There are a number of myths associated with chiropractic that dissuade potential patients from visiting chiropractors and experiencing quality healthcare. My hope is to dispel these myths to encourage more people to enjoy the benefits of chiropractic.

Top 4 Chiropractic Myths:

1. Chiropractors only deal with necks and backs:

Chiropractors are highly trained to diagnose and treat any and all parts of the human musculoskeletal system. In other words, chiropractors deal with not only necks and backs, but conditions related to shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, and more.

2. Chiropractors only “crack bones”:

The fancy term for “bone cracking” is referred to as joint manipulation. Joint manipulation is used to facilitate joint health by creating better movement within a joint. This in turn can decrease pain and improve performance. Although joint manipulation can be quite effective for certain conditions, it is only one tool of many and often isn’t necessary for successful treatment. At Ace Sports Clinic, your chiropractor will often use a combination of soft tissue therapy, exercise prescription, rehabilitation, and acupuncture.

3. Joint manipulation is dangerous:

Current research states that joint manipulation is safe and effective for a range of conditions. The “cracking” heard during a joint manipulation isn’t actually bones cracking or smashing together at all. On the contrary, joint manipulation causes a quick and subtle separation of a joint causing the release of gas. This release of gas is the “crack” or “pop” often heard during a joint manipulation.

4. Once you’ve seen a chiropractor, you have to keep coming back:

Once a diagnosis has been made by your chiropractor, a treatment plan will be developed based on your chiropractor’s recommendations as well as your preferences and goals. Naturally, the recommended course of treatment will vary depending on the patient and the patient’s condition. Nevertheless, the development of a treatment plan is a shared-decision making process between the patient and chiropractor and the choice to continue care is ultimately up to you – the patient.