Submitted by Dr. Jaron Banks for Russell Chiropractic
So you have something bothering you. It’s an ache, a pain, an injury or health concern that you haven’t been able to get rid of. You’ve tried everything you can think of but still don’t feel like you’re back to normal. You may be wondering if chiropractic can help but hesitate because you’ve heard things. Below are some of the most common myths about chiropractic and some explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Myth 1: Once you start going to a chiropractor, you’ll have to go for the rest of your life.
The truth behind this myth is that most people feel better than ever after starting chiropractic care. Many new patients experience pain relief, increased mobility, and even enhanced strength, and they want to keep it that way. Patients frequently say, “I’ve been just living with this problem because I thought it was just a part of life and didn’t know anything could be done about it!” Some conditions resolve well with just a few treatments and others can take longer. There are some problems that will never go away completely, but ongoing care can manage pain and increase functionality.
Life takes a toll on your body and regular chiropractic care is an effective maintenance program for your body and health. The treatment frequency your chiropractor recommends will depend on your condition and your lifestyle. Just as you could live without going to the dentist, you could certainly live without a chiropractor, but the more regular your checkups are, the easier it is to detect and correct issues early before they become more serious or permanent. In any case life-time care is never required, but you may just love the way you feel so much that you want to keep it up!
Myth 2: Getting your neck cracked is dangerous.
Hollywood super-spies have given us the impression that a quick turn of your enemy’s neck is a sure way to do them harm. Some people fear getting their neck adjusted due to this perception, but I hope you aren’t too surprised to hear that, in this case, Hollywood is not real. Your neck is very resilient and chiropractors are highly trained to adjust the neck in a way that is safe and effective. Many studies1 have been done that validate the safety and efficacy of chiropractic adjustments for the neck as well as other areas of the body and spine. Even so, the real proof is in the testimonials of countless patients who report that chiropractic adjustments make them feel better than ever!
Myth 3: You need a referral to see a chiropractor.
Chiropractors are first-line health providers trained to detect a wide variety of health conditions and therefore do not need a referral. Anyone can schedule an appointment for a consultation and examination to get answers about their health concerns. A chiropractor will explain their findings and recommendations for care and treatment or refer you to another doctor or specialist for further evaluation if needed.
Myth 4: Chiropractors claim to cure diseases and serious health conditions.
Chiropractors emphasize your body’s incredible ability to heal and regulate itself. A chiropractor serves to correct misalignments or restrictions in your spine and joints that may be interfering with your nervous system and your body’s ability to heal and regulate itself. We find that, for many patients under chiropractic care, their overall health improves including seemingly unrelated diseases and health conditions.
Myth 5: I can’t see a chiropractor because my insurance doesn’t cover it.
While most insurance policies have chiropractic benefits, you don’t need insurance coverage to see a chiropractor. Insurance policies are not health or wellness plans but a safety net for expensive medical costs. Just as your insurance probably doesn’t pay for a gym membership or nutritional supplements it may not cover other proactive measures for your health such as chiropractic care. Some policies cover only a few visits in case of an injury but will not cover preventive or wellness care. For those not using insurance, many offices have a “time of service” discount. If you have questions about the cost of chiropractic care or your insurance’s chiropractic benefits please call us at 360.754.7500.
Since earning his Doctor of Chiropractic and Masters in Sports Rehabilitation degrees, Dr. Jaron Banks works with adults, kids, and families to keep them in their best health and functional performance. As an athlete, he also understands the frustrations of limiting sports injuries and has completed extensive post-graduate courses to learn effective strategies for helping active people recover quickly from new and old injuries that are slowing their activities. He can be reached at Russell Chiropractic Center for health and injury consultations, screenings, and treatment.
www.facebook.com/JaronBanksDC
3948 B Cleveland Ave., Tumwater
360-754-7500
1 Thiel, Haymo W., et al. “Safety of chiropractic manipulation of the cervical spine: a prospective national survey.” Spine 32.21 (2007): 2375-2378.
