Demystifying Chiropractic Care: Separating Fact from Fiction
Debunking Three Common Myths About Chiropractic Care
What do you think of when you hear the words “chiropractic care?” A means of managing lower back pain? The cracking sound that often accompanies treatment? Or a scientifically proven, non-invasive method of managing pain and ensuring overall wellness?
When it comes to chiropractic care, myths and misconceptions abound. But at MSK Clinics, we know the truth: our chiropractors are licensed healthcare providers with a keen understanding of your musculoskeletal system and the many ways your body can heal itself.
We’ve gathered three common misconceptions about chiropractic care to illustrate why chiropractic is an excellent means of managing or resolving pain and impairment. Keep reading to learn more–or you can find out for yourself with a visit to the chiropractors at our Vancouver and Burnaby clinics!
Myth #1: Chiropractors Only Treat The Back
We’ll begin with one of the biggest myths out there: chiropractors only treat the back. This one does have a kernel of truth, as chiropractic care emphasizes the spine. However, any chiropractor can tell you that the spine contributes to far more than just the back. They why chiropractic care is centered around the idea that addressing misalignments in the spine can lead to improvements elsewhere in your body.
Why? Because the spine is one of your body’s central structures, forming a throughline that illustrates how your joints are interconnected. The spine stabilizes your body and allows you to perform basic movements like walking, running, or reaching, even if it feels like your arms or legs are doing all the work.
Chiropractors might emphasize the spine, but in doing so, they also focus on your muscular and nervous systems, including your bones, joints, and soft tissues. Here are just a few of the conditions that a chiropractor can help address:
- Pain in the neck and back
- Cervical headaches and migraines (headaches that stem from issues in the neck)
- Arthritis
- Sprains and strains
- Vertigo and dizziness
Myth #2: Chiropractic Care is Dangerous
There’s a persistent idea that chiropractors are not “real doctors” and their treatment methods can cause real harm. In reality, chiropractors undergo extensive schooling to successfully pass the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board’s national examination. At this point, they can begin the licensing process with the regulatory board located in their province.
As for chiropractic treatments, chiropractors utilize several evidence-based approaches to address impairments and manage pain, including the following:
- Spinal Adjustments: During a spinal adjustment, your chiropractor sharply thrusts your spine through its current range of motion. While this technique often results in an audible “popping” or “cracking” sound, there’s nothing to worry about: it’s just gas bubbles popping, releasing pressure in your joints. Spinal adjustments are a safe, effective means of reducing pain and improving mobility.
- Postural Corrections: Did you know proper posture varies from person to person? Finding your correct posture involves finding the right alignment for your spine, no matter what you’re doing–whether sitting, standing, or moving around. Our chiropractors will take a hands-on approach to guide you toward your unique, ideal spinal alignment
- Therapeutic Exercise: Your spine–and your body overall–needs to move, and our chiropractors can help you find movement that suits your needs and ability levels. We’ll show you simple, effective exercises to strengthen your back and support your spine. Most importantly, we’ll ensure you’re performing them correctly so you don’t injure yourself.
As you can see, chiropractic treatments are not secret, hidden knowledge–they’re proven techniques that complement the treatments you receive from a physician. Book an appointment at one of our clinics below to meet our team of specialists!
Myth #3: Chiropractic Care is Painful
This myth likely stems from the “popping” that occurs during a spinal adjustment, which can be alarming for people who aren’t expecting it. In reality, chiropractors would much rather resolve pain than cause it!
The chiropractors at MSK want to help you find drug-free pain management solutions. We take a patient-centered approach in which we’ll work closely with you to help you uncover the root cause of your pain. That way, we know we simply aren’t masking symptoms but helping to resolve or minimize pain at its source.
Furthermore, we customize our treatment plans to suit you, the patient. If you have particularly intense pain, we’ll suggest gentler treatment options that can help mobilize your spine and soft tissue.
For example, spinal adjustments can be somewhat intense. If the idea of a sharp thrust feels like too much, we’ll try a spinal mobilization instead. Rather than thrusting the joint through its range of motion, we’ll gently guide it. This technique provides similar benefits but at a gentler, slower pace.
We might also suggest soft tissue manipulation, a technique that involves manipulating the muscles, tendons, or ligaments in an affected area. In addition to helping with pain management, this technique promotes relaxation and blood circulation.
The best thing about these gentler techniques? They’ll help improve your condition so you can eventually graduate to more intense treatments, such as spinal adjustments or therapeutic exercise–ensuring you get the care you need.
Ready to Debunk Chiropractic Myths First Hand?
If you’re struggling with pain or immobility, schedule an appointment with us today–and experience firsthand the many benefits of our Vancouver -based chiropractic services!
