There are a number of different misconceptions about chiropractic care and the role it plays in the primary health care field. Simply put, chiropractic is the science of adjusting the spine in order to restore normal biomechanical motion and decrease stress on the nerves which allows the body to function better. chiropractic respects the natural healing ability of the individual and aims at optimizing spinal and neural performance.
This post will share some thoughts around the common objections that, unfortunately, prevent many people from seeing a chiropractor and having their problems addressed, and provide an overview of exactly what chiropractic is and how it can help you and your family.
1. There is no evidence to support the effectiveness of chiropractic care
The science behind chiropractic is often questioned, however, In the last 20 years researchers have established an impressive array of scientific research that demonstrates the efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of chiropractic care. There are many further studies currently underway, and several have been performed by medical doctors and government researchers in both the U.S. and a number of other countries. In fact, spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is recommended as first line intervention for back pain in numerous clinical practice guidelines including the Bone and Joint Decade Task Force, the American College of Physicians and American Pain Society as well as Britain’s National Institute of Health and Care Excellence.
Chiropractors also happen to be the largest body of health care professionals behind medicine, servicing roughly 2.8 million Americans each month according to a 2015 Gallup Poll.
2. Chiropractic are is dangerous
Maybe one of the most common misconceptions is that chiropractic care is dangerous. Nothing could be further than the truth. Chiropractic is recognized as one of the safest types of health care in the world. Numerous studies, including those funded by governments, universities and nonprofit research institutions, have proven it to be a successful and safe primary therapy for several neuromusculoskeletal conditions – a therapy that is safer, in fact, than most medical procedures used to treat the same conditions.
If we compare chiropractic with other health care practitioners, including medical doctors or dentists, on the basis of professional indemnity insurance fees, those of chiropractors are among the lowest of any primary health care practitioner. But, just like there are awful medical doctors out there, there are bad chiropractors too. If you have concerns about a particular chiropractor ask other patients about their experiences. You can also check their licensing status, including whether they are in good standing with the state where they practice.
3. Chiropractic care is expensive
Research clearly disproves this myth. Chiropractic care has been consistently shown to be cost effective in a number of government and workers’ compensation board studies. According to The Manga Report, a 1993 Canadian government commissioned study, “There would be highly significant cost savings if more management of low-back pain was transferred from physicians to chiropractors… Users of chiropractic care have substantially lower health care costs, especially inpatient costs, than those who use medical care only.” A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics showed that for patients experiencing low back pain, care initiated by a doctor of chiropractic was 20 percent less expensive than when it was initiated by a medical doctor.
In a more holistic sense, chiropractic care actually saves our community money. A study by Sarnat et al in 2006 showed that chiropractic care resulted in a decrease of 60% in-hospital admissions, 59% of hospital days, 62% of outpatient surgeries and procedures, and 85% in pharmaceutical costs. Chiropractic care is also covered by most private health insurance companies, which can help make care affordable. Even if you don’t have private health insurance most chiropractors will work with patients to help manage their costs.
4. Once you start chiropractic care you have to keep going for the rest of your life
Actually, none of us HAVE to do anything. Anyone can stop chiropractic care whenever they wish. However, what is more common is that once people start chiropractic care they realize the benefits and they want to maintain a healthy spine and nervous system. So, when should you stop seeing a chiropractor? It is likely the same answer to these questions:
• When should you stop eating healthy food?
• When should you stop brushing our teeth?
• When should you stop exercising?
You are not obligated to look after your spine for the rest of your life, but it is sensible. Good or bad, your spine is yours to keep for life. After the initial plan of care, most people will have check-ups from every 1-3 months or even weekly depending your lifestyle, the condition of your body and any prevailing conditions.
5. Chiropractic care is for back pain only
Chiropractors are actually musculoskeletal experts and are trained in assessing, diagnosing and treating conditions that impact the musculoskeletal and associated neurological system as well as other structures besides the spine. In addition to the evidence that supports chiropractic care in managing musculoskeletal complaints of the spine, there is also evidence that it supports chiropractic management of the extremities, headaches and even the TMJ.
But it goes beyond that as well. Chiropractic improves the position and function of the spine which helps maximize brain-body communication throughout the body. Chiropractic, therefore, can actually have wide ranging positive effects on all kinds of dysfunctional states, not just sore backs. Though chiropractors get incredible results with sore backs and necks, it is the secondary health conditions that resolve that deserve the attention. Chiropractic is about improving structure and function in your spine and increasing your health.
Many people who are unsure about Chiropractic may have had a previous negative experience. Just like with any other profession, this can happen. However, just because you got one bad haircut doesn’t mean you’re likely to stop getting haircuts. My guess is that you’ll just find someone else who is better at cutting hair. Our recommendation is that you find the right chiropractor for your family who will spend the time to show you what chiropractic is really all about.
