What are 5 Myths about Chiropractic Care

5 Myths about Chiropractic Care

We believe that chiropractic is suitable for everyone, but there are several pervasive myths about chiropractic care that keep people from experiencing what it can do. We want to clear the air and tell you the truth about chiropractic care in Fayetteville, NC. If you’re thinking about receiving treatment from us, but you’re unsure, see if this will help settle your mind.

Myth #1: Chiropractors aren’t “real doctors.”

On the contrary, chiropractors have to take a course load that’s equally as rigorous as medical doctors. Many of the classes are exactly the same. Residencies are required just like medical doctors. Both types of doctors take very difficult licensing certifications. Both require continuing education credits to maintain their licenses. Chiropractors and medical doctors both have extensive knowledge and experience.  One of the very few differences is that chiropractors cannot prescribe medication (unless they’re also MDs).  Dr. McDowell, your Fayetteville Chiropractor, has been certified in the care of Whiplash and Traumatic Brain Injury through the Spine Research Institute of San Diego.  He is one of only two chiropractors to perform this certification in Fayetteville, NC. 

Myth #2: Spinal manipulation hurts.

It’s just the opposite. Most people report a feeling of lightness, energy, and a reduction in pain after an adjustment session. The “popping” sound you occasionally hear is not from bones grinding against one another but of gas escaping from the joint just like it does when you crack your knuckles. The chiropractor isn’t seeking the “pop” but the feel of your bones sliding back into place. In cases of acute pain, like after a car accident or auto accident, there may be a little more tenderness during the adjustment but it will rapidly go away once the adjustment is made.

Myth #3: Once you start chiropractic treatments, they’re life-long.

They are only “life-long” in the sense that you’ll want to keep healthy throughout your life anyway! Getting regular chiropractic checkups is no different than going to a doctor for regular physicals or to a dentist for regular teeth cleanings. It’s just good preventative medicine.  After being treated by a chiropractor you will become aware of how good and relaxed your body can feel when you have been treated.  When you begin to feel stiff again, you will want to get adjusted to return to feeling healthier again.

Myth #4: Chiropractic is only for adults.

Chiropractors know that children can receive lots of spinal tweaks as they grow up. They get extensive training in pediatric anatomy and how to properly adjust a child’s spine. Even babies can receive chiropractic treatments. Many childhood complaints like headaches and growing pains can be cleared up through chiropractic adjustments, and typically, in few visits.

Myth #5: I can crack my back on my own. Why see a chiropractor?

We’ve seen a lot of people come up with weird ways to self-care for their backs after a car accident. Cracking your own back properly is harder than you think.  When you have a misaligned bone in your spine it is harder to “pop” than a healthy joint.  When people pop their own neck it is almost always a healthy spot that is loosened and not the one causing their discomfort.  This will cause your pain to feel better for 20 minutes or so because of the barrage of nerve feedback to your brain from the adjustment.   This barrage covers the dull aching pain you had been feeling, but then the pain returns, and you again have the urge to adjust yourself.  Repeated adjusting of a healthy joint will just make it more loose and this in turn will typically make you problem spot more tight…and thus, more sore. 

Even trained chiropractors don’t adjust themselves for this reason. For your safety, avoid cracking your own back and let a chiropractor fix the underlying misalignment instead.

For more information about your Fayetteville, NC chiropractic office, we urge you to call our offices at 910-484-2001 to set up an appointment or to talk with one of our staff members. We’ll be happy to address all of your concerns before setting up your appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.