5 Common Myths and Misconceptions About Chiropractic - Part 2

Myth No. 2: Chiropractic Treatments are Risky

This misconception is one of the most widespread. Many people are afraid to seek chiropractic treatment because they believe it can cause injury and potentially lead to more serious problems. Even worse, some still think that chiropractors are not licensed doctors.

First of all, and most importantly, chiropractic is an acknowledged professional healthcare field, and chiropractors are considered to be, and licensed as, medical professionals. Chiropractic is a recognized form of alternative medicine, and a chiropractic degree is awarded only after the individual successfully completes a rigorous educational and training program. Chiropractic uses adjustment procedures on certain areas of the body, including the spine and the neck, to help restore mobility or function. Often, chiropractic treatments are used in conjunction with nutritional plans and relaxation techniques to provide optimal results.

Experts are essentially unanimous in their assessment of the safety of chiropractic care: it is considered to be safer than taking prescription pain medication and the associated side effects and risk of addiction, and it certainly is far less risky than surgery and the attendant risk of surgical complications.

Myth No. 3: Chiropractic Care is Painful

Chiropractic doctors have years of training and clinical experience, so there is no need to worry about feeling any pain during a chiropractic adjustment. Rarely, a patient might experience some minimal discomfort, but it does not rise to the level of pain. Certainly, this discomfort is insignificant compared to the painful recovery so typically associated with surgery. Chiropractic treatments are manually applied, and several factors can potentially change the sensations you feel during your treatment procedures. Simply put, however, chiropractic care is not painful.