Saturday 12th October
Myth: It’s called “Chiro-practice”
When people meet us for the first time, or we’re asked about our profession, the first question is normally about how to pronounce it. I still remember one of the first patients I was helping after I had graduated, told me that my profession on my name badge had been misspelt, and that it was, (they believed), in fact ‘chiropractice’ not ‘chiropractic’. But I can assure you… it is called chiropractic!
The word chiropractic was coined from two Greek words to mean “(practical) done by hand”.
Myth: Adjustments will hurt
When you have an adjustment some pops and cracks may routinely occur. Some people automatically think that that hearing these noises means it will hurt, but that’s just not true. The noises are made by air and gas moving through the fluid in your joints as your joints are moved and stretched out, in a similar way to when you may crack your knuckles.
During the adjustment, some people may feel some mild discomfort, but this is normally if they are already in a lot of pain, for example from an injury they are currently needing help with! The most common reaction is that, after an adjustment, people are surprised and happy to say their pain has reduced!
Myth: I adjust myself, I don’t need a chiropractor
The main issue with ‘self-adjusting’ is that cannot target the true dysfunctional joint that may cause the feeling of stiffness and possibly pain. Instead, it will more likely just move the joints which are already free and moving.
So, you are clicking joints above and/or below the one that is actually stuck and in need of help, which then creates hyper-mobility (too much movement) either side of an already restricted joint. Meaning that after about 30 minutes, when the good feeling has worn off, you’ll likely want to do it again. Even more so because now the joint – that is still restricted – will feel even tighter ….. as above and below this restriction now move too much!
This creates a cycle of wanting to self-adjust repeatedly throughout the day, whilst not addressing the underlying issue!
The chiropractic adjustment specifically targets and adjusts the joints which are not moving correctly, meaning you will have lasting change, and not create more issues along the way.
Myth: Chiropractic is just for adults
Chiropractors receive training to help all people, from pregnant women, newborns, toddlers, teenagers, adults and the elderly! Chiropractors can advise you and your family on how you may all benefit from specialised chiropractic care, whether it is for a specific issue or to maintain your good posture and health!
Myth: If you’ve had back surgery, you can’t see a Chiropractor
This is a common concern that we hear, and people say, “Oh you can’t touch me, I’ve had back surgery!”
Back surgeries can vary hugely. So, the first and main question is, what type of back surgery? It is not uncommon for people with disc surgeries or fusions to see a chiropractor. During your New Patient Consultation, your chiropractor will be able to discuss with you your suitability for our chiropractic care.
Myth: Chiropractors aren’t real doctors
To be able to call yourself a chiropractor, you must qualify with a Master of Chiropractic degree.
Myth: Chiropractors only help with back pain
Most people associate visiting a chiropractor with low back pain, neck pain, headaches and migraines. But there are a lot more reasons to visit!
Many of the other reasons that we see and help people, include:
Joint pains, including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis
Sciatica
Tension and inability to relax
Ankle sprain and plantar fasciitis
Cramp and muscle spasms
Elbow pain and tennis elbow
Generalised aches and pains
Minor sports injuries
Rotator cuff injuries, disease or disorders
Shoulder complaints and soft tissue disorders
So why do people see a chiropractor? The answer is because of a whole host of different things! It’s not just because they are looking for help with back pain, but because they want to look after their body or their posture, to prevent issues in the future or just to be able to relax.
