Fact:   Numerous research studies have demonstrated this to be false. A study conducted in 2009, published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, demonstrated that when care was initiated by a Doctor of Chiropractic for patients experiencing lower back pain, it was 20% less expensive than when initiated by an Orthopedic or Medical Doctor, or Physical Therapist.

Fact:  Chiropractic care is less invasive than other medical interventions which may increase risk for injury. Surgical and pharmaceutical side effects are more prevalent than any of the non-invasive methods that Chiropractors use to deliver a spinal adjustment. Compare the risk of injury or deaths attributed to Tylenol and Ibuprofen for pain control each year, to the ultra-low risk of Chiropractic care for spinal alignment, and the numbers show that Chiropractic care should most definitely be a first choice of treatment, if safety is a concern.

Fact:  Receiving Chiropractic care as a child is completely safe without the frustrating and sometimes damaging side effects of medication on a young, pure system.  Research has shown that Chiropractic care is not only safe, but also recommended for infants and toddlers. This is due to the importance of proper spinal function during the formative years. Children are prone to injuries that can impact the functionality of their skull, neck, and back; with the first subluxation happening during the birth process. Chiropractors use a low-force technique along with stretching and sustained contact when working with children, ensuring the adjustment is as gentle as possible. Infants are usually adjusted on their mother’s chest, as she lays down on the table on her back.

Fact:  Chiropractors develop a specific treatment plan after identifying what is causing your condition. This plan includes the number of office visits the chiropractor believes you will need to complete the care and improve your health, as well as what will be addressed on each visit. Chiropractors do believe a subluxation free, well-functioning spine leads to improved overall health and sense of wellness. Patients are educated by the Chiropractor about the importance of keeping a healthy spine and ways to achieve that spinal stability through stretching, exercise, and routine maintenance adjustments. It is much easier to prevent pain and illness than it is to alleviate it once it has set into the body. Prevention is indeed the best action for staying healthy and living life to the fullest.

Fact:  It may be a little unnerving to think about a spinal adjustment when picturing a doctor putting joints back into alignment and how that must feel and sound. Chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful, though there might be some brief discomfort due to muscle tightness. The sound an adjustment makes (aka “cavitation”) is actually a gaseous release in the joint upon movement, similar to that of burping a tupperware lid to remove the air from the container, not your bones being damaged.

Many times patients feel instant relief after an adjustment because the Chiropractor has relieved the pressure off the nerve root that is associated with that particular spinal joint, allowing more efficient nerve flow to the affected areas.

Fact:  Doctors of Chiropractic receive licensure after a Bachelor’s Degree and several years of intense, highly focused study of the human body and all of its systems. They are required to be Board Certified to exemplify their knowledge and skill. It is highly recommended you entrust your spinal health to a Doctor of Chiropractic. Simply twisting your back or neck yourself can result in spinal-instability by stressing joints and their associated ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue. If you hear a noise when you twist your spine at home, it does not mean you have achieved the same results as a carefully performed spinal adjustment in the office. Pain relief may sometimes be achieved but spinal correction and long term health and wellness will sadly be compromised!