Common Myths About Chiropractic Treatment:
Many Canadians have questions about the role that
chiropractors play in the healthcare team, and what benefits chiropractic care
has on their health. We will go through some common myths in this regard.
1. Once you see a chiropractor you have to keep going
back This is false. When seeking care from a chiropractor, 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 in collaboration with the patient – according
to their needs and goals. The treatment plan will recommend a number of initial
visits to remedy the patient’s symptoms/ pain and scheduled re-evaluations as
necessary.. Depending on the patient and the condition, the recommended course
of care may vary. Ultimately, the decision to continue care is yours. As a
patient, if you have questions or concerns about care, you should feel
comfortable to ask the chiropractor for more information on the recommendations
made and address any concerns. The care plan should be part of a shared
decision-making between the patient and practitioner.
2. Chiropractors are not ‘real’ doctors
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 training in their area of expertise that allows them to be
diagnosticians – to provide a diagnosis.
3. A medical doctor must refer you to a chiropractor In
all provinces in Canada, chiropractors are primary contact providers, which
means you can access them directly. Due to the extensive training of
chiropractors as diagnosticians, chiropractors will perform a comprehensive
assessment to help determine a diagnosis or clinical impressions. Depending on
the outcome, the chiropractor can discuss a course of care or refer to another
healthcare professional, as needed.
4. There is no evidence to support the effectiveness of
chiropractic care 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 musculoskeletal conditions. Spinal and joint manipulation
has been shown to be effective treatment for acute and chronic musculoskeletal
conditions, like back pain. In fact, spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is
recommended as first line intervention for back pain in numerous clinical
practice guidelines including the Bone and Joint Decade Task Force,, the
American College of Physicians and American Pain Society, as well as Britain’s
National Institute of Health and Care Excellence. Utilizing chiropractic
treatment as opposed to medications like opioids for pain can be beneficial.
5. Chiropractors can only treat back pain Chiropractors
are musculoskeletal 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 TMJ pain. Chiropractors are also able to provide lifestyle counselling about
nutrition, fitness and ergonomics among others that may be useful in managing
or preventing a variety of health conditions. The health of your
musculoskeletal 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
In general, adjustments or joint manipulations do not
hurt. In fact, many patients report immediate pain relief after chiropractic
treatment.. Patients may be nervous about the ‘cracking’ or popping sound that
may occur during an adjustment. The sound results from the release of gas from
the joint – this is a normal part of the adjustment and is perfectly safe.
Asking questions about your health and treatment options is very important. You are a partner in your care and your participation is critical to helping us provide the best care to meet your health goals.
If someone you know needs chiropractic care for pain
relief or just to function better, pass this along to them.
Don’t put things off until they worsen. Take care of your body now and discover how chiropractic can help you.
Don’t put things off until they worsen. Take care of your body now and discover how chiropractic can help you.
Dr. Stephen Kelly
Family First Chiropractic 403-347-3261
