Don’t let chiropractic care myths stand in your way getting rid of your pains.
Some people are still scared of trying alternative treatments, particular chiropractic care, because they think that the approaches can do more harm than good. There are plenty of misconceptions that hinder people from recovering fully. These have to be corrected, so that you can avail of services and treatment without any problems and worries.
Chiropractic Care Myths #1 – Chiropractic Is Painful
Chiropractic care is generally painless. A lot of patients immediately feel relieved and relaxed after treatments. Some even describe the procedure and experience similarly to getting a massage. Patients that have long been struggling with neck pain and back pain may feel some discomfort, but their visits become more relaxing and comfortable over time.
Most adult patients look forward to chiropractic treatments. Chiropractic treatment on kids and infants are also generally pain-free, although children may feel apprehension and fright at first.
A session may last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the condition treated and the affected areas. Patients will feel discomfort or mild pain depending on the severity of the condition, as well as their personal tolerance for pain.
Chiropractic Care Myths #2 - Chiropractic Is Dangerous
Chiropractic is very safe, when done and performed by good chiropractors. Chiropractic adjustments are considered to be one of the safest therapies for neck and back pain and problems. The danger comes in when other individuals, who have not undergone formal training and studies practice the approaches.
The risk for developing severe complications from spinal manipulation is actually rare. Spinal manipulation is encouraged by most doctors, before patients are recommended to undergo surgery. The alternative treatment is also considered as an initial option before taking strong drugs like steroids and antidepressants.
Chiropractic Care Myths #3 - Chiropractors Are Less Capable Compared To Medical Doctors
Chiropractors actually go through very strict and demanding training and education. These courses are very similar to the ones taken by medical doctor, except for subjects like surgery and pharmacology.
Chiropractors are required to study for 2 to 4 years first as an undergraduate, before completing 4 to 5 years of academic studies at a chiropractic college.
The qualified professionals are then well-equipped in subjects such as pathology, radiology, biomechanics, differential diagnosis, physiology, chiropractic adjustive techniques and other health concerns. There are also State and National Board Examinations to ensure qualification. Continuing education is required for all practitioners too.
Chiropractic Care Myths #4 - Chiropractic Is Pricey
Chiropractic is considered to be both effective and cost-effective. You can save more by going to sessions, compared to undergoing major medical interventions like surgery and getting on long term drug courses.
Chiropractic care patients discovered that they have significantly reduced their expenses for inpatient visits, health care programs and medications. You also do not need to be on chiropractic care for life, since your condition gets better over time.
Several patients actually stop treatment altogether as full recovery is attained. Others may visit once or twice a year only for relaxation and de-stressing purposes. Evaluation sessions are also quick and cheap.
Patients may only need to visit their chiropractors a few times every year or so, depending on the development in the condition. Once patients have successfully gone through a course, they will be given an option to continue being treated or to go for periodic visits.
Preventive programs are also available to help people get rid of back, spine and neck problems before major interventions are required.
By knowing some of these chiropractic care myths, it can help you in your decision to use chiropractic therapy to relieve your pain instead of other treatments or medication.
David Walsh
1:45 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
As someone who had back surgery resulting from chiropractic care, I am a little miffed at this. Head orthopedic surgeon at U of I strongly discourages chiropractic care.
David Edwards
2:14 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
A friend of mine was hospitalized for 3 days after a routine chiropractic adjustment on his neck two years ago. I'm not going to be patronizing any such establishment.
Todd Hines
2:21 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
This seems to not really be a column, more of a long-form advertisement.
Josh
4:03 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I had an adjustment to the C2 vertibrea. I had it done a number of times over hte years because of severe and long lasting neck pain.
On this day 2 years ago (Im the guy Dave mentions above) the adjustment caused a vertibrea to scrape against an artery. This in turn caused the internal and external was of the artery to seperate and the resulting flap of skin blocked blood to my brain resulting in a stroke. I underwent surgery to insert 3 stents in the artery and was in the hospital for a full week (sorry Dave, not 3 days).
Just say no to chairopractors.
Every Neruologist I talked to said "NEVER let a chairopractor touch your neck"
Kate
5:29 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
2 of the first warning signs of a stroke are neck pain and headaches, so you can see why it can easily get blammed on chiropractic care as these are 2 very common systems for a person to seek chiropractic care. Research shows that you actually have a better chance of being struck by lightening (1 in 700,000) than suffering a stroke FROM chiropractic care (1 in 1,000,000). With that being said, I personally suffer from migraines and my neurologist suggested chiropractic care when my medication was not helping the frequency. After having migraines 5-6 days a month for 14 years, I am happy to be able to go months without an occurance and without the horrible medication that was causing memory loss and confusion.
Josh - it sounds like you have talked to a few Neurologists...were there maybe a few that you didn't like or weren't giving you the results you hoped for? I guess that would be true for any medical provider....it doesn't sound like you discount all neurologists because John Doe in San Juan died under Dr. Bob's care so why discount an entire profession based on a single experience with one doctor?
David - Back surgury because of chiropractic care? Typically it is the other way around...I hear of more botched back surguries than I care to...the statistic is acutally 40% of all back surguries fail.
Todd - I believe for this to be an advertisement there would have to be at least mention of a specific chiropractic office huh? It was information not propaganda.
Lisa
9:19 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
This is true... you should not have neck adjustments! My husband was diagnosed 5 years ago with an anuerysm in his right carotid artery. We were lucky to figure it out before it was too late! The only symptom he had was blurry/double vision. After 8 different doctors & finally an MRI we found out the problem. He sees a neurosurgeon in Chicago & has had many procedures inserting stents, coils & Pipeline Embolization Devices to block the blood flow to the aneurysm & reconstruct the artery. We were told he should never ever go to a chiropractor as it could kill him! The problem is that you just never know how the chiropractor working on you has been trained.
Beth Dalbey
4:22 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
My first experience with a chiropractor was after a serious automobile accident and I think it shortened my recovery time. I also regularly see him for shoulder pain and other issues. As with anything, do your research, but I don't think its fair to universally indict the chiropractic profession.
CFBusinessOwner
8:10 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I try a much gentler approach to pain relief: acupuncture. Tiny needles (less than a hairs width) bring great relief from bulging discs in my neck and back pain due to arthritis. No cracking sounds, no fear of strokes---just wonderful relief from pain.
Pam Rzepa
1:33 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I truly feel sad for those who blame Chiropractic for their ailments and even sadder for those on the receiving end of a "doctor" advising them to not experience the third largest healing profession in the world. Chiropractic is the safest and most effective treatment for a host of musculoskeletal complaints - look at the research. I agree that there are people in the profession that dont belong there - like with all professions. Do your homework, ask a friend, be sure to find a reputable chiro.
Dr. Ole J Olson, DC, ATC, CAc
11:49 am on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
If any of you are interested in a great documentary, check out the movie "Doctored". It explains why chiropractic has been attacked by M.D.'s and why it is such a vital component of the healthcare system. I too was once very skeptical of chiropractic and thought that all chiro's were quacks. I had the same thoughts some of you have, ones that were brought on by our health care system..a pill to fix an ill. Chiropractic is much more than "popping" joints. Some utilize acupuncture, some nutrition, some exercises, and some combinations of these. Definitely do your homework before choosing a provider!