Three Myths of Chiropractic Treatment

There are countless myths and scare stories regarding alternative healing, including chiropractic care, still in abundance today. Although there is no warrant for these myths, people shy away from chiropractic treatments as a result. Some of the more well-known myths of chiropractic treatment include believing it is dangerous or causes pain, no scientific evidence for it being an effective treatment for pain relief and once you go, you will have to continue seeking chiropractic care for the rest of your life.

1. Causes Pain or is Dangerous Many potential chiropractic patients consider getting treatment, but fear an adjustment will hurt worse than the pain they are already experiencing. The truth is many patients feel instantaneous relief, and enjoy feeling better after the adjustment is made. In select cases of severe neck or back pain some discomfort may occur at the time, however it is rare and the pain relief experienced over the long-term makes it well worth it. As far as chiropractic treatments being dangerous, studies have shown this to be untrue, and is in reality one of the safest solutions for the majority of those suffering from neck or back pain. It is essential that any chiropractic care be performed by a qualified and trained doctor of chiropractic, or there can be risk of harm. 2. No Scientific Evidence to its Efficacy Just in the last twenty years alone, many scientific studies have been completed regarding the effectiveness of chiropractic care and can dispel many of these types of myths of chiropractic treatment. The Research and Development (RAND) Corporation, is a non-profit, private corporation out of Santa Monica, California that has conducted countless studies for everyone from the United States Government and Military to national and international private sector businesses. The RAND Corporation's chiropractic case study is the first time any representative from the United States medical field has went on record and testified to the appropriateness of chiropractic care for lower back pain. There are many other studies that have backed up RAND's findings as well. 3. Once You Go, You Have to Go Forever One of the more common myths of chiropractic treatment is once you go, you will have to go for the rest of your life. Most chiropractic doctors take a preventative approach to healthcare and this philosophy has been distorted into believing a lifelong obligation is necessary after going for the initial adjustment. However, returning periodically for a spinal adjustment is not much different from visiting the dentist on a regular basis in order to prevent cavities and gum disease.