Common Myths About Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is one of those things that a lot of people think they know about but that there’s actually a lot of misconceptions about.

A lot of what many people think they know about chiropractors and chiropractic care is just myth, which is unfortunate because some of those myths prevent people from getting the effective, non-invasive care they need.

Don’t let fake news about chiropractic care get you down and prevent you from seeking the help of a great, local chiropractor in your area. Keep reading to learn the truth about some of the most common chiropractic myths around.

7 Common Chiropractic Myths

Myth #1. Chiropractors aren’t really doctors.

Many people mistakenly believe that, in order to become a chiropractor, one only has to obtain a certificate from an online course or a two-year degree, or that anyone can become one when it strikes their fancy.

But, the truth is that chiropractors are doctors who not only have to complete a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited school, but also have to obtain their doctorate and pass the exam given by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Myth #2. Chiropractic adjustments are painful or dangerous.

A lot of people are afraid of getting their neck or back adjusted by a chiropractor. They imagine loud cracks and sharp pain. But, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The fact of the matter is that chiropractors are doctors, not “bone crushers,” and rather than causing pain, chiropractic adjustments help to alleviate it.

Chiropractic care also isn’t dangerous, despite what some may say. It actually is a noninvasive treatment that can help to prevent the need for much more dangerous alternatives, like surgery or pain management through opioids.

Myth #3. Chiropractic care is only beneficial for treating back or neck pain.

Chiropractic adjustments are all about the spine, which is why so many people are under the misconception that they are only beneficial in treating spinal issues, like neck or back pain.

However, the spinal cord is a part of the central nervous system, which has an impact on every other part of your body.

In addition to helping to ease back and neck pain, chiropractic care can be used to treat a wide variety of health issues, from migraines and gastrointestinal infections to chronic pain.

Myth #4. You have to see a chiropractor regularly.

Many people are wary of going to see a chiropractor because they believe that going once will mean that they will have to start going all the time. And, not everyone is prepared for that kind of commitment or expense.

If you’ve been putting off going to a chiropractor because you don’t want to be roped into a long-term commitment, you’ll be glad to know that even one adjustment can help to relieve pain.

Some people with chronic issues choose to visit their chiropractor regularly, and some use chiropractic care as a preventative measure. However, this doesn’t work for all patients and the right chiropractor can help you find a treatment option you’re comfortable with.

Your chiropractor may not be able to help you reach your goal in just one visit, but that doesn’t mean that visiting a chiropractor means a lifelong commitment.

Myth #5. Chiropractic care is an expensive luxury.

Depending on your health insurance, you may or may not be able to get coverage for chiropractic care. It’s considered a specialty by many insurance providers, which is why it has a reputation as being overly expensive.

A lot of people equate chiropractic care with boutique yoga classes and doing the weekly shopping at a certain organic grocery store people have nicknamed “Whole Dollar.” In other words, many people consider chiropractic care to be an expensive luxury.

However, since chiropractic care can sometimes be alternative to expensive medications and surgeries, it’s often cheaper for patients to see a chiropractor.

Chiropractic care can also boost the immune system, making it a preventive measure. Staying healthy is a great way to save more money.

Myth #6. Only adults can benefit from chiropractic care.

Because so many people see chiropractic adjustments as harsh, painful treatments, they often think that chiropractic care is only acceptable for adults and is dangerous for children.

People of all ages can actually benefit from chiropractic care. Some chiropractors even specialize in treating infants and toddlers.

In fact, studies have shown that chiropractic care can be effective in treating colic.

Myth #7. Science does not support chiropractic care.

Just as many people equate chiropractic care with an expensive luxury, many more believe that it’s pop science and that chiropractic patients are being sold an expensive placebo.

Lots of people see chiropractic care as a flashy expense without much of any real health benefit, like pricey dietary supplements or trendy smoothies.

However, scientific evidence shows the efficacy of chiropractic care in a wide variety of treatments, including treatment for low back pain and other musculoskeletal issues.


The truth about chiropractic care is that it can be beneficial for treating many different things for many different people, but it’s not the right option for every patient. If you want to learn more about chiropractic care and find out if it’s the right option for you, start by finding a great local chiropractor with Top Rated Local®.

Top Rated Local makes it easy to find all of the best chiropractors near you, and with our one-of-a-kind Rating Score™ system, you can quickly and easily compare chiropractors based on their online reputation across every verified review site and local business directory.

Read chiropractic reviews and find the right chiropractor near you today with Top Rated Local!