You don’t have to look too closely to find a lot of half-truths and outright falsehoods about chiropractic care. Unfortunately, these myths often scare people away from calling our office and taking the first step to a pain-free, healthier life. That is why it’s time to set the record straight.
Myth #1 – Chiropractors aren’t actually doctors.
This is probably one of the most common myths out there about chiropractors. Chiropractors have the initials “DC” at the end of their names which stand for Doctor of Chiropractic. Earning this designation is a multi-year, multi-step process beginning with completing an undergraduate degree. During a chiropractor’s undergraduate years, they will take many of the same classes they would need to apply to medical school.
Then, they must apply for and be accepted to a highly competitive doctoral program where they will spend four more years learning about the body, different chiropractic methods, and ways to keep people healthy through better neurological function. After graduating with a doctorate (DC), these new chiropractors have to pass a state licensing exam before they can begin practicing.
Myth #2 – Chiropractors diagnose patients based on their “gut”.
Many of our patients are shocked to find out how many diagnostic tools we use to evaluate their condition. During your initial appointment, we may use x-rays, ultrasound, and other imaging tools to examine your bones, tendons, and ligaments in your affected area.
Then, we use functional tests to examine the way your body moves, bends, and stretches. Armed with this information, we can begin to construct a treatment plan based on your specific needs. Which brings us to the next myth…
Myth #3 – Chiropractic care is “one size fits all.”
Our primary responsibility to our patients is to create a care plan that treats their pain, stiffness, discomfort, and lack of function.
While there will be some overlap between patients experiencing the same condition, each treatment plan will vary based on a person’s age, lifestyle, strength, ability, and pain level. We offer combinations of manual chiropractic adjustments as well as advanced chiropractic care, e-stim, computerized spinal traction, and more to help you feel better and more importantly live better.
Myth #4 – Once you start chiropractic care, you will have to do it forever.
Every chiropractic treatment plan is divided into three phases. The first is the relief phase during which our primary focus is to help relieve your pain and discomfort. This is the most intense phase of a treatment plan, requiring several visits per week, but it is also the phase where you will experience the most change in your body.
Once you start to feel better, your treatment plan moves into the corrective phase. Here, we focus on restoring your body’s function and correcting the underlying problem that caused your pain and discomfort in the first place.
Finally, we move into the wellness phase, a time where you come in periodically for a “tune-up” to maintain your results. Think of the wellness phase like getting the oil changed in your car periodically to keep it running.
Still skeptical about chiropractic care? Is your curiosity peaked? Ready to begin your journey to better health and less pain?
Call Sandstone Chiropractic today or schedule your comprehensive exam and x-rays online and start debunking your own myths about chiropractic care.
