Health experts continue to conduct research designed to learn more about chiropractic care and how it works, but many people still do not understand some of its fundamental aspects. A lack of information is almost guaranteed to cause myths and misconceptions. Below are five common myths about chiropractic care, along with the actual truth behind them.
Myth No. 1: Any Benefits from Chiropractic Care Are Simply Due to the Placebo Effect
A great deal of research has proven that chiropractic care truly is effective, with benefits that are not just the result of the placebo effect. In other words, chiropractic’s benefits are “real” and not just psychological or “in people’s heads.”
It is important to understand chiropractic is a form of health care focused on the body’s nervous system. It improves body functions by correcting issues associated with the spine and nerve system. The goal of chiropractic care is to restore your body’s innate, natural ability to heal itself and retain its ability to function normally. A quick Google search will turn up scores of case studies that prove the benefits of chiropractic care.
Myth No. 2: Chiropractic Adjustments are Risky
This misconception is one of the most widespread. Many people are afraid to seek chiropractic care because they believe it can cause injury and potentially lead to more serious problems. Even worse, some still think that chiropractors are not licensed doctors.
First of all, and most importantly, chiropractic is a licensed, professional healthcare field. Chiropractors must complete a rigorous educational and training program and pass National Boards in order to be licensed to practice, and are recognized as primary healthcare providers.
Experts are essentially unanimous in their assessment of the safety of chiropractic care. It is an extremely safe, gentle and effective way to regain and maintain health naturally. Chiropractic is actually safer than taking medication with its associated side effects. Even over the counter medications are considered more dangerous than getting adjusted.
Myth No. 3: Chiropractic Care is Painful
Chiropractors have years of training and clinical experience and offer multiple adjusting techniques so the care can be specific and gentle. Rarely, a patient might experience some minimal discomfort. Chiropractic care involves change in the body which can produce some soreness, but no more so than a person who starts a new exercise routine and feels sore the next few days (especially with weight training). If you compare this to the long and painful recovery of surgery it is extremely insignificant.
Myth No. 4: Too Many Serious Side Effects are Associated with Chiropractic Care
You do not need to worry about serious negative side effects due to chiropractic adjustments. Some people have been led to believe adjustments can lead to stroke or even death. Far to the contrary, chiropractic is recognized as one of the safest forms of healthcare. Risk of serious adverse events from chiropractic adjustments is estimated at worst to be 1 in 200,000 (or 0.0005%). Its high degree of safety explains why increasing numbers of people are turning to chiropractic care in search of an alternative to medication and surgery. In reality, if there are any common side effects, they are positive effects such as increased energy, improved sleep, stronger immune system, and better digestive function to name a few.
Myth No. 5: Chiropractic Care is Too Costly
Careful analysis reveals that chiropractic care is actually one of the most affordable forms of healthcare, especially when compared to the cost of surgery. Statistics of patients who regularly utilize chiropractors as their primary care physicians show it reduces the need for: hospitalization by 60.2%, pharmaceutical usage by 85%, outpatient surgeries and procedures by 62%, and overall global healthcare costs by 50%!
