MYTHBUSTERS: CHIROPRACTIC EDITION

It's time to shed some light on Chiropractic Myths & Facts

Here we take on the role of Mythbuster, and try break down some myths surrounding Chiropractic. Chiropractic as a profession has always had this sense of mystery on how it works, why it works, and 'is it for me?'. This is a result of the general public not knowing the facts about chiropractic and what it can actually do!

The truth of the matter is that Chiropractic Care is for everyone. Young, old, athletic and pain-free. Below we tackle some myths about Chiropractic and help you understand what it is all about.

1. Chiropractors Can Only Treat Back Pain

Chiropractors are nuero-musculoskeletal experts, we specialise in assessing, diagnosing, treating and preventing biomechanical disorders that initiate from the muscular, bone or nervous system.

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 TMJ pain. Chiropractors are also able to provide lifestyle counselling about nutrition, fitness and ergonomics among others that may be useful in managing or preventing a variety of health conditions.

2. Adjustments Are Painful

When someone is experiencing back pain, the last thing they want to experience is worsened pain in the Chiropractor’s office. In general, adjustments or joint manipulations do not hurt, though there might be some brief discomfort.

In fact, many patients report immediate pain relief. Patients may be nervous about the ‘cracking’ or popping sound that may occur during an adjustment.

3. Once You Start Going to the Chiropractor, You Can Never Stop

When seeking care from a chiropractor, we will perform an assessment including a history and physical examination to determine the cause of the pain or dysfunction. From these observations, a diagnosis will be made and the treatment plan developed in collaboration with the patient – according to their needs and goals. The treatment plan will recommend a number of initial visits to see if the patient responds to care and scheduled re-evaluations. Depending on the patient and the condition, the recommended course of care may vary. Ultimately, the decision to continue care is yours.

4. You Can Adjust Yourself

We covered most of this in our other blog: SELF ADJUSTING, but the just of it is, that it is highly recommended you entrust your spinal health to Chiropractor. Simply twisting your back or neck yourself can result in instability by stressing joints that don’t need it. What you are most likely adjusting is the wrong joint above or below the restricted joint.

5. You Must Be Referred To A Chiropractor

Chiropractors are Primary Care Practitioners therefore you can access them directly. This is due to the extensive training of Chiropractors as diagnosticians; chiropractors will perform a comprehensive assessment to help determine a diagnosis or clinical impressions. Depending on the outcome, the chiropractor can discuss a course of care or refer to another healthcare professional, as needed.

Cheers,

Team Hughes Chiropractic

(Blog post is written from a combination of my experiences and the various research I have read over time, hence collective knowledge with no specific reference to particular articles).