Six Common Myths Regarding Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic treatment is a drug-free non-invasive therapy, which is why it is considered a safe treatment available for conditions such as neck pain, headaches, pain in the joints of the arms and legs, back pain, and neuromusculoskeletal problems. Although more than 35 million people in the United States undergo chiropractic treatment each year, few sections of the society do have questions regarding the role of chiropractors as well as the credibility of the treatment method. We have tried shedding light on some common misconceptions or myths.

One Will Have to Keep Going to a Chiropractor after Being Seen Once

This is absolutely not true. When you see a chiropractor for the first time, a detailed assessment that includes your history and physical examination will be performed in order to correctly determine the exact cause for your pain and derive a diagnosis. Then, a treatment plan will be developed according to your needs. This will include the recommended number of initial visits that will be necessary to really assess how you respond to the treatment. The course of treatment is patient-specific, which means it varies according to individual needs. Most people feel better after just a few treatment sessions; however, others may require multiple sessions. The plan of care is formulated based on shared decision making and you play an important role in deciding continued care.

We, at OasisMD, provide chiropractic care for problems in one out of the 3 phases of care. You can always choose the level of care you desire.

• Acute Care Goal – To relieve pain

The majority of patients improve within the initial 2-5 visits. This type of care works best when a person needs to be seen frequently but for a shorter period of time.

• Rehab Care Goal — To correct biomechanical problems

Dr. Ehlers restores pain-free movements and improves strength with techniques such as continued joint mobilization, muscle therapy, and posture exercises. Learning new patterns of body movement helps to change how you move and therefore you can feel good.

• Wellness Care Goal - Prevention & Maintenance

Regular chiropractic care helps to increase the range of motion and flexibility of joints, and thus keeps us moving and being active.

Ultimately, it is up to you to choose the extent of benefit you want to derive from your chiropractic care. However, we strongly urge all our patients to consider lifetime, wellness chiropractic care, which gives long-term as well as lasting benefits. Lifetime wellness chiropractic care involves adopting healthy eating habits and regular exercising.

A Referral from a Medical Doctor Is Needed to See a Chiropractor

Not at all, chiropractors are recognized as primary care providers throughout the U.S, which means that if you have a back pain, you can see a chiropractor directly without any referral.

The Effectiveness of Chiropractic Treatment Has No Supportive Evidence

Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact and benefits of manual therapies in musculoskeletal conditions. Spine and joint manipulation have been proven to be effective in relieving acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, in fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2017 has suggested that the spinal manipulative therapy can be used as a first-line treatment in patients with acute low back pain. Moreover, the American College of Physicians has released the updated low back pain guidelines in 2017, which recommends non-drug treatments such as spinal manipulative therapy as first-line treatment for acute as well as chronic low back pain.

Chiropractic Care Is Only for Back Pain

This is false as chiropractors can address the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous system disorders as well as their effect on your general health. In addition to the management of musculoskeletal problems of the spine, there is evidence that chiropractic care is effective in treating headaches and pain in the extremities and temporomandibular joint (jaw joint). Chiropractors do provide advice regarding healthy lifestyle changes about nutrition and ergonomics that will be helpful in preventing various diseases. Almost every professional sports team now includes a chiropractor because chiropractic care can be quite beneficial for daily maintenance and improvement of stamina and flexibility, as well as for the treatment of sports-related injuries, aches, and pains.

Spinal Manipulative Therapy Is Painful

No, your spinal adjustments or joint manipulation itself will not cause any pain, in fact, most patients have reported quick pain relief. It is just that some popping/crackling sound may be heard during an adjustment, which is due to gas bubbles getting released from within the joint. However, you may experience mild soreness/aching after initial sessions of chiropractic adjustments, which is absolutely normal and is due to the reaction of muscles around your spine as it is adjusted. The discomfort usually fades away in a day but the application of ice to the sore area can bring some relief. Although every patient is different, most cases respond well to chiropractic care.

Chiropractic Care Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy

Not necessarily, in fact, according to the American Pregnancy Association, chiropractic care during pregnancy is considered safe. Spinal changes do occur during pregnancy, which can be helped with drug-free treatment such as chiropractic care.