Chiropractic Medicine Misconceptions

By: Rachel Mork

Even though chiropractic medicine has been around since the late 19th century, there are still several misconceptions about chiropractic care circulating. Today there are over 60,000 chiropractors practicing in the United States alone, and colleges all over the country offer chiropractor certification. Understanding some of the common misconceptions about chiropractic care and chiropractor treatment can help you find a chiropractor that is right for you.

Chiropractors can only treat spine or back problems.
While chiropractors certainly are known for treating back pain and they definitely consider alignment of the spine to be of utmost importance, chiropractics is actually a holistic medical approach focused on keeping all of the body's skeletal structures in alignment to encourage optimal functionality. A chiropractor may help relieve your child's ear infections or may reduce your blood pressure through various manipulative techniques. Many people seek treatment from chiropractors for headaches, chronic joint pain, sinus issues and arthritis as well.

Chiropractors can prescribe medications and perform surgery.
While some chiropractors may oversee herbal therapy or heat/cold therapy, they do not prescribe drugs nor do they perform surgery. The medical practice itself is based on the idea that the body is self-healing and the chiropractor is simply helping the body rediscover its innate ability to heal itself through the adjustments and manipulations involved.

Chiropractors are not real doctors.
Chiropractors are certified doctors, schooled in a specific field of medicine: chiropractics. They must pass National Board Exams and licensing tests specific to the state of residence before they can practice.

Once you go in for one appointment, the chiropractor will tell you that you have to keep coming back for the rest of your life.
Many people confuse maintenance appointments with a never-ending series of trips to the chiropractor.  Your condition may require one treatment or several adjustments, but you are always free to decide for yourself if the adjustments are helping you heal or are a waste of your time and money. There is no long term commitment involved in going to a chiropractor. However, you may decide after one treatment that you need more to maintain optimal health. Repeat visits will always be your choice, because you decided you benefit from the experience.

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