By WIN Provider: Dr. Greg Lamb, Chiropractor

There are many chiropractic myths and misconceptions. In this post, Dr. Greg goes over chiropractic myths.

1. There is no evidence to support the effectiveness of chiropractic care

The chiropractic profession and others have contributed to funding studies that focus on the effects of manual therapy on musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

These studies all point to the fact that spinal and joint manipulation is effective for treating acute and chronic MSK conditions.

It has also been recommended as a first line pain intervention for back pain in several clinical practice guidelines including: The Bone and Joint Decade Task Force, the American College of Physicians, American Pain Society, and Britain’s National Institute of Health and Care Excellence.

 

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

This is not true. When you visit the clinic, we assess you and determine what the best course of action is in order to tackle whatever issue may be present.

This includes developing a treatment plan geared towards addressing your needs and goals in a period of time.

When you get back to feeling yourself again, you decide about continuing care.

While we strongly believe that you will benefit from routine maintenance care to prevent you from returning to the state you were in at the time of your first visit, that final decision always is up to you.

 

3. Chiropractors can only treat back pain

Often we’ll here “Wow I wish I knew chiropractors could treat this way before now”.

Chiropractors are MSK experts and are trained in assessing, diagnosing, and treating disorders that originate from the skeletal, muscular and nervous system.

If the disorder is coming from your foot, elbow, neck, etc., chiropractors are trained to assess and treat various different sources of your pain and dysfunction.

Chiropractors can also provide you with lifestyle counselling about ergonomics, fitness/exercise, and nutrition amongst others.

The health of your body and musculoskeletal system doesn’t just come from a happy spine, it needs a well-rounded healthy lifestyle to fully thrive!

 

4. A medical doctor must refer you to a chiropractor

Chiropractors are considered primary care providers in all provinces in Canada which means they can be accessed directly.

With the extensive education and training chiropractors undergo as diagnosticians, we are able to perform a thorough assessment and determine clinical impressions and suspected diagnoses.

Depending on the results of the initial exam, we can then decide what the best course of care is for you and whether or not further referrals or imaging are necessary.

 

WIN Chiropractors offer well rounded health support that far extends past what you may have heard about chiropractic care.  To get thorough musculoskeletal care for any of your needs, visit with Dr. Greg at our Fonthill location, or our Chiropractic Team in Niagara Falls.