Busting Some Common Chiropractic Myths

Many Canadians continue to have questions about the role that Chiropractors play in our healthcare system and the benefits this type of alternative medicine can have on your health. Dr. Nishma Apanna of the Oakville Chiropractic Centre is busting these common myths about the profession of Chiropractors and the practice in general.

1. Once you see a Chiropractor you have to keep going back

   Contrary to popular belief this is false. When seeking care from a Chiropractor, we will perform an assessment including a detailed history and physical examination to
   determine the cause of pain or dysfunction. From these observations a diagnosis is
   determined and a detailed treatment plan is presented to the patient according to their needs and individual health goals. The treatment plan suggests an initial number of visits in order to see if the patient is responding to treatments. The frequency and type of treatment depends on the specific individual but the decision to continue with the treatment plan is always yours. Do not ever feel hesitant to ask your Chiropractor about the prescribed treatment plan as it should be something that you are comfortable with as well.

2. Chiropractors are not “real” doctors

   Chiropractors are regulated in all 10 provinces of Canada and are designed to use the
   title “doctor” similar to any physician, optometrist, dentist, etc. All licensed Chiropractors have gone through a rigorous Doctor of Chiropractic program and are required to successfully complete 3 board examinations as well as an ethics exam for the province of Ontario. Once a Chiropractor begins to practice, they are also required to spend a set number of hours on continuing their education every year. The title doctor gives Chiropractors validation for their extensive training in their area of expertise.

3. A medical doctor must refer you to a Chiropractor

   This is false as Chiropractors in Canada are seen as primary contact providers, which
   means you can access them without a referral from another doctor. Since we have the ability to diagnose, we can discuss with you a course of care for your specific condition. However, depending on your extended health care insurance company, you may need a referral in order to claim through your benefits. For your convenience, we offer direct billing just as long as your insurance company allows it.

4. Chiropractors can only treat low back pain

   We hear this too often at our clinic when some new patients are shocked that we do not just treat low back pain. We are musculoskeletal experts and have had extensive
   training in treating any condition that originates from the muscular, skeletal and
   nervous system. There are so many articles online from well known scientific journals that support Chiropractic care helping to relieve, pain in the extremities, headaches, TMJ pain and overall contributing to a higher immune system and better general health. Not only that but we are also trained in providing lifestyle counselling about nutrition fitness, ergonomics among many others.

5. Adjustments are Painful
   

   This is a big one and couldn’t more untrue. In general, joint manipulations are not painful. In fact, after an adjustment many of our patients express intent pain relief to our doctors. Many patients are also concerned or afraid of the cracking or popping sound that may occur after an adjustment. This adjustment is actually the release of gas bubbles from the joint—similar to cracking your knuckles. If you are still apprehensive about the cracking sound then our doctors are also trained in activator technique. The activator is an adjustment tool that provides the same effect as manual manipulations but without the cracking/popping sound.

Thank you for having a read. Please give us a call with any questions you may have or if you would like to book an appointment with one of our Oakville Chiropractors! Dr. Brian Huggins is a chiropractor Oakville trusts along with Dr. Tiffany Huggins!

Dr. Nishma Appanna D.C.