Chiropractic care is one of the fastest-growing non-invasive and highly effective medical approaches to relieving nerve pain, joint pain, back pain, headaches, migraines, pregnancy-related pain, and a host of other maladies and ailments. Given its rise in popularity, it is inevitable that some myths would develop about chiropractic care and its various treatments and applications.
The following sections identify the five most common myths. These sections analyze the sources of the myths, dispelling some of the misconceptions or falsehoods associated with each myth.
“Chiropractors are Not Real Doctors”
The Myth: Because not all chiropractors wear lab coats with stethoscopes draped over their shoulders, a myth has developed surrounding whether or not chiropractors are “real doctors.”
The Truth: This myth is factually untrue. The evidence that dispels the myth is that chiropractors must undergo an educational journey quite similar to that of medical doctors. Graduate programs for chiropractors typically require about four years of study, culminating in an official diploma known as a “D.C.” (Doctor of Chiropractic) degree. It’s essential to note that the successful completion of both national board examinations and state licensure examinations is required to practice chiropractic care in any state in the United States. Beyond their educational background, chiropractors demonstrate their title as doctors in their day-to-day medical practice. Every day, chiropractors analyze, diagnose, and treat their patients using a range of skills within their field to help patients overcome ailments and discomforts.
“The Goal of Chiropractic Care is to Produce a ‘Pop’ Sound During an Adjustment”
The Myth: Some associate chiropractic adjustments with the popping or cracking sound joints make when air bubbles within the joint escape during an adjustment. However, this is not the primary goal of chiropractic care, and it’s hardly even a point of interest for chiropractors.
The Truth: The cracking sound chiropractors make during an adjustment is a byproduct of the adjustment itself. Quoting research compiled by the University of Bridgeport, “When chiropractic medicine comes to mind, you likely hear it before the scene takes shape — a resounding ‘crack’ as air bubbles escape from the joints. While some chiropractic procedures may produce a satisfying pop, it’s not the goal of chiropractic care but an occasional byproduct. Chiropractic medicine operates on the principle that proper alignment of the spine and other musculoskeletal structures is essential for overall health and well-being. The purpose of chiropractic adjustments is to restore or enhance this alignment, thereby improving nervous system function and promoting the body’s natural ability to heal itself.”[1]
“Chiropractic Adjustments are Only Meant to Treat Back Pain”
The Myth: Some believe that, because so much of chiropractic care focuses on the patient’s spine, the only thing chiropractic care is meant to treat is back pain. People see the life-size skeletal spine model hanging on a hook in their chiropractor’s office, and they assume the only thing a chiropractor can do for them is alleviate back pain.
The Truth: Back pain is a common reason patients seek chiropractic care, but it’s far from the only one. Chiropractors can (and do) treat various areas of the body affected by musculoskeletal issues, including neck pain, headaches, joint pain, sports injuries, postpartum pain, congenital conditions, aging-related pain, and more. Much of a chiropractor’s work does center around the spine, but that’s because the spine is the body’s main “highway” where the nervous system runs its pathways to and from different areas of the body. When the spine becomes misaligned, it can create new and exacerbate existing discomfort in countless areas of the body.
“Chiropractic Manipulations are Painful”
The Myth: Countless depictions of chiropractic adjustments in television and movies have produced the idea that such adjustments are painful. Humans also have a natural wariness of having their back and, especially, their neck manipulated. Sometimes, the cracking or popping noise that comes with an adjustment sounds like it should be painful, even though it isn’t.
The Truth: While it is true that some patients experience mild soreness following an adjustment, it’s more akin to the soreness one feels after a visit to the gym or a short burst of cardiovascular activity. It is more of a soreness, fatigue sensation than a pain sensation. In fact, rather than causing pain, chiropractors are employing methods designed to reduce pain in the long run by helping patients avoid invasive surgeries and costly medications. Most patients leave their chiropractic visits feeling better than they did when they arrived.
“Chiropractic Care Requires Ongoing Visits to Get Results”
The Myth: One of the oldest jokes about chiropractic care goes something like this: “How many chiropractors does it take to change a light bulb? Just one, but it takes 24 adjustments!”
The Truth: Chiropractic care, like other medical practices, provides personalized care to each patient, rather than a blanket approach to all who receive the care. While it’s true that some treatment plans may require multiple return visits to adjust the spine enough times to keep it in place and prevent it from shifting out of alignment, the overall frequency of visits depends entirely on the individual patient and their specific needs. Again quoting the University of Bridgeport study cited earlier, “While some treatment plans call for routine adjustments, others may incorporate occasional maintenance into a patient’s wellness routine. Additionally, chiropractors focus on education while administering treatment, meaning that they may take action to alleviate immediate symptoms. Still, they’ll also teach patients methods and movements that can help to prevent the symptoms from recurring in the future.”
Pain Relief Without Surgery or Medication Thanks to the Best Chiropractors in Middle Tennessee
Last but not least, it’s worth mentioning that chiropractic care is not a cure-all for all health maladies. According to the University of Bridgeport’s research, chiropractic care is most effective when used in conjunction with the patient’s primary physician and their medical recommendations. As the University of Bridgeport researchers say, “Incorporating collaborative chiropractic care into the big picture can help you maintain whole-body wellness.”
The best chiropractors in Franklin, Tennessee, and the best chiropractic care in Nashville are ready and available to patients at Cool Springs Chiropractic. There, Dr. Peter Hinz and his team of specialists consistently deliver exemplary service and are recognized for their expertise, particularly in caring for patients with pinched nerve pain.
Quoting Tennessee’s award-winning chiropractor, Dr. Hinz:
- “At Cool Springs Chiropractic, our expert team provides tailored chiropractic care to address our patients’ unique health needs in collaboration with their primary care provider and other specialists. No matter what the severity of the condition is, we’re here to effectively diagnose the problem and do everything we can to help patients experience relief without invasive surgeries or costly medication. The result? Our patients leave our office feeling pain-free, healthier, happier, more mobile, and ready to experience a better quality of life as a result.”
Schedule an appointment by calling (615) 503-9900 or using our online system to take advantage of our limited-time $49 New Patient Special.
Our office is located at 3252 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 13, in Franklin, Tennessee. For information or to ask a question, email us at info@coolspringschiropractic.com.
Sources:
[1] UB. “Cracking the Chiro Code – Debunking 5 Common Chiropractic Myths.” University of Bridgeport, 2024. bridgeport.edu
