controlled, sudden force, similar to cracking a knuckle, to move joints into the proper position. There is little to no discomfort. Chiropractic aims to correct spinal misalignments that cause nervous system dysfunction. Interrupting nerve impulses between the brain and spinal cord causes these misalignments. These nerve impulses control the function of every part of your body. Chiropractors have extensive training to identify joint and muscle imbalances.
Some people believe that they must continue seeing a chiropractor forever once they visit a chiropractor. It is a common misconception, but depends on the individual’s condition and health goals. If a patient’s symptoms are severe, chiropractors will work hand in hand with medical practitioners to ensure they receive the best possible care. They will also provide proper referrals for prescription drugs or invasive surgery when necessary.
Chiropractors Aren’t Licensed
With the rise of alternative medicine, some people think chiropractors aren’t real doctors. It is untrue, and those who make this claim do so because they don’t understand what chiropractic care is. Chiropractors are experts in musculoskeletal health and have spent years training for their profession. Their doctorate program is four years long on top of three years of undergraduate studies, and their curriculum is nearly identical to that of medical school students. They study physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, radiology, and the ways that different body systems interact with each other. They also receive hands-on experience treating patients in their clinics, and they are required to pass state licensing exams. They can even use the word “doctor” in their titles because they’ve been adequately trained and have passed state certifications. Many of the same insurance programs that cover medical doctors, including Medicare and workers’ compensation, also cover chiropractic treatments. It makes them a reasonable option for those suffering from work-related back injuries.
