Many Canadians continue to question the role that chiropractors play in the healthcare team and what benefit chiropractic care may have to their health. Today, we are busting some commonly shared myths:
1. Once you see a chiropractor you have to keep going back
False: During your initial visit, we will perform an assessment including a history and physical examination to determine the cause of the pain or dysfunction. From these observations, a diagnosis will be made, and the treatment plan developed – according to their needs and goals. The treatment plan will have recommended a number of initial visits to see if the patient responds to care and scheduled re-evaluations. Depending on the patient and the condition, course of care may vary. Although it is ultimately your decision to continue care.
2. Chiropractors are not ‘real’ doctors
False: Chiropractors are regulated in all 10 Canadian provinces, and are designated to use the title “doctor” similar to physicians, optometrists and dentists after completing the extensive Doctor of Chiropractic degree program. Those professions who are recognized to use the “doctor” title have extensive didactic and practical training, as well as completed licensure examination.
3. A medical doctor must refer you to a chiropractor
False: In all provinces in Canada, chiropractors are primary contact providers, which means you can access them directly. With their extensive training chiropractors can perform a comprehensive exam and help determine a diagnosis or clinical impressions. Chiropractors may also refer you to another healthcare professional, as needed. However, in some cases, you may need a referral to access coverage depending on your benefits provider.
4. There is no evidence to support the effectiveness of chiropractic care
False: Chiropractic treatment is at times questioned on its effectiveness. Yet, the chiropractic profession and others have invested significant resources to build a robust body of evidence studying the impact of manual therapies on MSK conditions. For example, spinal and joint manipulation has been shown to be effective treatment for acute and chronic MSK conditions, like back pain. In fact, spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is recommended as first line intervention for back pain in numerous clinical practice guidelines.
5. Chiropractors can only treat back pain
False: Chiropractors are musculoskeletal (MSK) experts and are trained in assessing, diagnosing, treating and preventing biomechanical disorders that originate from the muscular, skeletal and nervous system. In addition to the evidence that supports chiropractic care in managing musculoskeletal complaints of the spine, there is also evidence that it supports chiropractic management of the extremities, headaches and even jaw pain. Chiropractors receive training in nutrition, fitness and ergonomics among others that may be useful in managing or preventing a variety of health conditions.
Chiropractors DO NOT treat ADHD, Asthma, Allergies. Chiropractors only treat the MSK system. The health of your MSK system doesn’t just start with a healthy spine, you need to be fully aware of your health to maintain a well-rounded healthy lifestyle!
6. Adjustments are painful
False: In general, adjustments or joint manipulations do not hurt. In fact, many patients report immediate pain relief. Patients may be nervous about the ‘cracking’ or popping sound that may occur during an adjustment. The sound is believed to result from the release of gas bubbles from the joint – similar to cracking your knuckles! Asking questions about your health and treatment options are very important. Although sometimes depending on the condition, you may a have a little soreness a couple hours after treatment due to the body not being used to the treatment, similar to muscle being sore the next day after working out. This is a normal reaction will dissipate after a day.
After going through some of the most well-known myths pertaining to Chiropractic Services, we hope that you understand the important of visiting one now. Book an appointment with one of our practitioners today!
