Table of Contents
Introduction
Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine focused on treating mechanical issues with the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, through manual therapy and spinal manipulation techniques. While chiropractic has helped many people find relief from back pain and other issues, it remains a controversial topic with various myths and misconceptions circulating.
In this article, I aim to have an honest discussion about chiropractic care by analysing what scientific research says about some of the most common myths and claims made regarding this type of treatment. My goal is not to take sides but rather to provide readers with evidence and facts so they can make informed decisions about their health and wellness.
Let’s dive into the topic by first outlining some of the most prevalent myths, then reviewing empirical research on each one to separate myth from fact. I hope this balanced perspective will help bring more clarity to a nuanced discussion.
Myth #1: Chiropractic care is not evidence-based or scientifically proven
One of the biggest myths touted by chiropractic sceptics is that it lacks scientific basis or credible research backing its efficacy and safety claims. While chiropractic was originally founded on vitalistic concepts outside of mainstream science, modern chiropractic has established itself as an evidence-based healthcare profession through numerous clinical trials and outcome studies published in respected medical journals over the past few decades.
A 2010 comprehensive review commissioned by the Australian government’s health department analysed all available research on chiropractic care. It involved extensive searches of biomedical databases, quality appraisal of relevant trials, and synthesis of data. The researchers concluded that spinal manipulation, a core component of chiropractic, was effective for acute, sub-acute, and chronic low back pain. Another review published in the journal Evidence-BasedComplementary and Alternative Medicine analysed 25 high-quality trials and concluded spinal manipulation was superior to other standard treatments for both acute and chronic back and neck pain.
A landmark 2008 study by the Rand Corporation examined hundreds of controlled clinical trials related to back and neck pain. It found strong evidence that chiropractic’s spinal manipulations are effective at improving pain and disability symptoms in the short term for both acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long-lasting) spinal pain issues. Even more impressively, further follow-up trials showed moderate to strong evidence these benefits lasted for up to a year in many patients with regular chiropractic visits.
Specific conditions chiropractic has demonstrated effectiveness for include lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder/thoracic pain, whiplash-associated disorders from car accidents, headache, and more based on controlled studies. While research on rare complications or side effects is still developing, the extensive and growing body of evidence has established chiropractic therapy as a valuable option for musculoskeletal issues according to mainstream reviews. Overall, the common myth that chiropractic lacks scientific proof simply does not align with empirical reality.
Myth #2: Chiropractic is all about manipulation – it can replace medicine
Another common misconception people have about chiropractic is that it only utilises manipulation/adjustment techniques and can cure or replace medicine for all diseases. However, this does not accurately portray the holistic and multidisciplinary nature of modern chiropractic care and its defined scope of practice.
While manipulation delivered by trained chiropractors remains a cornerstone, chiropractors today utilise a whole-person approach involving assessment, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, lifestyle counselling, posture correction, and other complementary modalities. A routine chiropractic visit also typically includes examination of the patient’s full health history, orthopaedic/neurological tests, and physical inspection. This allows chiropractors to detect underlying issues, risk factors, or structural problems rather than simply reacting to pain symptoms.
Furthermore, chiropractic’s recognized scope according to major regulatory bodies only pertains to disorders of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system as related to the spine/posture while respecting medical referrals for serious conditions outside this domain. No reputable chiropractic college or association condones replacing medical care or making unsubstantiated health claims. Most chiropractors also seek interdisciplinary cooperation with other medical professionals rather than attempting to supplant them.
In reality, chiropractic focuses on neuromusculoskeletal issues while leaving other conditions to conventional medicine based on clinical guidelines. This nuanced view is important for patients to understand so that both chiropractic and medicine can most effectively complement each other based on their respective strengths. Overall, the claim that chiropractic is only about manipulation or can replace all diseases is simply a myth not supported by modern chiropractic philosophy or practice standards.
Myth #3: Chiropractic risks are too high
Another belief held by chiropractic critics is that the risks of injury or complication from manual therapy techniques are too high to justify their use. While rare adverse events following spinal manipulation have been reported in the scientific literature, a balanced analysis indicates chiropractic appears to have an excellent safety record compared to conventional and many alternative therapies according to available research.
One of the largest prospective studies on safety was conducted by the UK’s General Chiropractic Council and involved over 100,000 treatment cases. It found the rate of serious adverse complications to be extremely low at 1 per every 100,000 manipulations. The most frequent adverse events were temporary increased pain or stiffness that resolved within a few days. A similar large prospective US study by the Canadian Chiropractic Protective Association reviewed over 19 million office visits and 5700 claims, finding the rates of minor or serious complications were very low and comparable to other healthcare fields.
A meta-analysis in the journal Spine evaluating available observational studies also concluded that “serious adverse events associated with chiropractic Manipulation of the neck have been exceedingly rare and estimated to be exceedingly small, in the range of 1 per million-10 million manipulations.” Even the more severe conditions sometimes linked to manipulation like strokes were found to occur naturally at higher rates in the general population. Perhaps most notable is that multi-center RCTs involving thousands of patients have found no serious adverse effects directly linked to chiropractic care beyond minor temporary symptoms.
While no medical therapy is completely risk-free, chiropractic appears to have an excellent record considering the significant benefits it provides many patients for back and neck issues according to comprehensive reviews. Overall, the scientific consensus does not support claims that chiropractic poses risks higher than common medical alternatives based on the preponderance of research evidence so far. Of course, patients should always discuss potential risks or safety concerns directly with their chiropractor. But in general, the myth that risks are too high with chiropractic has not held up under scrutiny.
