Demystifying Chiropractic Care: Benefits, Myths, and Facts You Should Know

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Introduction

Chiropractic care is a type of alternative or complementary medicine focused on diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. While chiropractic treatment has been popular for decades, there is still a lot of mystery and misunderstanding surrounding this practice. In this post, I hope to demystify chiropractic care by sharing some key facts about its benefits as well as addressing common myths. I will discuss what chiropractic treatment involves, what types of conditions it can help with, and provide an overview of safety and effectiveness based on research studies. My goal is to present a balanced perspective by acknowledging both the proven benefits and limitations of chiropractic care so readers can make an informed decision about whether this type of treatment may be right for their situation. Let’s get started!

What is Chiropractic Care?

The basic premise behind chiropractic treatment is that mechanical disorders in the body disrupt the nervous system and its ability to function properly. Specifically, chiropractors focus on the relationship between the spine and nervous system. They believe misalignments or “subluxations” in the spine reduce the body’s natural ability to heal itself. The goal of chiropractic care is to manually manipulate or adjust the spine and other areas of the body to correct these vertebral subluxations and restore proper movement and function to the joints.

During a typical chiropractic visit, the provider will examine posture, range of motion, muscle strength, and spinal alignment. They may also review health history and symptoms. Sometimes X-rays are ordered to pinpoint areas of concern. Once assessment is complete, treatments involving spinal manipulation or adjustment are applied to specific areas. Hands-on techniques used include applied forces like pushes, pulls, thrusts and non-force movements. Adjunctive therapies like heat, ice, massage and stretches may be recommended as well. Patients typically undergo a series of appointments to address the issue over time. Lifestyle and dietary recommendations may also be provided.

Conditions Chiropractic Care Can Help With

While the research supporting chiropractic care for certain conditions is stronger than others, here are some of the most common issues chiropractors treat:

  • Back pain – This is likely the number one reason people seek chiropractic treatment. Spinal manipulation is thought to help relieve mechanical back pain by restoring proper joint movement and function.
  • Neck pain – Similar to lower back pain, chiropractic adjustments may provide neck pain relief by loosening tight muscles and joints in the upper spine.
  • Headaches – Headaches caused by misalignment or tension in the neck are frequently helped by chiropractic management. This includes tension headaches, migraines and cervicogenic headaches.
  • Shoulder pain – Tightness or dysfunction in the thoracic and cervical spine can contribute to shoulder girdle pain, which chiropractic adjustments may help remedy.
  • Arthritis – While it won’t cure or slow the progression of arthritis itself, chiropractic care aims to relieve joint pain and stiffness caused by arthritic changes in the spine.
  • Musculoskeletal conditions – Such as carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, and tennis elbow, are commonly addressed with chiropractic methods alongside other therapies.
  • Wellness care – Even if a person has no complaints, some chiropractors provide adjustments for general health, alignment and prevention.

While research exists for chiropractic treatment of some conditions, the evidence is limited or inconclusive for others. I’ll discuss specific research evidence shortly. It’s also important for patients to understand what chiropractic can reasonably be expected to help with versus referring out if needed.

Research on the Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care

When it comes to research on chiropractic care’s effectiveness, the evidence varies depending on the condition studied. Here’s a brief overview of what research has found so far:

  • Back pain – Several high-quality systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials have found spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) provided by chiropractors helps relieve both acute and chronic back pain. Effects tend to be moderate.
  • Neck pain – Good evidence that SMT effectively reduces neck pain, with effects similar to other common treatments like massage and physiotherapy.
  • Headaches – Strong evidence that chiropractic SMT can help reduce tension headaches and migraines. Less clear if it’s more effective than alternative therapies.
  • -Shoulder pain – Some evidence SMT may help shoulder pain, though more research is still needed, especially for long term outcomes.
  • Arthritis – Limited evidence SMT provides small, short-term relief of spine-related arthritis pain, with inconsistent results between studies.
  • Other conditions – Research is limited or conflicting for chiropractic treatment of most other issues. More high-quality studies are still needed.

In summary, research best supports chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain and headaches, primarily through spinal manipulation. However, more investigation is warranted for many musculoskeletal conditions. Results also vary in terms of long term effects compared to other options.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

When performed by a qualified provider, chiropractic adjustments are quite safe for most patients. However, as with any medical procedure, there are also inherent risks to be aware of:

  • Mild pain or soreness after initial treatments is common as joints adjust, but serious side effects are rare.
  • On rare occasions, spinal manipulation may cause disc herniation, stroke or other serious injury. However, risk of major complications from chiropractic manipulation appears very low, on par with many other medical interventions.
  • Conditions like osteoporosis, recent fractures, spinal instability or tumours increase risks, so proper patient screening is important.
  • Some drug interactions are possible if on anticoagulant medications, so be sure to disclose all drugs, supplements and health issues to your provider.

Overall, research finds chiropractic care is quite safe when received from a trained practitioner. However, as with any treatment, patients need to ensure their provider is properly trained and licensed to minimise any potential risks. Communication is also key to make sure chiropractic treatment is properly coordinated with medical care if needed.

