Chiropractic care has been in existence for more than 120 years and in this time many have benefited from the therapy of a Chiropractor. Yet still, according to a recent Gallop poll, as many as 49% of America have never been to a chiropractor!

Is it possible that this many people have never experienced a chiropractic adjustment because they, like many, believe some of the many “chiropractic myths?

Myth: There’s No Point in Seeing a Chiropractor If You Don’t Have Neck or Back Pain

Believe this one and you are missing the main reason chiropractic came into existence in the first place – to improve overall nerve system function, which in turn improves your overall health! Chiropractors treat many other conditions in addition to neck and back pain. Multiple case studies & journal articles have been published showing benefits towards blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid, anxiety and even irritable bowel when under chiropractic care. Remember your nerve system controls all function in your body, not just the parts that hurt.

Myth: Spinal Adjustments “Cracks” Your Bones

A great mentor of mine once said, “You crack an egg. You adjust the spine”. To crack something implies damage and your bones are not damaged during an adjustment. The sound occurs as the spinal segments are re-aligned and the resulting movement releases air from the pockets around the joint. The sound can also come from the vertebral discs changing states as a result of the adjustment -from solid/dry (restricted) to more hydrated (movable) – offering resulting an in-crease in range of motion. Although spinal adjusting can sometimes be noisy, it’s a safe, painless way to reduce pain in joints and muscles, reduce nerve compressions and improve range of motion.

Myth: Once You Start Chiropractic Care, You Have To Go Forever

Yes, most people who experience chiropractic care choose to continue maintaining their health for the long haul. Why? Because they usually experience a massive improvement with chiropractic unlike any other care they have seen before. But it’s not because the “have to” continue but rather because they “choose to” simply for the reason of maintaining their current improvement . If you had regular headaches for years only to have them resolve under chiropractic care wouldn’t you schedule a few follow-up appointments each month during the year to prevent them, or new problems from occurring.

Myth: There’s No Research Supporting The Use Of Chiropractic Care

To this I simply say – you must not be looking for it as there are thousands of published case studies and peer reviewed journals pointing out the benefits of chiropractic care for multiple reasons. Here’s just a few to consider:

A 1994 study published in The Chiropractic Research Journal found that HIV positive patients that were adjusted had an increase of 48% in the CD4 cells compared to a non-adjusted group who saw an average of 7.9% decrease in the same CD4 cells over the same period. (CD4 cells are an important immune system component). Chiropractic adjustment stimulate the immune system.

A 2007 study published in Journal of Human Hypertension found that specific chiropractic adjustment to the C1 Vertebra lowers blood pressure among hyper-tensive patients, equal to that of 2 blood pressure medications!

A 2018 study published in JAMA found that after just 6 weeks of chiropractic care participants had less overall pain, less disability with daily functions, higher satisfaction with treatment and required less pain medications with no side effects from the adjustments.

These are just a few of the many published articles highlighting the benefits of getting adjusted by a chiropractor.

Myth: Chiropractic Care Is Expensive No matter how you spin it, there will be an expense to your chiropractic care -but “expensive” is in the eye of the beholder. Most chiropractic patients report the cost is significantly less with chiropractic care than conventional care. Did you know that spinal disc surgery costs between $14,000 – $26,000 while an average therapy cost for spinal discs under chiropractic costs between$2,500-4,500. A simple carpal tunnel surgery averages $3,000 while some chiropractic patients have seen carpal tunnel relief in 10-12 visits to a chiropractor and a bill half or even 3/4 that of surgery.