Many Canadians are still wondering about the role of chiropractors in a health care team and the benefits of chiropractic treatment for health. You can always find a chiropractor in your community to discuss your special needs or reach out to Bramalea Chiropractic, but today we want to debunk some of the most deeply rooted myths:
1. If you start seeing a chiropractor, you must continue without stopping
False. When you visit a chiropractor, he conducts an assessment, which includes your history and a physical examination, to determine the cause of your pain or dysfunction. In light of these observations, he makes a diagnosis and develops a treatment plan that takes into account your needs and objectives. This recommended treatment plan includes an initial number of consultations to see if you are responding to treatment and performing periodic re-evaluations.
Depending on the patient and the problem, the recommended duration of treatment varies. But, ultimately, you decide whether to continue or not. As a patient, if you have questions or concerns about the recommended treatment, you should not hesitate to discuss them with your chiropractor.
2. Chiropractors are not “real” doctors
Like physicians, optometrists and dentists, chiropractors are members of a regulated profession in the ten provinces and are permitted to carry the title of “doctor” under a rigorous doctor of a chiropractic training program. Certified professionals such as “doctor” have received extensive training in their field of expertise, which allows them to make a diagnosis.
3. To consult a chiropractor, you must first see a doctor
In all provinces of Canada, chiropractors are front-line professionals, which means you can consult them directly. Chiropractors have a solid diagnostician background. As such, they perform a comprehensive examination that allows them to make a diagnosis or make clinical impressions.
Depending on the result, the chiropractor presents you with a treatment program or refers you to another health professional. However, under some supplemental plans, your insurer may require that you be referred to chiropractic by a physician.
4. There is no evidence of the effectiveness of chiropractic
The effectiveness of chiropractic treatment is sometimes called into question. However, researchers from chiropractic and other professions have conducted many studies to gather evidence that demonstrates the effect of manual therapies on musculoskeletal problems.
Thus, the effectiveness of vertebral and articular manipulation has been demonstrated in cases of acute and chronic musculoskeletal problems such as back pain. In fact, in the case of back pain, spinal manipulation is recommended as a front-line intervention in the Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Bone and Joint Decade Working Group, American College of Physicians, American Pain Society and Britain’s National Institute of Health and Care Excellence.
5. Chiropractors can only treat back pain
The chiropractors are musculoskeletal health experts who are trained to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent problems biomechanical muscular in nature, skeletal and nervous. In addition to being effective in the treatment of column-related musculoskeletal disorders, it has also been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of limbs, headaches and even the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) 4,5,6.
Chiropractors can also provide lifestyle tips – nutrition, fitness, ergonomics, and more. – which contribute to the treatment and prevention of many health problems. The health of your musculoskeletal system is not limited to the health of the spine; to lead a healthy and harmonious life, you must become fully aware of your health!
6. The adjustment is painful
In general, adjustment or joint manipulation does not cause pain. In fact, many patients report immediate relief. Some patients may be nervous because of the “crunching” or small popping noise that sometimes occurs during an adjustment. It seems to be the result of loosening a gas bubble of the joint – like the cracking of joint joints!
It is important to ask questions about your health and the choice of treatments available to you. Indeed, your participation is essential so that we can offer you optimal care that meets your goals.
