There is a lot of false information floating around the internet about Chiropractic care, and it causes a lot of patients to feel apprehensive, or even apathetic about the principles of chiropractic. The definition of Chiropractic Care is a system of complementary medicine based on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints, especially those of the spinal column, which are held to cause other disorders by affecting the nerves, muscles, and organs.
This means that the body has the ability to heal itself, when the nervous system is functioning properly. Due to the fact that chiropractic care teaches patients to take a vested interest in their own health, it has many opponents in Western Medicine. Some of the misinformation about chiropractic care is intentional, and some is simply ignorance, I’m going to share with you the top 5 myths I’ve come across as a Chiropracor.
Chiropractors cause strokes
MYTH!
Not only is this a lie, it’s absolutely ridiculous! A stroke is a serious event and can be life threatening. There are still medical doctors who tell patients to avoid going to the chiropractor because it could cause a stroke. True research and scientific literature says otherwise. A recent meta-analysis by a major mal-practice insurance company shows that odds of suffering a stroke from a chiropractic adjustment are about 1 in 3 million. The odds of getting struck by lightning are about 1 in 750,000. If you take aspirin daily to prevent heart attacks you are 70,000 times more likely to suffer a stroke from aspirin therapy than from a chiropractic adjustment.
Most associations between chiropractic and stroke have occurred when a patient is having a stroke that is already in progress and then they visit the chiropractor. One of the number one signs of a stroke in progress is what patients describe as having one of the worst headaches of their lives, change in speech, changes in concentration, dizziness, or double vision. When these signs and symptoms are recognized patients are immediately referred to emergency care. Chiropractic care is safe and effective for all age groups.
Chiropractors are not “real” doctors
MYTH!
Doctor’s of chiropractic are licensed as primary health care providers in every state in the U.S. and dozens of countries around the world. Chiropractors receive extensive training, combined with many hours of practical work. Just like conventional medical doctors, chiropractors are medical professionals that are subject to the same testing, licensing and monitoring by state and national peer-reviewed boards.
In fact, the American Medical Association was found guilty by the Supreme Court in a landmark lawsuit during the 80’s for illegally trying to discredit and destroy the chiropractic profession. An aggressive media campaign labeling chiropractors as “quacks” was launched by the AMA. They were ultimately ordered to pay restitution for their crimes.
The biggest difference lies not in educational requirements or the ability to diagnose but rather the manner in which various conditions are addressed. The medical profession chooses to rely on drugs and surgery where as the chiropractic profession chooses to rely on maintaining optimal nervous system health through spinal adjustments and sound nutrition. The medical profession also tends to focus on symptom based care where as chiropractic looks at issues from a broader perspective and addresses the root cause of symptoms.
Once you start seeing a chiropractor you have to keep going
PARTIALLY TRUE!
If you wish to maintain your spinal and neurologic health you have to continue care. Chiropractic care is much like brushing your teeth, going to the gym or eating a healthy diet. You continue to enjoy the benefits as long as you keep it up. Every aspect of our lives requires routine maintenance from maintaining relationships to keeping our car on the road. If left unattended things fall into decay whether it’s teeth, your car, or your spinal and neurologic health.
A large majority of people are finding that it is wise to choose the ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure philosophy meaning they get regular care to stay on top of any issues that arise versus waiting until sickness or symptoms return. You don’t wait until your engine blows up before getting an oil change.
Chiropractic is only good for neck or back pain
MYTH!
While the majority of people start chiropractic care because something hurts, chiropractic care is way beyond pain relief! Keep in mind that only approximately 10% of the nerves in our bodies sense pain. That’s it! Only 10%! That means 90% of your nervous system’s job is to control and coordinate every aspect of bodily function. From causing our hearts to beat to allowing our stomach to digest food, our nervous system is the master orchestrator of our entire body.
Misalignments in our spinal column don’t just cause pain; they interfere with our brain’s ability to communicate with the cells, tissues and organs of our body. The result: Decrease function on every level. From cellular function on up to organ function.
If your T.V. was not getting a proper signal the channel you are trying to watch does not come into focus. If our brain cannot properly send messages down our spinal cord and other nerves to the areas of the body they supply, those cells, organs, and tissues cannot function properly. This is why the majority of people under regular chiropractic care report many other benefits to care other than pain relief such as improved digestion, better sleep, resolution of headaches, female menstrual issues and so on. As on colleague put it: “Thinking chiropractic is for pain only is like robbing a bank and stealing the pens!”
Chiropractic is dangerous for kids
MYTH!
Chiropractic care is safe and effective for ALL ages including newborn babies. Many childhood issues such as ear infections, colic, constipation, difficulty with feeding are resolved with chiropractic care. Doctors of chiropractic get extensive training in pediatrics. Some doctors of chiropractic specialize in pediatrics including a 3 year post doctorate certification known as a pediatric diplomate. Many parents choose chiropractic because of the gentle non-invasive approach to children’s health.
Dr. Joe Heinecke truly has a passion for serving patients. He believes in an integrated approach to health care as the best way to provide superior results. He recognizes the fact that we are complex beings and require care in multiple areas from a variety of disciplines. This is why he chose to join Healing Horizons in addition to maintaining his own full-time practice. Dr. Heinecke practices a variety of gentle, non-invasive techniques that he incorporates into each visit. This allows him to get the best results possible. He is experienced in working with all age populations with a variety of health challenges.