Today we tackle four common chiropractic myths — and the truth.

That Cracking Sound

Myth 1:  That “cracking” sound is scary/painful/will cause arthritis.

That popping or cracking sound might be loud, but it’s not dangerous!  It is believed to result from the release of gas bubbles from the joint.  It doesn’t hurt, and it won’t cause arthritis, swelling, or pain down the road.

The Final Choice is Yours

Myth 2:  Once you see a chiropractor, you have to keep going back.

Firstly, the truth is that you, as a patient, have the final say about what treatment you consent to receive.

Secondly, imagine if someone said to you:  “Once you see a dentist, you have to keep going back?”  You could choose not to, but you would be hoping that your teeth stayed healthy without regular cleaning or checkups.

Chiropractors are great at treating acute injuries, but that’s not all.  Spines go out of alignment in the course of daily living.  You don’t have to have an accident or a sudden health change for problems to develop over time.  That’s why chiropractors recommend regular maintenance care as preventative treatment.  If you want to live your best life, it’s wise not to wait until you’re in pain before you seek care.

But, in the end, the final choice is always yours.

Worth It

Myth 3:  Adjustments are painful; the pain isn’t worth it!

In general, adjustments or joint manipulations should not be painful.  It is possible that initial treatments may be uncomfortable, for example, if the area is inflamed.  This discomfort will diminish as your body heals.

If you are experiencing discomfort during treatment, always let your chiropractor know.

Proven to be Effective

Myth 4:  Chiropractic care lacks scientific evidence.

The chiropractic profession has invested resources in proving that spinal manipulation and other manual therapies are effective and safe treatments.  Visit the Canadian Chiropractic Association website at www.chiropractic.ca for more information.

Numerous clinical practice guidelines recommend chiropractic care as the first intervention for back pain.

Don’t be fooled by chiropractic myths

Don’t let misinformation scare you into living your life with musculo-skeletal pain.

Call Sheppard Chiropractic and Laser Healing at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172 and see what chiropractic care can do for you.