Common Chiropractic Controversies

Do any of the following sound familar?

-once you start chiropractic, you have to go forever.

-you can get hurt from chiropractic

-chiropractors aren't "real" doctors

These are the most common negative perceptions some people have about chiropractic, and I will attempt to address them here.

1. No, you don't have to go forever once you start chiropractic. Granted, there are chiropractors who will recommend lifetime maintenance care. But it's a personal choice. If you are told by your chiropractor that you "need" to have lifetime maintenance, tell him/her you prefer to schedule appointments as needed. It's as simple as that. If the chiropractor is not willing to accept this, then I recommend finding another chiropractor who respects your wishes.

2. Can you get hurt from chiropractic? Very rarely. Every therapeutic procedure comes with risks, some more than others. Chiropractic happens to have a comparatively lower risk compared to medicine. There are cases of rib fractures and neurological complications from chiropractic, but they are very rare, given the number of chiropractic procedures done every day across the country. Adverse drug reactions are a much more common occurrence. As long as you go to an experienced, licensed, referred chiropractor the risk is very low.

3. Chiropractors are "doctors of chiropractic." The degree is D.C. It's more accurate to say that chiropractors are not medical doctors, or M.D.s Chiropractors graduate from accredited chiropractic schools, and the curriculum is very similar to that found in medical schools, with less emphasis on pharmacopia, surgery and other procedures limited to the practice of medicine. Chiropractors have more training on bones and joints, spinal disorders, and X-ray. They have similar training in differential diagnosis.

So, there you have it. Three controversies that I hope I answered adequately. For more detailed information on this topic, check out my Hubpage, "How to Choose a Chiropractor."

Dan Perez, DC

San Ramon Chiropractor

500 Bollinger Canyon Way, Suite A-15

San Ramon, CA 94582

(925) 788 - 6253