Debunking 3 Myths about Chiropractic Care
MYTH 1: Chiropractic adjustments are dangerous!
Throughout recent years, the popularity of chiropractic care has grown greatly due to the amazing results and benefits patients experience. However, there are still myths surrounding chiropractic care, such as the myth that chiropractic adjustments are dangerous. For patients who are in pain, they may hear this myth and hesitate to seek chiropractic care due to fear of worsening pain.
Chiropractic care is NOT dangerous. A chiropractic adjustment is a specific procedure performed by a licensed chiropractor with the use of the chiropractor’s hands or mechanical devices to create movement within a joint in a specific direction. Chiropractic adjustments help increase range of motion, improve joint function, decrease pain and inflammation, and remove any nerve pressure or interference within the joint. During a chiropractic adjustment the patient may hear an audible sound because air bubbles and pressure may be released from the joint.
While all licensed chiropractors may be able to provide an adjustment, it is important for patients to choose the best chiropractor for their care. The experience and education of a chiropractor are important factors to consider, as they affect a chiropractor’s ability and efficiency to properly treat any condition. Chiro-Med’s chiropractors attended National University of Health Science (NUHS). The chiropractic program at NUHS is rated as an excellent education program that focuses on providing accurate diagnoses and a strong ability to treat any patient’s condition and pain.
MYTH 2: Chiropractic care is expensive!
Another misconception about chiropractic care is that it is too expensive or that it will not be covered under a patient’s insurance. However, chiropractic care is affordable and covered by many health insurance plans. At Chiro-Med we check a patient’s insurance benefits to determine if chiropractic care is a covered benefit. Based on the information, we provide a detailed summary to the patient about insurance coverage, or we provide information about the costs for chiropractic care if insurance coverage is not available so the patient is well-informed.
The long-term use of medications, surgeries, and/or long-term rehabilitative services are usually much more expensive than treatment through chiropractic care. Another benefit over medication, surgery, or long-term rehabilitation is the less-invasive nature of chiropractic care. A study conducted by the American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians provided recognition of chiropractic adjustments as an effective medical treatment for both acute and chronic low back pain. The study also provided evidence that chiropractic care has a tendency to be more cost effective and more timely compared to traditional care that involves the use of medications.
When all factors are considered, the cost of chiropractic care is affordable and cost-effective when compared to treatment with traditional medical care. Furthermore, chiropractic care produces positive clinical outcomes that help improve the quality of life for patients who seek care from a licensed chiropractor.
MYTH 3: Once you start chiropractic care, you need to continue to see results!
One of the biggest myths about chiropractic care is that once a patient starts seeing a chiropractor, the patient will not be able to stop seeing the chiropractor to have positive results. This is not true! Chiropractic care involves an evidence-based process that tailors each treatment plan to the patient’s individual needs.
When you seek chiropractic care, an experienced chiropractor will perform an initial examination including your medical history and a physical exam to determine the cause of pain and dysfunction. After the assessment is complete, the chiropractor will make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that is specific to the patient’s diagnosis and symptoms.
Furthermore, the chiropractors at Chiro-Med, S.C. create a specific treatment plan with the total number and frequency of visits needed to properly heal from the start of the patient’s care. The patient is informed about the treatment plan by the chiropractor. Good communication between the chiropractor and the patient is part of Chiro-Med’s 5-star quality patient care approach. Once the patient starts to respond to the treatment plan and the condition is stable, our chiropractors complete a re-evaluation and use outcome assessment tools to determine the need for future care.
Maintenance care is the end goal for patients who present with pain, injury, or dysfunction and involves infrequent appointments to help prevent future injury and maintain healthy function. A qualitative study conducted in 2021 examined patients’ experiences with maintenance chiropractic care. Researchers found that patients reported a positive experience and preference for maintenance care after their acute pain. Additionally, patients who receive regular maintenance care were found to have fewer problems with re-exacerbation of their pain/injury, in addition to faster recovery times with benefits that were longer-lasting (1).
Chiro-Med, S.C. has experienced chiropractors you can trust
Although myths may exist within any profession, the history and science behind chiropractic care easily debunk these myths. Chiropractic care is a safe, effective approach to helping alleviate pain and restore function for patients of all ages without the excessive use of prescription and/or over-the-counter medications.
If you have questions or concerns about chiropractic care, the chiropractors at Chiro-Med S.C. would be happy to provide a consult for you. Visit the “Contact Us” page on our website or call 262-542-4700 today.
References
1. Hjertstrand, J., Palmgren, P.J., Axén, I. et al. The nordic maintenance care program: patient experience of maintenance care—a qualitative study. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 29, 28 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-021-00388-z