Chiropractors are Indeed Doctors.
Chiropractors are given the title Doctor and we use this term gladly. We went through very vigorous and lengthy training to receive that distinction, and we bear the responsibility that goes with it. Feel free to investigate further our educational background by clicking here.
Chiropractors Do Not Hate Medical Doctors and/or Physical Therapists.
Chiropractic care works very well in conjunction with other forms of medicine. I refer patients back to their primary care physicians on a regular basis for help with certain conditions. Sometimes the combination of medicine and chiropractic far superior to either alone. This is also true with physical therapy. Physical therapy and chiropractic are NOT the same thing and they work very well together. I recommend that my patients get an adjustment once a week while in physical therapy to help keep the proper alignment while strengthening and stretching the injured area in PT.
Chiropractic is Covered by Insurance.
Almost all health insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid cover chiropractic care to some degree. Furthermore, most plans no longer even require a referral for care.
Chiropractic is Scientifically Proven and Well Researched.
There is a solid scientific basis for the things that chiropractors do and the reasons they work are well understood. Like traditional medicine, there is constant ongoing research to make our profession better.
You Can Have Chiropractic Care if You Have had Surgery on Your Back.
The methods may change after a surgery and there may be a time after surgery when you cannot receive care, but there is no reason why someone who has had back surgery cannot receive the relief that chiropractic care provides.
Your Chiropractor Will Not Have You Keep Coming Forever.
There is no "magical" thing that happens when you receive treatment that makes you have to keep getting treated. This myth has come about because some chiropractors and some chiropractic patients will agree on maintenance plans to optimize health and cut down on recurrences if there is a chronic or recurrent issue such as arthritis. Most patients come in when something is hurting and finish care shortly after their problem is resolved. However, if there is something either in the patient's lifestyle or body that keeps causing problems, it may be cheaper and easier to set up check-ups to keep the pain from getting bad.
I am sure there are many more misconceptions out there, but the ones above are the major ones I hear on a regular basis. The biggest obstacle that faces chiropractors is the lack of understanding of what we do by both the general public and the medical community. Only through education can we work through these barriers and attain true widespread acceptance. Feel free to contact me with questions.
