Cracking the Code for Pain Relief: Chiropractic Care Myths Debunked and Benefits Explained
Unfortunately, pain is a constant companion for millions of Americans. Ongoing dull aches or sharp jolts of pain can disrupt sleep, impact work efficiency, and even ruin that perfect Florida experience. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), over two-thirds of adults will experience pain at some point in their lives. So, if you are in pain, you are certainly not alone! The five most common pain complaints chiropractors hear from patients are listed below:
- Back pain encompasses many issues, from lower back to upper back discomfort; it is a prevalent problem affecting people of all ages.
- Neck pain is often a result of poor posture, digital device use, or injuries; it is one of the most frequent complaints from patients seeking relief through chiropractic care.
- Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines, can be linked to musculoskeletal issues that a chiropractor can address with spinal adjustments.
- Shoulder pain can stem from various causes, including overuse, injuries, or underlying conditions.
- Joint pain contributes to widespread pain experiences caused by arthritis and other joint conditions.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) reports some sobering statistics about bodily aches and pains. For instance, up to 80% of the human population will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and low back pain, in particular, is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. Regarding neck pain and headaches, between 20% and 70% of adults will experience neck pain that interferes with daily activities during their lifetime. Plus, nine out of ten Americans suffer from headaches — the majority of which are associated with muscle tension in the neck.
With common pain complaints like those above in mind, this article aims to debunk some common chiropractic myths, explore the truth about chiropractic adjustments, and highlight the natural pain relief and other benefits you can anticipate with quality, drug-free chiropractic care. Without further ado, let’s address some of the most common misconceptions about chiropractic adjustments:
Myth #1: Chiropractic care is only for back pain.
While back pain is a common reason people seek chiropractic care, it’s a misconception that this is the only condition they treat. In reality, they focus on overall bodily alignment and function, which can benefit many conditions beyond back pain. Chiropractors address a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including neck pain, headaches, joint pain, and even sports injuries.
Myth #2: Chiropractic adjustments are dangerous.
On the contrary, studies have shown chiropractic care to be a safe and effective approach for pain, especially compared to traditional pain management options like medication. A 2017 review published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine concluded that chiropractic manipulation is a low-risk intervention for many types of pain. Furthermore, data from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), which tracks malpractice payments and disciplinary actions, shows that the number of malpractice payments and disciplinary actions involving chiropractors is lower than those for medical doctors and dentists. In other words, medical doctors have higher rates of malpractice claims per capita compared to chiropractors.
Myth #3: “Cracking” or “Popping” are the signs of a successful spinal adjustment.
While “cracking” and “popping” can be satisfying sensations, they are not the sole indicators of successful treatment. It might surprise you that not all adjustments produce a sound: Many effective chiropractic adjustments are performed without audible cracking or popping. The goal is to restore joint mobility and alignment, which can be achieved in various ways. Because chiropractic care is highly personalized, we will likely recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and may incorporate multiple techniques beyond adjustments, including soft tissue therapy, stretches, and exercises.
Myth #4: Once you receive chiropractic care, you must go for the rest of your life.
Realistically, as rational adults, we don’t “have to” do anything we don’t want to do. Let’s consider dental appointments. When was the last time you heard someone say, “I choose not to go to the dentist because, once you go, you have to go the rest of your life.” The truth is that many adults choose not to go to the dentist for a myriad of reasons, but feeling required to go is typically not one of them. With dentistry, exercise, and physical check-ups, you always have the choice to engage or not engage.
Chiropractic care is no exception. Regular adjustments are beneficial over time, but no one is forcing you to experience the benefits of spinal agility. From our perspective, when it comes to any bodily system, regular preventative maintenance is foundational to a healthy life, so why wouldn’t you choose to schedule ongoing care from beneficial practitioners (such as your PCP, dentist, and chiropractor) who help to keep your body healthy?
Myth #5: Chiropractic care is not covered by insurance.
It may change your perspective to know that the majority of health plans now cover chiropractic care, including Medicare! Yes, indeed, insurance companies have paid attention to studies that show chiropractic care is more cost-effective than usual medical care.
According to The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, when Doctors of Chiropractic deliver patient care, evaluation, and management, the average medical cost per claim is 47% lower than comparable non-chiropractic claims. Chiropractic-only claims also had 35% lower indemnity payments per claim and 26% shorter temporary disability durations.
To quickly find out if your health insurance covers chiropractic care, you can:
- Check Your Insurance Policy: Review the benefits section of your insurance policy or the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) document.
- Use the Insurer's Online Portal: Log in to your insurance provider's website or app to search for chiropractic care coverage and find in-network chiropractors.
- Call Customer Service: Contact the customer service number on your insurance card and ask specifically about chiropractic care coverage, co-pays, and any limits.
- Ask Your Chiropractor: Some chiropractors, including Dr. Vivian Ebert, can verify your insurance benefits and let you know if your plan covers their services.
Ready to Try Chiropractic Care in Bonita Springs, FL? Here’s What to Expect During Your First Chiropractic Visit:
Your first visit to a chiropractor will include intake paperwork and a comprehensive consultation. For example, Dr. Ebert will take her time with you to discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and daily activities to understand your pain’s root cause better.
A physical examination will follow, where Dr. Ebert will assess your posture, range of motion, and any areas of tenderness or discomfort. She may recommend X-rays or other diagnostic tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions depending on her findings.
Once a diagnosis is established, Dr. Ebert will create your personalized treatment plan, which may include chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, stretching exercises, and lifestyle modifications to promote better posture and ergonomics.
The bottom line: Living Well is within reach!
If you desire to enhance your well-being, you needn’t hesitate to pursue chiropractic care! After all, when your spine feels good, you will feel good overall, improve your sleep quality, increase your energy levels, likely boost your mood, and diminish pain.
When you’re searching for a “chiropractor near me,” you can feel confident directing all your chiropractic care-related questions to Dr. Vivian Ebert of LivingWell Chiropractic in Bonita Springs, FL, located in The Brooks Town Center at the northwest corner of Three Oaks Parkway and Coconut Road.
LivingWell Chiropractic provides state-of-the-art chiropractic care, spinal decompression, medical massage, and nutritional guidance with a holistic wellness approach focused on pain relief for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Centrally located in Bonita Springs, the office is convenient for patients from Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and South Fort Myers.
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