7 Myths About Chiropractic Treatment Busted

Approximately 30 million people see an injury chiropractor every year. While that is a strong showing, it's still a small percentage of the 7 billion people in the world. Everyone can benefit from chiropractic care, but many people either don't fully understand what an injury chiropractor does, or they are scared off by the myths about this type of treatment. Here are 7 myths about chiropractors busted.

1. Once you start going to the chiropractor, you'll have to go forever.

You have probably heard this myth a few dozen times. If you go to the chiropractor and decide it isn't for you, you don't have to return. You will not have adverse reactions from your adjustment that cause you to need continuing care. Chances are that you will feel better than you have in years and decide to continue your chiropractic treatments.

2. Pain medications are a safer alternative.

In the United States alone, 40 people die from prescription painkillers every single day. Narcotic prescription painkillers are highly addictive and subject to drug abuse. One in 20 narcotic users admits to abusing their medication. Only 26 deaths have ever occurred from chiropractic care, none of them being in the past decade. Even receiving a minor injury from a chiropractic adjustment is very rare and highly unlikely.

3. Chiropractors aren't real doctors.

Chiropractors have a degree called Doctor of Chiropractic, which is the DC in place of MD after their name. Like medical doctors, chiropractors complete a one-year internship. Although they aren't required to complete a residency, they have the option to do so. Chiropractors complete a minimum of 8 years of school.

Chiropractors have more hours of classroom instruction than medical doctors do. They receive 4,485 hours, while medical doctors receive 4,248 hours. Chiropractors cannot prescribe medication, although New Mexico now gives them limited prescription rights and other states may soon follow.

4. Chiropractors make your bones crack.

You can go ahead and get an x-ray after a chiropractic adjustment and you will see that none of your bones are cracked. Chiropractors use joint and spinal manipulation to relieve many issues. The crack that you may hear during an adjustment is caused by your joint spaces opening properly and trapped gas releasing from them.

5. Chiropractors only relieve back problems.

While back problems are a large part of chiropractic care, they aren't the only thing that a chiropractor can help you with. Other problems that chiropractors treat include:

• Ear infections
• Headaches
• Immunity support
• Childhood fevers
• Fibromyalgia
• Pinched nerves
• Sciatica
• TMJ
• Headaches & chronic migraines
• Carpal tunnel

6. Chiropractic care isn't covered by insurance.

While this is sometimes true, it isn't always true. If you are on a state insurance program, it might not cover chiropractic adjustments. However, most union, private, and other work-related insurance companies cover chiropractors as specialists. Some even cover chiropractors at the same rate as primary care doctors.

7. Children don't need chiropractors.

Children's bones are highly flexible and usually don't need the same amount of chiropractic care as adults. However, children can benefit from chiropractic care from birth. Although a vaginal birth is completely natural and the safest way to have a baby, it can still cause your baby to have some misalignment in the spine, neck, and hips. Many chiropractors will adjust infants to help alleviate the birth trauma.

After birth, learning to crawl, stand, and walk puts extra pressure on the spine. Some people accidentally put their babies in baby gear that holds them upright and puts too much pressure on the spine. Chiropractors can alleviate the pressure. If your child has had a major injury, chronic ear infections, or you just want some extra immune support, a chiropractor can help.

Chiropractors tend to get a bad rap from people who don't understand how adjustments work. It's important to educate yourself before swearing off chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractors are reputable doctors with extensive training in their field. They can help issues from a weakened immune system to severe back pain.