There are many conflicting opinions about chiropractors. In most cases, there is no merit. These are the top ten most commonly held beliefs about chiropractors.
1. Chiropractic treatment is not supported by scientific evidence.
There is a lot of scientific evidence that chiropractic works. Gert Bronfort and colleagues have done a systematic review on chiropractic treatment for various conditions. This is one of the most important pieces. It also shows positive evidence for the treatment of lower back and neck pains, as well as cervicogenic dizziness.
2. To become a chiropractor, you only need to take a weekend course
This is false. To be able to call yourself a chiropractor, you must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council. You must have a degree from an accredited university to be eligible for the GCC. There are currently three universities in the US. A Master of Chiropractic degree of 4+1 year or 5+1 year is the current degree. One common comparison is between the hours a chiropractor spends at university and that of a doctor. On average, chiropractors spend 4822 hours on their degree while medics work an average of 4667 hours.
3. Chiropractic is not recognized as a profession.
The General Chiropractic Council regulates chiropractors. It is the most widely used and fastest-growing complementary medicine in the country. Current trials are underway.
4. Chiropractic care can be dangerous
Chiropractic care has been proven to be one of the safest medical treatments. Neck adjustments can cause stroke, which is the most common concern. Cassidy et. al. recently found that strokes are as common if you visit your GP as if your chiropractor. How could neck adjustments be to blame? Unfortunately, chiropractors and general practitioners don’t see stroke victims until they have had one.
5. Chiropractors don’t “really” have the right to prescribe.
Although Cornelius chiropractors are not medical doctors, they do practice as such. Although they go through the same training, they are awarded a D.C. title upon completion. This is a Doctor of Chiropractic. They are, however, a Doctor of Chiropractic.
6. Every person is X-Rayed by Chiropractors
The x-ray reading and taking skills of chiropractors are well-trained. To be able to x-ray, chiropractors must follow strict guidelines (IRMER). In the vast majority of cases, there is a reason for an x-ray.
7. Chiropractors don’t do much more than just cracking bones. This is not healthy!
Chiropractors don’t break bones. Chiropractors are sending a specific impulse to a joint to loosen the receptors and restore normal function. This is necessary for situations where the spine isn’t functioning properly and has been proven safe.
8. Problems in the spine are what chiropractors only treat
Chiropractors can treat any problem affecting the joints, muscles, or nerves. These problems can range from neck problems to ankle issues to shoulder problems. The chiropractors also take the time to learn about other conditions so that they can determine if there are more serious issues and adjust their treatment to fit the patient.
9. Chiropractic adjustments can be used to treat all kinds of problems.
This is false. This was the original philosophy of chiropractic in the 1800s. Chiropractic has advanced a lot since then, much like medicine. It now relies mainly on current medical research. While some chiropractors continue to follow the original philosophy, it is important that you find a chiropractor who suits your needs.
10. Chiropractors don’t care about your money.
People assume that chiropractors will only take your money because chiropractic care isn’t free. Asking first-year students why they want to become a chiropractor would reveal that it was not to make money. If someone isn’t making progress, chiropractors often offer free or reduced rates. This is a case of one person affecting many. Unfortunately, some ill-informed chiropractors have earned a bad reputation for chiropractors.
Lakeside Sports Chiropractic Center
19924 Jetton Road Suite 101, Cornelius, NC, 28031, USA
(704) 896-8446
