These are the 7 common  myths and truths about chiropractic.

Myth #1 Chiropractic isn't safe. Chiropractic is one of the most widely recognized and safest drug free treatments available for not only neuromuscular (neck, mid and low back pain) conditions and many other health issues. Compared to chiropractic, research shows that many other common treatments like surgery and medications pose a higher potential risk. There is certainly a time and place for all of these and I'm not advocating anything against them, however, with chiropractic treatment have a better chance of alleviating your condition without drugs, surgeries or invasive therapies.

Myth #2 Chiropractors aren't real doctors. Doctor of Chiropractic (DCs) are educated as primary contact healthcare providers and the educational requirements are among some of the most stringent of healthcare professionals. Chiropractic students have to complete 4,485 hours of college classroom instruction vs 4,248 hours of other medical students. In addition, I had hands on experience which not only included extensive radiology, orthopedics, neurology, clinical diagnosis, nutrition, rehab and more .  So, I don't know a lot about one thing, I just try to cover as many bases as possible so just ask. I’ve always said, if I can help you, then I will and If I can’t… I will try to find or refer you to someone who hopefully can.

Myth#3 Chiropractic is only with people with neck and back pain. While over 80% of people have debilitating back pain once in their lifetime, this is probably one of the most common complaints that I do see.  My approach is focused on the spine and nervous system, finding the misalignment or subluxation and removing it, which improves function, decreases pain, performance on/off the field and get you back to doing your regular daily activities.  The benefits of chiropractic are far beyond just neck and back pain such as improved energy and sleep, less fatigue and general complaints like headaches, numbness or sciatica.

Myth #4 Chiropractic isn’t necessary for kids. Children including babies, can benefit from chiropractic care. Kids will fall an average of 2,500 times before the age of 8 and this does not include all types of sports injuries, heavy book bags or hours of technology (phone and computer).  I was raised on chiropractic and started at the early age of 4, when my brother was a very sick child. We all began to see the benefits of chiropractic at an early age,  I've always said “it's easier to build a child's future the repair an adult” why not start from the very beginning and continue to be healthy. It is more difficult try to correct something when you had the condition/pain all those years and mileage on your body.  It's a lot easier to take care of your body and health, when you are younger and hasn’t worn out your spine or caused injuries.

Myth #5 Adjustments are painful.  A chiropractic adjustment should not be painful or hurt.  The adjustment is a very precise, quick movement and should not cause pain.  There are only a very few times that it does cause pain. Now this is when you come into  the office in severe excruciating pain (on a scale 1 to 10 your pain level is at 10 ) and you can't move or turn it without severe pain.  When I make the adjustment, it will hurt a little bit but anything you did before that hurts also. Most people in that much pain feel immediate or within a few hours of pain relief and you will be able to get back function with less pain and you're going to feel a lot better. So, the exception to the rule is… the chiropractic adjustment shouldn't hurt but only when you're in severe excruciating pain.

Myth #6 Chiropractic is expensive. When you compare the cost of medical care and treatment whether it is diagnostic imaging (MRI or CT), physical therapy or surgery,  chiropractic care is very cost-effective. In  Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2016, Older Medicare patients with chronic low back pain and other medical problems who received spinal adjustment from a chiropractic physician had lower costs of care and shorter episodes of back pain than patients in other treatment groups. I tell my patients it usually takes somewhere between two and three weeks to get you out of pain to where you're somewhere around 80% improved.  This cost effectiveness will improve your ability to work, sleep and function at home better with less medication or being off work, which will save you in the long run and avoid surgery.  As a chiropractor, very rarely do I send people to surgery, unless the progress is poor, or I can’t help them and find a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon who can.

Myth #7 this is probably one of my favorites which is probably the one I hear the most.  Once you go to a chiropractor, you always have to go. Chiropractic care is a lifestyle and a choice. You have to maintain your health, daily and maintain the alignment of your spine (thru life’s daily stress and strains).  A 100% functioning nervous system is a priority because your nervous system controls every gland, organ, tissue and function of your body. Remember you can't just get healthy by eating some vegetables,  working out for 1 day, sleeping extra hours on Saturday  or brushing your teeth every once in a while. Chiropractic is a part of that healthy lifestyle and getting regular maintenance adjustments not only keep your body healthy, optimize performance but allows you to enjoy your life at your best level.