Chiropractic Treatment: Truths and Myths Busted

There are several myths surrounding chiropractic treatments and those who perform these treatments. Here, we are trying to break down some of the myths about chiropractic treatments and answer some important questions. The biggest of which, “Are these treatments safe?”

Who are Chiropractors?
Chiropractors are identifiable through initials “DC” or Doctor of Chiropractic. The educational qualification of a typical chiropractor involves an undergraduate degree, with an additional 4 years of education in a chiropractic or health college.

During these 4 years, of course, the chiropractors learn how to treat disorders related to bones, nerves, muscles, and ligaments. Consequently, even though they are not medical doctors, they still undertake a substantial amount of training and education. The perception that chiropractors do not assume proper training is false. In fact, chiropractors obtain a multitude of training in a number of different disciplines, including:

• Nutrition
• Sports medicine
• Acupuncture
• Neurology and pediatrics
• Recovery and Rehabilitation, among others.

Do Chiropractic Treatments Work?
In the opinion of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) in the U.S., chiropractic care is amongst the most common forms of care that people turn to in the case of back pain. According to a 2010 review cited by NCCIH, spinal manipulation was considered to be helpful in alleviating many of the following ailments:

• Back pain
• Migraine headaches
• Sports Injuries
• Whiplash, and other such conditions impacting the upper and lower extremities.

However, you don’t just go to the chiropractor because of some aches felt somewhere in your body. Having regular visits to your chiropractor will help you in preventing the pain in the first place and not just alleviating the symptoms.

How do Chiropractic Treatments Work?
A common myth surrounding chiropractic treatment is that it is all about bending bones and cracking joints, but this is not entirely true. Even though chiropractic treatment primarily involves the technique of spinal manipulation, it also involves the brain and the nervous system. The brain is the link for every part of the body and the spinal cord is the gateway for signals to be sent and received. Any discomfort or disruptions in the central nervous system can cause imbalances and other ailments. Chiropractors can help restore that balance, along with the diagnosing the cause of those problems. Their knowledge of the spine, its structures, and the impact that it has on bodily functions is highly important to an effective and safe treatment process.

Is Chiropractic Therapy Safe?
Chiropractic care is safe and far less invasive than several other types of treatments. If the chiropractor performing the therapy or treatment is a well-trained, licensed practitioner, then generally chiropractic care is perceived as a safe form of treatment. There are several different techniques used within chiropractic care, each addressing a different issue or disorder and a chiropractor will recognize and determine the appropriate treatment for the presented problems. However, there are certain pre-existing conditions that if the patient is suffering from, they should avoid chiropractic treatment. These conditions include:

• Osteoporosis
• Spine deformities
• Spine cancer
• Higher stroke risk, other such severe conditions.

After your first therapy treatment, there can be some moderate side effects, such as temporary soreness, stiffness and tenderness in an area that received the treatment. But apart from the potential of minor immediate discomforts, chiropractic care is safe. As noted, it is not necessarily effective for all ailments, but it can certainly be very effective for many as long as it is performed by a licensed, certified chiropractor.