Dr. Cindy Gale's Well Being Newsletter |
September 2013 |
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The 5 Common Myths and Misconceptions About Chiropractic  Health experts continue to conduct research designed to learn more about chiropractic care and how it works, but many people still do not understand some of the fundamental aspects of this beneficial treatment method. A lack of information is almost guaranteed to cause myths and misconceptions. Below are five common myths about chiropractic care, along with the actual truth behind them. Myth No. 1: Any Benefits from Chiropractic Are Simply Due to the Placebo Effect A great deal of research has proven that chiropractic truly is effective, with benefits that are not just the result of the placebo effect. In other words, chiropractic's benefits are "real" and not just psychological or "in people's heads." It's important for you to understand that chiropractic is a form of therapy focused on the body's musculoskeletal system. It improves bodily functions by correcting issues associated with those particular parts of your body, such as your spine and your neck. The goal of chiropractic treatment is to restore your body's innate, natural ability to heal itself and retain its ability to function normally. Even a quick Google search will turn up scores of case studies that prove the benefits of chiropractic care. Myth No. 2: Chiropractic Treatments are Risky This misconception is one of the most widespread. Many people are afraid to seek chiropractic treatment because they believe it can cause injury and potentially lead to more serious problems. Even worse, some still think that chiropractors are not licensed doctors. First of all, and most importantly, chiropractic is an acknowledged professional healthcare field, and chiropractors are considered to be, and licensed as, medical professionals. Chiropractic is a recognized form of alternative medicine, and a chiropractic degree is awarded only after the individual successfully completes a rigorous educational and training program. Chiropractic uses adjustment procedures on certain areas of the body, including the spine and the neck, to help restore mobility or function. Often, chiropractic treatments are used in conjunction with nutritional plans and relaxation techniques to provide optimal results. Experts are essentially unanimous in their assessment of the safety of chiropractic care: it is considered to be safer than taking prescription pain medication and the associated side effects and risk of addiction, and it certainly is far less risky than surgery and the attendant risk of surgical complications. Myth No. 3: Chiropractic Care is Painful Chiropractic doctors have years of training and clinical experience, so there is no need to worry about feeling any pain during a chiropractic adjustment. Rarely, a patient might experience some minimal discomfort, but it does not rise to the level of pain. Certainly, this discomfort is insignificant compared to the painful recovery so typically associated with surgery. Chiropractic treatments are manually applied, and several factors can potentially change the sensations you feel during your treatment procedures. Simply put, however, chiropractic care is not painful. Myth No. 4: Too Many Serious Side Effects are Associated with Chiropractic Care You also don't need to worry about any serious side effects caused by chiropractic adjustments. Some people mistakenly believe they can lead to stroke or even death. Far to the contrary, chiropractic is recognized as one of the safest forms of treatment in the medical field. Its high degree of safety explains why ever-increasing numbers of people are turning to chiropractic care instead of undergoing risky surgeries or treatments with medication. Myth No. 5: Chiropractic Care is Too Costly Careful analysis reveals that chiropractic care is actually one of the most affordable treatment options for back pain, especially when compared to the cost of surgery. Somewhere, I read that chiropractic care costs an astonishing 90% less than typical back surgery! |
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