Friday, September 6, 2013

Chiropractic Facts and Myths - What You Need to Know About Chiropractic


Chiropractic myths have been into existence for many years. For those who are yet unfamiliar with chiropractic care, these myths have caused them confusion. For them to understand what chiropractic really is, here are some of the well-known myths about chiropractic and the facts that can dispel them.

Myth: Chiropractors are false doctors.

Fact: Chiropractors are recognized by health care legislation as legitimate doctors. Although chiropractors do not prescribe medicines nor perform surgery, they are qualified to treat patients using holistic health methods.

Myth: Chiropractors never underwent real education or training.

Fact: Just like any other type of doctor, chiropractic students are required to attend years of schooling to obtain their license to practice. They are also required to complete rigorous National and State Board examinations to obtain license. Chiropractic programs focus on basic sciences, adjustive techniques, principles and practice of chiropractic, physiologic therapeutics, and biomechanics.

Myth: Once you see a chiropractor, you have to continue chiropractic treatment for the rest of your life.

Fact: When a chiropractor recommends regular spinal care, it is no different from returning to a dentist to adjust braces until teeth are properly aligned. When you start seeing your chiropractor, you will not need to keep going forever. You will just go on a regular basis until the problem is gone.

Myth: Chiropractic adjustments are painful.

Fact: Spinal adjustment is not painful. Contrary to the myth, getting adjustments are quite pleasant. Many people feel relief after their spine has been adjusted. If your spine is misaligned, that is when you feel pain and you may get some other health problems.

Myth: Chiropractic adjustments are dangerous.

Fact: Having a spinal adjustment is something that is not dangerous at all. It is very safe when performed by a chiropractor. You naturally get improvement with overall health of your body. People commonly rely on medication for pain relief, however chemicals in these drugs are far more dangerous.

Myth: Something is being damaged when you hear cracking sound during adjustment.

Fact: The cracking sound you hear during adjustment does not indicate anything harmful. Often it is due to the release of gas in the joint space. The synovial fluid which acts as a lubricant in your joints contains oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. When a joint produces popping or cracking sound, it is when the joint capsule expands and the gas is rapidly released.

Myth: Chiropractors only treat back pain

Fact: It is not just back pain chiropractors can treat. They focus on the spine, which is responsible for every function in the body. Nerves travel along the spine and transmit sensory and motor information to all the body organs. What chiropractors do is to remove interferences along the nerves to restore communication from the brain to the rest of the body, allowing every part of the body to function properly.

Myth: Adjustments in the neck can cause stroke

Fact: Although a 2003 study claims that neck adjustment led to a type of stroke called vertebral artery dissection (VAD), American Chiropractic Association (ACA) stated that the study is filled with design flaws. VAD is rare and it is associated with common activities such as talking on the telephone, hair shampooing, and even sleeping. Currently, there are several valid scientific evidences that support the safety and efficacy of neck adjustments. Chiropractic is non-invasive, hence it has an extremely low risk for serious adverse effects.

Myth: Medical doctors do not recommend patients to visit chiropractic doctors

Fact: Between people of different professions, mistrust may be possible. However, many of the chiropractors and medical doctors work together. In fact, many medical doctors are having chiropractic treatment every year and some chiropractors even work full time at hospitals and other health care facilities.

Myth: You can adjust yourself

Fact: When you try to adjust your own spine by moving your back or neck around until you hear some cracks, it is actually harmful. You are only causing instability to your joints instead of addressing the problem of your stiffness. Only dysfunctional joints should be adjusted and should be done by a chiropractic professional only.

More and more people turn to chiropractic care, which only shows that the chiropractic facts are beginning to weigh more than the myths. The success of chiropractic leads to more popularity. In terms of patient satisfaction, chiropractic leads among other forms of health care. Chiropractic care has been proven to enhance general health and wellness of human body.

No comments:

Post a Comment