4 Myths About Chiropractors That are Actually True
The popular TV series, MythBusters, uses different aspects of the scientific method to debunk or prove popular myths. It’s such a fun show to watch. When it comes to chiropractic methods, I’m always looking around for legends to debunk every chance I get; however, some myths are actually true! Those are the ones I’d like to talk about today.
The Myth: Chiropractors Only Focus on the Spine
Well, of course that’s true, our main focus is your spine – But it’s important to understand your chiropractor isn’t only focused on the spine. Many of us love taking care of extremities like your shoulders, ankles, and knees as well. We are well-skilled practitioners in the entire musculoskeletal system. Our focus is our solid understanding of your nervous systems.
The Myth: Chiropractors Aren’t Doctors
True, chiropractors are not medical doctors. We are board-certified Doctors of Chiropractic Medicine who don’t prescribe medications or perform invasive procedures. Instead, we focus on helping the body heal itself by reducing inflammation on your nerves.
The Myth: Chiropractic Care Costs Too Much
Some insurances don’t cover chiropractic care, but most do. So this may feel and be true for some people but not for most.
Several studies over the years have looked at the cost of traditional healthcare versus chiropractic care and found that undergoing regular chiropractic care was significantly less than the cost of medical expenses. In a North Carolina study, over 43,000 workman’s comp claims were examined over the course of 19 years. It was discovered that the average claim managed by a medical doctor was $21,000, while chiropractic care costs only added up to $663, an 82% decrease! Moreover, with chiropractic care, injured workers lost only 33 days of work on average while those under the care of an MD were out for 200 days or more. A Nevada workers’ comp study supported these findings as well and found that loss of work time is one-third less with chiropractic care than with medical care.
The Myth: Chiropractors Are Sports Doctors
We work with a lot of athletes here in Norwalk as well as with those who are very physically active; however, chiropractic patients come from all walks of life. We also work with car accident victims, migraine and headache patients, those with fibromyalgia, as well as with people with a variety of other chronic conditions that are nearly impossible to treat only with medication.
So, it’s true, we are “sports doctors”. As long as your injuries are not life-threatening, we work with anyone who has a spine and a pulse.
The Myth: Chiropractic Care isn’t Mainstream
This one is a flat-out myth.
Chiropractic care is one of the world’s largest leading healthcare and healing professions. Chiropractors work closely with medical doctors and surgeons to offer the patient well-rounded, coordinated care. It is estimated that Doctors of Chiropractic treat more than 30 million people annually. Today, Doctors of Chiropractic comprise the third largest group of doctorate-level, portal-of-entry primary-care providers in the nation, next to medical doctors and dentists.
The medical and health industries are great with misinformation. If you have some chiropractor myths you’d like to sort out, let’s have a chat. You can call my office, reach me on social media, or simply fill out the form on this website to get in touch. Ask your questions, get your answers, and start moving better.
Sources:
American Chiropractic Association
National University of Health Sciences
https://getgreaterlifechiropractic.com/the-cost-of-chiropractic-care-vs-traditional-health-care/