Myths vs. Facts about Chiropractic Care

Here are some common myths about chiropractic care debunked with facts based on research:

  • Myth: Chiropractic only treats back pain.
    Fact: While back pain is the primary condition seen, chiropractors address a variety of musculoskeletal problems when vertebral subluxations are involved.
  • Myth: Chiropractic can cure illnesses and diseases.
    Fact: Chiropractic focuses on spine and joint problems, not curing diseases. While it may help some associated symptoms, it cannot treat medical conditions.
  • Myth: Chiropractic risks are too high.
    Fact: Serious adverse effects from chiropractic adjustments are very rare (around 1 in every 5-10 million) when administered properly by a trained provider.
  • Myth: Chiropractic is unscientific pseudoscience.
    Fact: While more research is still warranted, several randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews support chiropractic, especially for back and neck pain.
  • Myth: You always need ongoing chiropractic care.
    Fact: Most patients experience relief of their problem with a short course of treatments. Maintenance care is not necessarily required long term.
  • Myth: Chiropractic cannot help if pain has been long-term.
    Fact: Duration of symptoms does not determine success, and chiropractic has helped many chronic pain sufferers experience relief as well.
  • Myth: Chiropractic and medicine clash.
    Fact: When each stays in its proper scope of practice and a team approach is used if needed, chiropractic can integrate well with allopathic healthcare.

In summary, while no treatment is perfect for everyone or guarantees 100% success, chiropractic care rooted in science-based approaches has real benefits for many types of musculoskeletal issues when risks and limitations are properly managed. An open and informed discussion with your provider is important.

Points to Consider When Choosing a Chiropractor

With so many chiropractic providers to choose from these days, it’s important to take the time to find the right one for your individual needs and situation:

  • Ensure proper training – Look for a chiropractor who has completed no less than 3 years of study at an accredited chiropractic college with a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree.
  • Licensing and experience – Check that your state’s licensing board lists the chiropractor as currently licensed and in good standing. More experience is generally better.
  • Comfort level – It’s important to trust and feel at ease with your chiropractor. Meet with potential providers first.
  • Treatment approach – Understand techniques used and philosophies. See if they align with your preferences and health goals.
  • Address your concerns – Ask about specific conditions, outcomes, costs, insurance, follow ups, potential risks etc. Your questions should be welcomed.
  • Credentials – Additional training in physiotherapy, radiology, sports injury etc. can benefit certain cases.
  • Office environment – Clean, professional setting with staff who make you feel respected and heard.

FAQs

FAQ 1: What should I expect from my first chiropractic visit?

Your first visit will involve an initial consultation where the chiropractor will take your health history, discuss your goals, and do a physical examination. They will feel along your spine to check for any areas of tension, pain or unevenness. Some basic questions may include when your symptoms began, what makes them better or worse, and your daily activities. The chiropractor may take x-rays to analyse your spine alignment if needed. Your initial treatment will likely involve spinal manipulation or an adjustment specific to your problem areas. You may feel some discomfort during but not severe pain. Most people feel relief afterwards but some soreness is common in the first few visits as your body adjusts.

FAQ 2: How long until I feel relief from chiropractic care?

Most patients notice some level of relief within the first few treatments, but it can take several visits over the course of 1-2 months to fully address chronic or longstanding issues. The number of treatments needed varies greatly by the individual and condition being treated. As a general guideline, acute problems like back pain from an injury may only require 5 sessions while chronic headaches or arthritis could take 10-15 visits spread over a few months. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t feel perfect right away – be consistent with care and discuss progress with your chiropractor realistically.

FAQ 3: Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?

When received from a provider experienced in prenatal chiropractic care, yes, chiropractic adjustments are generally considered safe during pregnancy for complaints like back and pelvic pain. However, some techniques may be modified depending on the pregnancy trimester. It’s best to see a chiropractor experienced in prenatal care as early as possible to establish safety and develop an appropriate treatment plan. As with any care during pregnancy, clear communication between your chiropractor and obstetrician is important. Gentle and specific techniques can offer relief during this time without harming mother or baby.

FAQ 4: Can chiropractic care help children?

Yes, many chiropractors safely treat infants, children and teens for spinal, posture and musculoskeletal issues. Common reasons children see chiropractors include colic, bedwetting, ear infections, growing pains, scoliosis and sports injuries. Treatment techniques are adapted to the child’s age and sensitivity levels using mild, specific manoeuvres. As with adults, the goal is to reduce nerve interference from spinal lesions and improve function of the spine and related physiological systems. Proper training and certification in paediatric care helps chiropractors competently address common childhood ailments without risk of harm. Most children respond very well to gentle adjustments.

FAQ 5: How often should I receive chiropractic care long term?

While many patients receive relief from an initial series of treatments, sustaining proper spinal function over the long run requires ongoing wellness care for some. A typical maintenance schedule may involve visits every 4-6 weeks or so for ongoing assessment and mild adjustments needed to address developing imbalances. The frequency may gradually decrease as your condition improves and posture and movement habits optimise. Listen to your body – if you start feeling symptoms again between visits, your care may still need adjusting. The goal of long-term wellness care is prevention through active spinal management tailored to your lifestyle needs.

FAQ 6: Is chiropractic covered by health insurance?

Many private insurance plans and some HMOs cover chiropractic services, especially for neuromusculoskeletal conditions like back and neck pain. Generally coverage includes an initial exam and set number of manipulation visits per year. However, plans can vary so check your specific benefits. Medicare and some Medicaid programs also provide limited chiropractic coverage. Even if chiropractic isn’t fully covered, out of pocket costs tend to be affordable versus medical care and help avoid expensive surgeries or chronic prescription drug use in some cases. Discuss billing and coverage details in advance with your provider.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chiropractic care aims to naturally improve musculoskeletal health through safe spinal manipulations when provided by a trained professional. While not a cure-all, addressing vertebral subluxations through chiropractic could relieve pain for many and warrants consideration as a first line of treatment for certain back, neck and joint issues. Taking the time for open communication with a chiropractor you trust empowers you to make informed choices for your individual healthcare needs.