1. Chiropractors are safe, effective, and here to help you.
Chiropractic has been around for what seems like forever. It started back in 1895 with B.J. Palmer’s first adjustment. Without getting too much into the details, this chiropractor-patient was deaf but able to hear again after his adjustment! Ever since then, chiropractors have been helping people with many issues.
Research shows that chiropractic care is one of the most effective treatments for low back pain1. Chiropractic is generally considered safe2. We have the lowest malpractice premiums compared to other medical professions (tens of thousands of dollars lower!), indicating that most people who see a chiropractor are rarely harmed. Chiropractic is a hands-on healing profession. You will find that your chiropractor genuinely cares for you and your overall well-being.
2. No, we will not break your neck.
Unlike what it looks like in the movies, it is nearly impossible to snap someone’s neck with your bare hands. Chiropractors are trained to deliver specific gentle adjustments to the spine, including the cervical spine (neck). This is an intentional adjustment to the bone (vertebrae).
3. We went to school for a really long time, and we are doctors.
Chiropractic school is just as long as medical school. You need to have the required credits to attend. Most chiropractors earn their bachelor’s degree, meet all of the science prerequisites, and then continue to chiropractic school. During chiropractic school, a D.C. (doctor of chiropractic) earns 3065 classroom hours. Compare this to an M.D (medical doctor) who earns 2706 hours. To name some of the highly studied systems of chiropractors, we study 540 hours of Anatomy-Physiology, 360 hours of radiology, and 210 hours of orthopedics. This is higher than most other medical professions.
Doctors of Chiropractic study the same curriculum as medical programs for the first two years, including dissecting a real human body. During that time, D.C.s are also learning the art and skill of adjusting. Chiropractors learn to diagnose just like medical doctors. Although we may not treat everything, we can refer out to the appropriate practitioner and write orders for any necessary imaging. Though most chiropractors deal with the musculoskeletal system, we are trained on all systems of the body. Trust that your chiropractor is a very well-trained, knowledgeable doctor.
4. There are different types of adjustments, so find the right chiropractor for you.
When people think of chiropractic, they think of the “neck popping.” However, there are many different ways to adjust. Some chiropractors use manual adjusting to deliver an adjustment using their hands. This can cause an audible (popping sound). Others use instrument-assisted adjusting with a tool called an activator or an impulse adjuster that delivers the adjustment. If the “cracking and popping” is just not right for you, there are many other ways to provide an effective adjustment. There are also special tables that drop and deliver the adjustment into the joint without having to twist, torque or push. Find the adjustment that is comfortable and works for your body.
5. You don’t need to come forever, but you will want to.
Chiropractic is not a one-time fix. However, you may significantly decrease pain or symptoms after your initial adjustment. It takes time to undo the damage of poor posture, injury, or malposition of the spine, which is why your chiropractor will want to see you frequently in the beginning stages of your treatment plan. Frequent visits also help establish muscle memory and joint memory to stay in proper alignment or “hold your adjustment.” You will even start to notice what your body feels like in proper alignment and sense when something is off and you need an adjustment.
6. We can help with more than just muscle, joint, and back pain.
Chiropractic focus is on the musculoskeletal system. Many people think of us as “back doctors.” While this is true, we are experts in back pain, headaches, and muscle pain; chiropractic is shown to relieve symptoms of infertility, ear infections, colic, and much more3,4,5. This is because adjustments balance the nervous system restoring balance to the body. When the spine is in proper alignment, the body can work to its peak potential.
7. Your body can heal itself; we give it the necessary tools.
Our bodies are smart and capable of healing themselves. Look at when you get a paper cut, and it is completely healed in a day or two. Our bodies know what to do and want to be in a state of ease, not dis-ease. Chiropractic adjustments help to enable the body to work to its peak potential by decreasing nerve interference from a spinal misalignment.
8. Stop cracking your own back.
Sure, “cracking” your back or having a friend do it may feel good, but it can potentially lead to injury. Adjusting yourself can lead to a sprain strain or soreness. It is better to have a trained professional, a chiropractor, adjust your joints. Typically you self-adjust or “pop your back” you are moving a hypermobile segment or moving too much. Chiropractors find the segment that is stuck and put that one into motion. When we find the right fixated vertebrae, you won’t feel the need to “pop” your own back.
9. We can treat your whole family.
Some chiropractors have specialties such as sports, pediatrics, nutrition, etc. But even with those specialties, we are trained to adjust all ages. Getting your entire family on a regular chiropractic schedule will keep you all healthy. Starting kids with chiropractic care in their early years helps them maintain good posture, keeps them in proper alignment as they grow, and teaches them about self-care and wellness early on.
