Chiropractic care is an established feature in the health and wellness habits of lots of people — yet myths persist. Well, many people have misunderstood chiropractic adjustments, from the clicks of “cracking” joints to worries about safety.
At Dixie Physiotherapy & Wellness, we believe that by providing good patient education, proper guidance, and encouraging them to make well-informed decisions about their health, we can improve patient outcomes. Today, we’ll be dispelling some of the most prevalent misconceptions about chiropractic care and detailing what really takes place during an adjustment.
Myth #1: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Painful
Fact: Chiropractic is gentle and non-invasive.
In an adjustment, you receive a controlled force or pressure directed at your spine or joints to restore proper alignment. According to patients, the feeling is a relieving one and not painful. Some even find immediate relief from tension or an enhanced range of motion right after a session.
When it does, soreness after the fact is typically mild and temporary (think: how your muscles feel post-good workout).
Myth #2: The “Cracking” Sound Means Something Is Breaking
Reality: It’s not your bones, but it is gas bubbles.
When a joint is manipulated, the pressure inside the joint capsule changes, and air (composed mainly of nitrogen) creates a popping sound, or cavitation. It’s completely normal and harmless.
Some adjustments are completely silent — and that’s dandy, too. The treatment is not effective if you don’t hear a “crack.”
Myth #3: Chiropractic Care Is Only for Back or Neck Pain
Truth: Chiropractic adjustments are about a lot more than just back pain relief.
Chiropractors are trained to restore spinal problems, resulting in better function of the entire nervous system, which will help virtually every area of health. Proper alignment can help with:
- Headaches and migraines
- Shoulder, hip, or joint discomfort
- Sciatica and nerve pain
- Posture correction
- Improved sleep and mobility
A lot of clients report having more energy and feeling less stressed than before they started consistent chiropractic care.
Myth #4: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Unsafe
The truth is that adjustments by a licensed, experienced chiropractor are very safe.
Chiropractic college includes years of study in anatomy, physiology, and spinal biomechanics. They employ specific evidence-based techniques to regain joint motion without inflicting harm.
Any time you are treated at Dixie Physiotherapy & Wellness, your chiropractor will always conduct a complete assessment before treatment to ensure the procedure is appropriate for your comfort and condition.
Myth #5: Once You Start, You Have to Keep Going Forever
True: Chiropractic care is tailored and adaptable.
Although some people opt for regular tune-ups as a proactive approach to maintain health and wellness, you’re never obligated to do so. How often you should go depends on your goals — it can be weekly, or monthly, or for rehab, as often as several times a week.
Think of it as dental care: Regular checkups keep everything in alignment and head off problems, but the regimen is still customizable for you.
Myth #6: You Can Adjust Yourself at Home
Truth: Self-manipulations can be counterproductive.
Cracking or twisting your own neck or back may feel good, but it doesn’t adjust your spine — and can even cause joint irritation or damage. The chiropractic adjustments that work require just the right kind of force, applied at precisely the right angle and depth — with no room for error or amateur experimentation.
What Really Happens During a Chiropractic Adjustment
At Dixie Physiotherapy & Wellness, your chiropractor will:
- Evaluate your spine and alignment to locate any areas of restriction or imbalance.
- Restore movement and enhance alignment via localized hands-on treatment.
- Instruct you in exercises and lifestyle advice so you can keep the results.
It’s gentle, individualized and about getting a better range of motion, comfort and all-around well-being — not one quick fix after another.
Conclusion
Chiropractic is a natural, safe, and evidence-based approach that respects and nurtures the body’s inborn capacity to heal and perform. In debunking these myths, we trust you feel more empowered to consider incorporating chiropractic adjustments into your wellness routine.
At Dixie Physiotherapy & Wellness, our skilled team delivers custom chiropractic care created to relieve pain, adjust posture and improve long-term health in a warm and supportive setting.