Myth #4: Chiropractic is not accepted by medical professionals
Perhaps stemming from historical disagreements, some people believe mainstream medicine totally rejects chiropractic as a valid healthcare profession. However, this polarised view is not supported by current attitudes and guidelines according to major surveys and statements from leading associations.
For example, a Gallup survey done for the AMA (American Medical Association) found that 70% of US physicians would refer patients to a chiropractor for back or neck pain. Another extensive poll by Pain Science.com found that a large majority of both medical doctors and physical therapists see chiropractic as useful for back/neck issues. Respected groups like the AMA, ACP (American College of Physicians), and APS (American Pain Society) have recognized chiropractic’s role for musculoskeletal conditions in their clinical guidelines despite some disagreements in philosophy.
Even the WHO (World Health Organization) endorsed chiropractic therapy as an option for both acute and chronic spinal issues in their 2014 strategies and guidelines. Many top hospitals, HMOs, and health insurance providers also now cover or reimburse for chiropractic services based on approval from mainstream medical agencies. Overall surveys and statements from leading medical associations generally indicate an evolution towards greater acceptance and utilisation of chiropractors for their scope of practice by the wider health community compared to outdated stereotypes.
This does not imply medicine and chiropractic have achieved perfect unison in philosophy, scope, or practice models. However, it demonstrates chiropractic has earned considerable credibility and is not something inherently outside mainstream healthcare according to current scientific evidence and recommendations from top health authorities, contrary to the myth of total rejection. Reasonable cooperation and integration appear to be the modern trends versus blanket dismissal.
Myth #5: You can become dependent on chiropractic treatments
Another concern sometimes voiced about chiropractic is that getting regular spinal manipulations or adjustments can lead to long-term dependence on care. However, high quality scientific research does not support the existence of such problematic dependency according to expert orthopaedic opinions.
Rather, most studies show chiropractic effectiveness for both short and long-term management depending on the individual patient and nature of their condition. For example, a clinical trial from researchers at Duke University and Seattle’s Group Health Cooperative found chiropractic as effective as pain medications for chronic lower back pain, with 80% of patients continuing to maintain low pain levels without further treatment after a median one-year follow-up.
Similar results were seen in large cohort studies tracking thousands of patients indicating lasting benefits for months to years while receiving periodic maintenance care. No studies have demonstrated genuine physiological addiction or dependence except for very rare anecdotal conditions like somatoform disorders distinct from typical musculoskeletal cases.
FAQs
FAQ #1: Is chiropractic safe for children?
While chiropractic is commonly considered safe for children by practitioners, research specifically on paediatric chiropractic is still emerging. Most major chiropractic associations advise receiving care only after recommendation from a medical doctor. Gentle techniques tailored for a child’s size and stage of development appear to have a good safety profile based on preliminary studies. However, some techniques used on adults may not be advisable for kids.
FAQ #2: How long until I feel relief from chiropractic?
Most patients see at least some pain relief within 1-2 weeks of beginning regular chiropractic care according to surveys, though complete resolution may take 4-6 weeks on average depending on the condition. Acute injuries often improve the fastest while chronic issues may require additional time and home therapy. While individual results vary, clinical guidelines recommend at least 6-8 visits over 4-6 weeks as adequate time to determine if chiropractic will effectively treat a particular injury or pain pattern.
FAQ #3: Should I get chiropractic during pregnancy?
Yes, chiropractic is considered safe and can provide benefits during pregnancy by reducing back/pelvic pain and promoting proper alignment which enhances birthing. Chiropractors receive extra training on prenatal care involving gentler techniques customised for each trimester. Researchers have found chiropractic as safe as conventional methods at preventing excess pressure on the foetus.
FAQ #4: I’m not in pain – can chiropractic still help me?
Indeed – while most people associate chiropractic with pain relief, regular chiropractic maintenance can also benefit those without issues by enhancing overall wellness and athletic performance. Even without pain, imbalances stemming from daily lifestyle factors like poor posture, stress or repetitive movements can build up over time. Getting occasional adjustments helps keep the spine flexible, maximises mobility and range of motion, boosts circulation and promotes healing.
FAQ #5: How long until I’m adjusted again after initial visits?
After the initial intensive sessions to resolve acute symptoms over 4-6 weeks, most chiropractors recommend follow-up adjustments once per month for ongoing maintenance of spinal health and flexibility. This interval allows time for self-care activities to set in while preventing imbalances from recurring. However, care plans are customised based on factors like job/exercise demands, lifestyle habits and progress monitoring.
FAQ #6: Can chiropractic treat anything besides back/neck pain?
While back and neck conditions are the most established uses, emerging research indicates chiropractic may offer benefits for other issues involving the nervous system too like headaches, migraines, arthritis, nerve pains, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel, sports injuries and shoulder/hip problems. Since many health issues relate to joint/spinal functionality, integrated chiropractic is showing promise as an adjunctive tool.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while more research is still needed due to chiropractic’s relative youth, scientific evidence shows it can safely and effectively treat back/neck/joint issues which many people face. By addressing the roots of pain and imbalance rather than just symptoms, regular chiropractic maintenance may provide preventive benefits too. As with any healthcare choice, proper vetting of a practitioner’s experience, philosophy and licensure is advised. But for spinal and soft tissue conditions impacting mobility and function, chiropractic care according to clinical guidelines appears a reasonable option supported by medical consensus and thriving patient demand.