Over the years, chiropractic care has gotten a bad rap. Unfortunately, we can really only speculate as to why this is the case.
But regardless of the circulating myths about the field, chiropractic care has remained an outstanding option for the treatment of tons of different conditions for centuries.
In this article, we will dispel three of the most popular myths about chiropractic care.
Myth #1: Once You Start Going to a Chiropractor, You’re Stuck Going for the Rest of Your Life
A common misconception about chiropractic care is that the treatments performed by chiropractors force patients to continue seeking care forever. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
When you see a chiropractor for the first time (or for a new condition), she will establish what is known as a plan of care.
Within your plan of care, your chiropractor will make an educated estimate about how many treatments you’ll need, what type of treatments you’re likely to require, and when you should expect to achieve your therapeutic goals.
After you are discharged from your current treatment plan, your chiropractor may encourage you to come back periodically in order to monitor your symptoms and prevent any other issues from occurring. However, this is entirely your choice. You may decide you are feeling much better after 1 treatment session, 10 sessions, or 15 sessions.
You and your chiropractor will work together to determine when you should be discharged!
Myth #2: Manipulating Joints Will Lead to Arthritis
Perhaps you remember your mother or father telling you that cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis later in life. This claim is patently false. Sorry to any mothers or fathers who told this to their children!
When you “crack” your knuckles, the sound you hear is due to the movement and/or bursting of fluid bubbles within the joint. The same principle applies to chiropractic manipulations. This fluid movement has little to do with the joint surfaces, which are affected by arthritis.
Furthermore, your chiropractor isn’t manipulating your joints all day long, every day (as some knuckle-crackers might). Therefore, the number of times your back or neck may be manipulated over your lifetime would never be enough to cause a negative change in your joint structure.
Myth #3: Chiropractors Charge too Much
In some cases, your insurance will cover chiropractic sessions fully. However, there are times when insurers do not provide coverage for chiropractic treatments, leaving you to pick up the bill.
In these cases, your chiropractor will be willing to work with you on a payment plan and will offer a very fair rate for the cost of treatment.
Interestingly, there was a study that recently compared physical therapy treatments to chiropractic care. This research study looked at a variety of factors in comparing PT and chiropractic, one of them being the cost of care.
Researchers found that, in most cases, physical therapy was about $50.00 more expensive than chiropractic care over the course of treatment. Therefore, those who are concerned about insurance not covering the full cost of chiropractic treatment, need only look at the evidence!
Trust At Last Chiropractic With Your Health & Wellness
When you put your trust in At Last Chiropractic, you are treated like a member of our family. As the premier chiropractor in Lithia, FL., we are committed to giving our patients the best experience possible.
It’s unfortunate that we still have to dispel the many myths and misconceptions surrounding chiropractic care, but we are happy to do so if it means we can help even one more patient achieve their health and wellness goals. If you are considering chiropractic treatment, book your appointment with us today.
