Chiropractic Is Addictive and Other Myths

Confession: Before I became a chiropractor, and even before I was a chiropractic patient, I believed these myths to be true. So I don't blame you if you think they are too. (Part one of a two part article.)

Myth #1: “I can crack my own neck/back. I don’t need a chiropractor.”

Reality: I used to do this and I used to think this. The need to pop your neck or back is caused by tension from jammed or stuck vertebrae. That stuck area won't move so the bones above and below make up for this by moving too much, creating instability. This is what's 'popping' when you crack your own neck or back - the unstable joints, not the actual area that's stuck. And that's also why you have to do it so much. Cracking or popping your own spine gives you relief for a while but soon you have to do it again because the actual cause of the problem hasn't been fixed. When the jammed (or misaligned) area is adjusted by a chiropractor, those bones and joints start working better, which decreases pain, and tension. This will also reduce your need to crack your own back. BTW, chiropractic also helps with noisy knees, hips and shoulders.

Myth #2: Chiropractic is addictive.

Reality: It's not. Although chiropractic isn’t addictive, it IS possible to get used to feeling better - more balanced, less stressed, more energetic and pain free - as a result of chiropractic care. I compare it to exercise. Many people continue to work out because of how they feel afterwards but they wouldn't consider it an addiction.

Myth #3: Chiropractic is just for back pain.

Reality: While chiropractic is great for low back pain, it's also helpful with other symptoms such as sinus pain, migraines, rib pain, menstrual cramps and knee pain. Chiropractic adjustments can also be used on an ongoing basis for prevention - to help you stay better.

Part two of this article will come out next week. Do you have questions I haven't answered? Let me know!