Family Chiropractors – Facts vs. Myths

Family chiropractic care can be difficult to understand, as there are many myths and rumors that confuse its patients and those seeking treatment. As a popular and beneficial medical practice, it’s important to understand the facts of chiropractic care. Let’s start with the two biggest myths surrounding chiropractors and chiropractic medicine.

Myth #1: Family Chiropractic care isn’t real medicine and chiropractors aren’t real doctors.

Just like any medical student, chiropractors study challenging courses and earn their degrees from accredited institutions. When they finish their program, they are equipped with the knowledge that allows them to practice medicine as primary care doctors, if they wish. Of course, many opt to work in chiropractic care, combining their work with extensive medical knowledge of the entire body. And just as other doctors, chiropractors must complete a residency program and pass exams.

Myth #2: If you go to the chiropractor once, you’ll have to continue care for the rest of your life.

Family chiropractic care is meant to be healing, which means you and your chiropractor will create a treatment plan that has an end goal. No treatment is meant to last forever, although chiropractic care can involve regular adjustments to keep your body functioning at its best. Just like with any doctor, you’ll still want to return from time-to-time for check-ups. 

Now that you better understand the two biggest myths of family chiropractic care, let’s look at some other misconceptions that tend to confuse patients. 

Myth #3: Chiropractic care is only for back and neck pain. 

In today’s modern chiropractic office, you’ll find a variety of doctors and specialists. This is because chiropractic care focuses on the entire health of the body. While your treatment plan will most likely include regular adjustments to correct issues with the back and neck, you may also see a personal trainer, a massage therapist, and a nutritionist, amongst others. 

Myth #4: Chiropractic care is dangerous and can damage your body.

See Myth #1. Your chiropractor is a well-educated, trained doctor who will never intentionally try to hurt you. With extensive knowledge of the spine, bones, and muscles, your doctor knows how to move and adjust your body for the best results. Nothing is ever forced or dangerous. 

Myth #5: Only adults should visit the chiropractor. 

Family chiropractic care is exactly as it sounds: for the family. After consulting X-rays and symptoms, doctors make individualized treatment plans that are specific to the patient, regardless of age or body type. Many chiropractic techniques are modified to support patients of a younger age.

Myth #6: If I go to the chiropractor, I’ll be in pain.

Chiropractic care is meant to be healing and many patients feel pain relief after their first adjustment. In fact, one of the most commonly used descriptions of post-treatment is a feeling of “lightness”. Those suffering from extreme cases may take longer to feel this sense of relief, but it eventually comes for all patients who follow their treatment plans.