Myths and Reality

Myth: Chiropractors are not real doctors

Reality: The biggest difference between chiropractors and medical doctors lies not in their level of education, but in their preferred method of caring for people.

Chiropractic education consists of a bachelors of Science with a minimum of two years of university study in pre-med sciences, followed by four years of full time chiropractic school. Chiropractic colleges are recognized and accredited by the U.S. Council on Chiropractic Education (C.C.E.). The curriculum is similar to that of medical school, except in chiropractic the emphasis is placed on the structural and functional analysis of the spine/extremities and corrective adjusting techniques, while in medicine the emphasis is placed on the analysis of body chemistry and pharmaceutical interventions. As part of their education, chiropractic students also complete a residency working with real patients in a clinical setting, supervised by licensed doctors of chiropractic. Once chiropractic students graduate, they have to pass four sets of national board exams as well as state board exams in the states where they want to practice.

Myth:  Chiropractors only treat back problems

Reality: Chiropractors focus on the spinal health as a way of improving and maintaining good health well beyond back pain or problems.    Chiropractic Care has been known to treat a number of conditions including:

•    Asthma
•    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
•    Back Pain
•    Headache
•    Heel Pain
•    Infantile Colic
•    Knee Pain
•    Otitis Media
•    Scheuermann’s Disease
•    Scoliosis
•    Spondylolisthesis

Myth: Chiropractors crack your bones.

Reality: Only some chiropractic techniques involve an adjustment, or manipulation, of the spine or extremity joints.  A chiropractic adjustment is the focused mobilization of a target joint in the body which affects the joint’s position and movement. The audible sound sometimes heard during the procedure is created by the opening of the joint space. A chiropractic adjustment does not affect the bones on either side of a joint, it affects the connective tissue that holds the joint together. Sometimes there is no better way to mobilize the deep connective tissue within a joint structure other than to make an adjustment.

Myth: Once you start you have to keep going forever.

Reality: If you are being treated for a specific problem, the treatment plan should end when the problem is resolved. If your problem is chronic or recurrent, or you wish to avoid future problems, you may benefit from periodic care to stay ahead of accumulative strain and acute flare-ups. Dental care is often used in this way. Bottom line is it’s your choice.