Chiropractic healthcare is over 100 years old. In that time plenty of entertaining myths have risen around Chiropractic. Which of these six myths have you heard and which have you believed?
Myth 1: Chiropractors treat people by relocating vertebrae that are “out of place”.
Bones do not slip out of place, except in rare occurrences such as a dislocation. The discomfort patients describe as a ‘bone out of place’ is typically a locked spinal joint. These dysfunctional joints are painful and stiff. The Chiropractic adjustment restores normal motion to this dysfunctional locked joint.
Myth 2: Chiropractors don’t study at university.
The people at HECS would disagree. Chiropractors in Australia receive a minimum of five years of university education.
Myth 3: Chiropractors only treat the spine
Chiropractors are famous for treating the spine. However, most Chiropractors treat all areas of the body. Painful areas such as the shoulder, jaw, hips and knees can particularly benefit from Chiropractic’s unique approach.
Myth 4: Chiropractic isn’t evidence based.
A 2018 literature review in the world’s most prestigious medical journal, The Lancet, recommends Chiropractic treatments for lower back pain. The scientific literature and international medical guidelines also recommend chiropractic treatments for neck pain, whiplash, headaches, thoracic pain and upper and lower limb injuries.
Myth 5: The sounds made during a chiropractic adjustment are cracking sounds.
The sound made is actually popping gas bubbles within the joint. A chiropractic adjustment quickly moves a stiff joint through its range of motion to unlock the stiffness. This quick motion pops the gas bubbles floating within the joint.
Myth 6: Chiropractors just crack backs and don’t treat muscular pain
Chiropractors treat muscular pain with a variety of techniques such as dry needling, massage, myofascial release, stretching and rehabilitation exercises. Chiropractors also use adjustments and joint mobility techniques to address any underlying postural contributors to muscle pain.
Scott Leabeater is The Backstory Chiropractic’s Principal Chiropractor. Scott uses up to date research literature to guide an evidence based approach to diagnosis and treatment. His unique professionalism and knowledge has made Scott highly sought after. Throughout his career he has treated everyone from local office workers to Olympic athletes. Scott is an AHPRA registered Chiropractor and member of Chiropractic Australia.