5 common myths about chiropractic
Here are a few of the most common myths about Chiropractic.
For this blog, we have gone through and are busting the 5 common myths about Chiropractic care. People sometimes have mixed thoughts and feelings about Chiropractors, potentially because the information out there is slightly messy. So we are here to explain why some of the things you may think to be true, are not!
Grab a cup of tea and read on to see why Chiropractic is an amazing and talented profession, by delving into the most common misconceptions. You can always ask us for more information if you would like it.
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1. Chiropractic is Dangerous
This is quite a common misbelief. However, there is quite a good chunk of research (as well as thousands of people) who can suggest that this is not true and it is safe. Of course, as with everything, there is a risk to receiving any form of treatment and this is no different with Chiropractic care. In fact, this is part of the reason Chiropractic is a regulated profession in the UK: To protect the public and to ensure that Chiropractors analyse and outweigh the risks before offering Chiropractic care.
The main reason Chiropractors perform initial consultations or reassessments is to weigh up the risks and to re-establish both whether Chiropractic care is suitable for you and whether there is a sufficient rationale for care. Whilst Chiropractors want to help you, and often you want to receive Chiropractic care, it’s wrong for Chiropractors to step out of the realms of their care remit or to offer you care where it is unsafe or not needed.
2. Chiropractic or Chiropractice?
There is often a confusion in what to call the profession. Chiropractic is however its proper name. The word itself is the verb, the noun and the adjective. But you will hear people (including insurance companies and other healthcare professionals) using the term Chiropractice. This is actually a made up word.
The word Chiropractic was coined from two Greek words to mean “done by hand”.
3. Chiropractors are Uneducated People
Some believe that Chiropractors are not properly educated. However this is not the case. All UK registered Chiropractors have to complete a masters level degree to even be considered for registration with the board of Chiropractors in the UK (The General Chiropractic council).
This means that Chiropractors have to do four to six years of education before they can practice. This is not just education about Chiropractic too. As with most other healthcare professions, there is a need for training to be broad so that Chiropractors are able to advise, diagnose and identify issues that not only can be helped in clinic, but also referred out expediently to the appropriate person if required. It also means, as primary carers, you can approach us directly for care without needing a GP referral.
As a result, modules can be as broad as pharmacology, differential diagnosis and general medicine. As well as musculoskeletal medicine, imaging and referral, Chiropractic technique, research and philosophy as you would expect. It often amazes us that some believe their friendly gym instructor or masseur has more education than us. Yet, we have years of training before us even before we come into formal private practice.
Registered Chiropractors have to continually develop themselves professionally too. So you can guarantee that those who are registered with the GCC are doing all they can to be ahead of their field and stay up to date with developments within the wider professional. This reason is one of many why it is good to check that a Chiropractor is registered before going to see them (as we are at Connective Chiropractic).
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4. Chiropractic is a Young Profession
Some people believe that Chiropractic is a young or immature profession. It’s for this reason some believe it is less trustworthy than other health care professions on the face of it. And yet, Chiropractic originated in Iowa, America in 1895. This is the same year as the X Ray was discovered. Now think about how common and normal the x-ray is and chiropractic is the same age!
5. Chiropractors Only Treat Backs
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Chiropractors are very well known for treating backs and spinal problems. However, that is not all they do. There are also quite a few Chiropractors that describe themselves as online back or spine professionals so it is totally understandable why people might believe this point.
However, this is a little misleading because Chiropractors actually treat a whole lot more, or should I say, adjust, a whole lot more than just the spine. It depends which way you look at it. Some Chiropractors may adjust the extremities and areas of the body off the spine, such as arms, ankles, feet or legs. Similarly, we don’t adjust the back as one, but rather put attention into joint segments, vertebrae, bones, connective tissues and muscles that make up the back or other areas of the body.
Chiropractors are often thought of as back care specialists, experts or professionals because that is where there is most research. Certainly, there is a nice little body of research to suggest that they can help with things like low back pain, neck pain, headaches and a group of issues that come from the spine. Although, there are also many other things that a Chiropractor may be able to assist with. Check out our website home page for an abridged list from the Advertising Standards Authority. This gives a list of everything a Chiropractor can say we help with and was formulated after a review following what it regarded as high level evidence.
Well, there you have it. Five things you may have thought about Chiropractors broken down and explained why it may not be true. There are quite a few other common myths about Chiropractic that we will get to at another date. In the meantime, if you’re experiencing pain, book in an initial consultation to see if we can help using the button below or feel free to comment.
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BASINGSTOKE
Connective Chiropractic Ltd,
55 Kingsclere Road,
Basingstoke.
RG21 6XG
01256 639 452
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