There are countless myths about chiropractic care. Most of them are generalizations based on a lack of knowledge. Chiropractors have helped millions of people around the world find pain relief. In this article, we’ll debunk five myths about chiropractic care. We’ll discuss what chiropractic care is, how it’s helped people in Canada, and the five most common misconceptions about our practice.
Somerset Family Chiropractic and Wellness Centre focuses on innovative pain management treatments. We also want to educate our patients, and debunking these common myths is a part of that.
Read ahead to learn more.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care involves a licensed chiropractor who manipulates your joints with their hands or tools. It’s an alternative form of medicine for diagnosing, treating, and preventing pain-related disorders of the muscular and skeletal system. Some chiropractors focus on spine injuries, others on other body parts.
Chiropractic adjustments (spinal or joint manipulations) can help reduce pain and correct your body’s alignment. Chiropractors can treat lower back, neck, and muscle pain, headaches, and other pain-related conditions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to disability worldwide. Now, more than ever, chiropractic care is in high demand, especially in Canada.
Chiropractic Care in Canada
Canadian chiropractic care is much more common than you’d think. According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association:
There are more than 9,000 licensed chiropractors in Canada. Local statistics show:
4.7 million Canadians visit a chiropractor every year.
Chiropractors receive around 4,200 hours of training.
Statistics Canada also tells us that 35% of Canadians with chronic pain use chiropractic treatments, physiotherapy, or massage therapy as a way to reduce pain.
The 5 Myths We’ll Debunk
The most common myths about chiropractic care are:
Chiropractors only treat back pain
Chiropractic care is unsafe for pregnant women
Chiropractors only crack your back
Chiropractic care is dangerous
Chiropractic care is not evidence-based
Those are common misconceptions. Here are our counter-arguments:
Myth #1: Chiropractic Care is Only for Back Pain
While many people associate chiropractic care with back pain relief, its benefits extend far beyond that. Chiropractors are trained to address a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. We treat neck pain, headaches, joint problems, and sports injuries.
Additionally, chiropractic adjustments can enhance overall health by improving the function of your nervous system. This positively impacts various bodily functions, from digestion to immune response.
Myth #2: Chiropractic Care is Unsafe During Pregnancy
Contrary to the myth, chiropractic care is not only safe but also beneficial for pregnant women. Chiropractors with specialized training can perform adjustments that alleviate back pain. Optimizing pelvic positioning reduces pelvic misalignment and potentially makes labor easier.
A professional chiropractor knows the techniques and methods for pregnancy. The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic method used to address issues related to pregnancy. We offer specialized care for expectant mothers without negatively impacting the gestational period.
Myth #3: Chiropractic is Only About Cracking Your Back
The idea that chiropractic care is merely about "cracking your back" oversimplifies the profession. Chiropractors employ various techniques, including spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, exercise recommendations, and lifestyle counseling.
These methods improve joint mobility, relieve muscle tension, and enhance overall physical function. Personalized care plans are developed for each patient based on their unique needs, ensuring comprehensive treatment.
Myth #4: Chiropractic Care is Dangerous
Chiropractic care is widely recognized as a safe and non-invasive treatment option. Extensive training and strict licensure requirements ensure chiropractors are well-equipped to perform adjustments safely.
The risks associated with chiropractic adjustments are minimal, especially compared to other treatments like surgery or the long-term use of medication. Studies have consistently shown that severe adverse effects are extremely rare.
Myth #5: Chiropractic Care is Not Evidence-Based
The assertion that chiropractic care lacks scientific backing is unfounded. Numerous studies support the efficacy of chiropractic treatments for various conditions, particularly lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
The American College of Physicians and other medical organizations recommend spinal manipulation as a first-line treatment for these issues. Ongoing research continues to explore and validate the benefits of chiropractic care, contributing to its acceptance within the broader healthcare community.
In Conclusion…
Chiropractic care offers an evidence-based approach to managing various health issues. Our treatments extend beyond back pain. By addressing common myths, we aim to enlighten our community about chiropractic treatments' safety and efficacy.
Whether seeking relief during pregnancy, recovering from an injury, or aiming to enhance your overall wellness, chiropractic care provides a safe and effective option. At our chiropractic clinic in Ajax, Ontario, we are committed to delivering personalized care to help you achieve optimal health.
Call us today for a consultation!
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