Global Courant
There are many conflicting views about chiropractors and in most cases there is no merit. Here are the ten most common myths about chiropractors:
1. There is no scientific proof that chiropractic works
Chiropractic has an abundance of scientific evidence to show that the treatment works. One of the largest and most recent pieces is a systematic review of chiropractic treatment for a number of conditions by Gert Bronfort et al. Along with many others, it shows that there is positive evidence for the treatment of low back pain, neck pain and even cervicogenic vertigo.
2. You only need to take a weekend class to become a chiropractor
This is completely incorrect. To call yourself a chiropractor in the UK, you must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). The GCC requires you to have a degree from an accredited university, of which there are currently 3 in the UK. The current degree is a 4+1 or 5+1 year Master of Chiropractic degree. A common comparison is the number of hours a chiropractor and a medical practitioner work in college. Chiropractors average 4822 hours in their training and medics average 4667 hours.
3. Chiropractic is not a recognized profession
Chiropractors are government regulated by the General Chiropractic Council. It is the most widely used and fastest growing complementary medicine in the world. There are currently studies in North East London regarding chiropractic on the NHS which have been very successful so far.
4. Chiropractic care is dangerous
Chiropractic care has proven to be one of the safest medical treatments. The most common concern is that neck adjustments will cause a stroke. A recent study by Cassidy et al showed that you are just as likely to have a stroke if you go to your primary care physician as to your chiropractor. How can the neck adjustment be to blame? Unfortunately, chiropractors and general practitioners see people who are going to have a stroke, which in many cases cannot be detected until it happens.
5. Chiropractors Are Not “Real Doctors”
Chiropractors are not, in fact, doctors. However, as described earlier, they go through similar hours of training and are awarded a DC title upon completion, meaning Doctor of Chiropractic. So while they are not a doctor, they are a doctor of chiropractic.
6. Chiropractors x-ray each person
Chiropractors are trained to read and take X-rays. Because of this, chiropractors are required to follow strict guidelines (IRMER) about who can and cannot take X-rays. There must always be a reason to take X-rays and in the vast majority of cases there is one.
7. Chiropractors just crack bones. That can’t be healthy!
Chiropractors don’t crack bones. They deliver a specific impulse to a joint to stretch the receptors with the aim of returning the joint to normal function. This is required in cases where the spine is not functioning correctly and has been shown to be a safe method of doing so.
8. Chiropractors only treat spinal problems
Chiropractors are trained to address all joint, muscle and nerve issues. This varies from shoulder complaints to ankle complaints to neck complaints. Chiropractors also learn about other pathologies outside of what they’re treating so they can detect if something more serious is going on and so they can tailor their treatment style to the person.
9. Chiropractors claim to cure all problems by adjusting the spine
This is wrong. This was the philosophy in the 1800’s when chiropractic was first invented. Since that time, like medicine, chiropractic has made great strides and now works primarily on current medical research. Some chiropractors still follow the original philosophy and it’s important to find a chiropractor that’s right for you.
10. Chiropractors are only after your money
Because chiropractic care is not free, people assume that chiropractors are just after your money. If you asked a group of college freshmen why they want to become a chiropractor, it would be to help people, not because they want to make money. Chiropractors often give free treatments or reduced rates if someone is not improving as they should. It is a situation where few strike many, a few misinformed chiropractors have given many chiropractors a bad name.
10 myths about chiropractic and chiropractors
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