We’ve all got that friend or family member – the one who says they’ll never visit a chiropractor.
As practitioners, we always find it amusing, given the huge benefits we know treatment can bring, but it’s inevitably something to do with something they heard third-hand from their Aunty’s friend who said something about their neighbour’s thoughts on it, rather than from direct experience
So what are these myths and why do they prevail? Here are some explainers.
Myth One: Chiropractic treatments are painful
One of the prevailing misconceptions about chiropractic care is that it involves painful adjustments or manipulations. In reality, chiropractors are highly trained professionals who use precise and controlled movements to realign the spine and joints. If people have seen an adjustment without experiencing it themselves, they may think it looks like it’s painful but it’s quite different when you’re being adjusted yourself. While some patients may experience mild discomfort during or after an adjustment, it is typically very short-lived and part of the body’s natural response to realignment. And many patients report feeling immediate pain relief and improved mobility straight after their session.
Myth Two: Chiropractic treatments are unsafe
In New Zealand, chiropractors are regulated healthcare professionals governed by the Chiropractic Board. This regulatory body ensures that chiropractors meet stringent educational and professional standards, including completing accredited chiropractic programs and ongoing continuing education requirements. Chiropractors undergo extensive training and education to assess patients’ health status, screen for contraindications, and deliver appropriate care safely. Additionally, research indicates that the risk of serious adverse events associated with chiropractic adjustments is extremely low compared to other common medical interventions, such as medication or surgery.
Myth Three: Chiropractic care is only for back pain
While chiropractors are well-known for their expertise in back pain, what they treat extends far beyond spinal issues. By focusing on spinal alignment and nervous system function, chiropractors aim to facilitate the body’s ability to heal itself and promote optimal health overall – and this has effects right through the body. For example, a manipulation of the upper spine can have a huge impact on headaches, even if the head is never touched. It makes sense since the spine is the centre of the nervous system – making sure it is properly aligned can have positive effects on many different parts of the body.
Myth Four: Once you start Chiropractic treatment, you have to continue forever
Some people believe that once you begin chiropractic treatment, you’re committed to lifelong care. While regular chiropractic adjustments can be beneficial for certain individuals, the frequency and duration of treatment varies depending on the patient’s condition, health goals, and response. Chiropractors develop personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs, which may include a combination of adjustments, therapeutic exercises, lifestyle modifications, and ergonomic advice. The goal is to address the underlying cause of the problem and empower patients to take an active role in their health; this may mean regular treatments or a quick tweak a couple of times a year when needed.
Myth Five: Chiropractic treatments are not scientifically proven
Another common myth is that chiropractic treatments lack scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Because Chiropractors tend to look at the body holistically, people can mistake this for something not grounded in science. New Zealand is home to several research institutions and academic centres that have conducted significant studies investigating the efficacy of chiropractic treatments. Research findings from studies conducted in New Zealand have contributed valuable insights into the effectiveness of chiropractic care for various musculoskeletal conditions, such as low back pain, neck pain, and headaches – and chiropractors often integrate modern diagnostic techniques into their practice.
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