Chiropractic care is touted as a possible treatment for various musculoskeletal issues, from lower back pain to migraines and plantar fasciitis. A chiropractor can help you relieve chronic pain, poor posture, osteoarthritis, ankle sprains, hamstrings, fatigue, whiplash symptoms, and more. Mainstream chiropractic care is recent, so a few misconceptions exist about the service. Here’s an overview of six common misconceptions you might have heard about chiropractic adjustments:
1. Chiropractors Aren’t Legitimate Doctors
Some people think of chiropractic care as something other than a legitimate practice requiring extensive training and specific skills. A chiropractor has the title of Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). Aspiring professionals go through years of training involving thousands of hours of coursework. They have extensive knowledge of human anatomy and neurology. Chiropractic care also involves radiology, orthopedics, physical therapy, and other connecting fields. Students must complete years of intense training to become experts.
2. You Need Chiropractic Care for a Lifetime
A common misconception about chiropractic adjustments is that you’ll need them forever once you get one. Chiropractic adjustments can offer great relief for pain and discomfort. You can use adjustments to treat specific conditions or manage chronic illnesses. If the care is for temporary issues, you won’t need more sessions. The chiropractor can recommend at-home practices and workouts to alleviate certain symptoms.
3. Chiropractic Care Isn’t Safe or Effective
Chiropractic adjustments performed by licensed professionals in regulated jurisdictions are effective and backed by clinical studies. Adjustments can relieve neck pain, shoulder pain, lower back pain, sciatica, muscle tension, sprained ankles, and extremity conditions. The sessions and procedures are handled by experienced professionals and certified as safe by local authorities.
4. Chiropractic Adjustments Are Painful
Many people seek chiropractic care for pain, which makes it counterintuitive if the sessions cause more pain. Chiropractic services may be slightly uncomfortable because they correct misalignment and relieve tense muscles and trapped nerves. Inducing deep massage and working scars and soft tissues can also cause a little discomfort. The experience is nowhere near painful. Any popping and cracking sound you hear provides relief, not pain. If the patient experiences pain at any stage, the chiropractor will stop the procedure.
5. Chiropractic Services Are for Adults Only
Adults comprise a large majority of clients who visit chiropractic centers but aren’t the only ones who can benefit. Chiropractic adjustments relieve pain and discomfort caused by stiffness, tension, misalignments, and imbalances. Adults and children are vulnerable to headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, ankle sprains, whiplashes, and torn hamstrings. The common causes of chiropractic visits occur largely in adults, yet children can also seek chiropractic care. It is a misconception that adjustments are not for kids.
6. Chiropractic Care Isn’t Covered by Insurance
Because chiropractic care is a specialist’s service, people may assume adjustments are expensive. Some also worry that chiropractic services aren’t covered by insurance, which means they must pay out of pocket. This is another misconception since many healthcare insurance policies and add-ons include chiropractic adjustments and manipulations. Your insurance company can pay for temporary and lifetime chiropractic care if you can prove you need it. Some carriers have policies targeting clients who need chiropractic care.
Consulting With a Trusted Chiropractor
Chiropractic adjustments can help with pain, discomfort, and other conditions. All you need is a trustworthy, experienced, and licensed chiropractor. Some professionals operate as part of a larger facility offering chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, and other related services. Stick to reputable facilities with experienced chiropractors. The goal is to find a reliable professional to customize the treatment plan based on your needs. Trustworthy chiropractors can provide insightful consultations and can help you debunk any other misconceptions.
