Debunking 8 Myths About Chiropractors in Alberta

As a chiropractor in Edmonton, Alberta, I encounter numerous myths and misconceptions about our profession. It's time to clear the air and debunk the top eight myths surrounding chiropractic care that I hear all the time.

Myth 1: Chiropractors Aren't Real Doctors

This myth can sting, but it's important to understand that there are various types of doctors. While people often associate the term "doctor" with medical doctors such as a family physician or a surgeon, there are many doctors across different fields. Chiropractors, dentists, and PhDs are all doctors in their own right. When people claim chiropractors aren't “real doctors,” they typically mean we're not medical doctors, which is true. However, calling us imposters is missing the point of what we bring to healthcare.

Myth 2: Chiropractic Is Painful

While adjustments can occasionally be uncomfortable, they are typically well-tolerated and provide significant pain relief. Many people visit chiropractors because they are already in pain, and if we added to that pain consistently, our profession would surely fade away. Chiropractic care can be exceptionally effective in reducing pain and discomfort.

Myth 3: Once You Start Going, You Have to Always Go

This persistent myth suggests a lifetime commitment once you visit a chiropractor. However, chiropractic care isn’t addictive. We are not opioids or pharmaceuticals; there’s no inherent addictive quality. Repeated visits aid many patients because their lifestyles or lack of adherence to home-care exercises contribute to recurring issues. Chiropractic care can help maintain optimal health, akin to brushing your teeth daily or visiting a doctor as needed over your lifetime.

Myth 4: Chiropractors Are Only Useful for Back Pain

While chiropractic care is highly effective at relieving back pain—a leading cause of disability—it’s not limited to just that. We aid in resolving issues with the spine, joints, muscles, and nerves. From headaches to shoulder pain and sciatica, chiropractors help treat a variety of conditions from head-to-toe.

Myth 5: Chiropractors Only Crack Bones

Chiropractors do more than perform spinal adjustments. I offer a wide range of services to my patients, including joint manipulation throughout the body, rehabilitation, and various soft tissue therapies. Services like acupuncture, IMS, and shockwave therapy are also part of the holistic care we provide.

Myth 6: Adjustments Are Dangerous

Adjustments are, in fact, very safe and conservative treatment methods. Looking at the spectrum of medical procedures, spinal manipulation is low-risk with high effectiveness. Our insurance rates are significantly lower than many other medical professionals, reflecting the safety of chiropractic care.

Myth 7: You Can Adjust Yourself

True adjustments, classified as high-velocity, low-amplitude maneuvers, cannot be performed on oneself. While your body might make natural clicks and pops, these aren't therapeutic adjustments. An adjustment provides relief and enhances mobility, achieved only through professional intervention.

Myth 8: Chiropractic Care Is Not Supported by Science

This misconception is particularly frustrating because chiropractic care is indeed supported by a wealth of scientific research. Spinal manipulation and other interventions used by chiropractors are backed by evidence demonstrating their effectiveness in pain management. Publications and studies over the past couple of decades solidify the role of chiropractic care in treating conditions like back pain, sciatica, and headaches. Support can be found in medical databases like PubMed and through initiatives like the Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative.

Chiropractors offer more than mere adjustments; our scope includes exercises, education, and various holistic treatments all underpinned by scientific evidence. These myths often indicate a lack of understanding rather than a lack of science. I hope this blog post has shed light on the truths about chiropractic care. If you have any other myths you’d like to debunk or questions about our services, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Email, text, or give us a call—we're here to help and answer any of your questions. Looking forward to connecting with you soon!