Are Chiropractors Effective? 6 Truths and Myths

If you or a loved one suffers from migraines, back pain, or musculoskeletal (MSK) illness, you probably know about chiropractic treatment. According to goodbody.com, 27 million Americans receive chiropractic treatment every year. This translates to approximately 1 million treatments every business day. Chiropractic medicine has, in fact, become so mainstream that it is now the third most commonly practiced treatment after medicine and dentistry.

Even with the positive vibes surrounding chiropractic treatment, some people still have a hard time believing its effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal (MSK) illnesses and disorders. If you fit the description, here are 6 myths and truths about chiropractors that can be helpful to you.

Truth 1: Chiropractors undergo rigorous training

Typically, a chiropractor completes approximately 8 years of higher education training before acquiring a license. This includes four years of undergraduate education in a pre-med major and a further four in a chiropractic graduate program. Before joining the undergraduate program, one must have taken a course in sciences such as chemistry, biology, psychology, and physics.
Once the education phase is over, chiropractors would join a clinical internship to put their skills to the test. After education and training, they will sit on a licensing board. If they succeed, they will obtain certification and licensure after which they can become doctors of chiropractic.

Truth 2: Chiropractic care is effective

Unlike medical doctors, chiropractors use natural methods to ease pain in the muscles, bones, and tendons. Despite their success in treating back pain, headaches, and other nerve issues, there are still millions of people who don’t believe in this kind of medicine. The United States’ National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health claims that chiropractic treatment is the number one solution for back pain. Approximately 74% of Americans suffering from back pain have undergone chiropractic care at some point. In addition, a 2010 study of the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment done by the center showed that spinal manipulation may help treat migraine headaches, back pain, whiplash, and a wide range of conditions affecting both the upper and lower extremities.

Truth 3: chiropractic treatment goes beyond back pain

Chiropractors are trained in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of biomechanical disorders in the MSK system. These refer to disorders arising from the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Alongside managing the MSK complaints in the spine, chiropractic care has also been shown to help treat headaches, extremities, and TMJ pain. Some chiropractors can even offer sound counseling on fitness, ergonomics, and nutrition. When you visit Demaine Chiropractic and Rehab Centers, you will essentially be helped on how a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle.

Myth 1: a chiropractor is not a real doctor

There’s a notion among many people that chiropractors are not doctors and therefore don’t really deserve much attention when it comes to the treatment of the body. Again, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Chiropractors are doctors entitled to utilize the “doctor” title just like optometrists, physicians, and dentists do. Once you complete your Doctor of Chiropractic degree and obtain your licensure, you immediately become a doctor.

Myth 2: Chiropractic Treatments Are Painful

Another myth that gets people terrified at the thought of using chiropractic treatment is that it can be painful. Spinal adjustments and manipulation are especially thought to be a nightmare. Ideally, spinal manipulation and adjustment is done to help the body regain its mobility and flexibility and relieve aching, stiffness, and soreness in the muscles and joints. The treatment is performed by trained and licensed doctors and although you will feel some discomfort, the pain is quite manageable.

Myth 3: chiropractic treatment is like signing a life sentence

Many people think that once you book an appointment with a chiropractor, you will have to see them as long as you live. This is not true. Ideally, when you see a chiropractor, they should assess your issue and determine its root cause. From the diagnosis, they should develop an effective treatment plan according to your needs. This can cover a number of visits to the doctor. They will then advise you on how best to maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid making too many doctor visits. If you stick to the advice, you might never make a trip back to the doctor.

There it is -- 6 truths and myths about chiropractors. The short of it is that both science and past practice proves that people with MSK issues can benefit from chiropractic treatments. However, like other treatments, its effectiveness depends on your approach and commitment to taking care of your body after the treatment.

This is a guest blog entry.