If you’ve never been to the chiropractor, or worse, you have but the experience wasn’t great, you may not understand what a chiropractor actually does and how chiropractic care helps people. The only way you can make the best decisions about your own health is by beginning with all of the information. To help you understand, here are five misconceptions about chiropractic care – and the truth behind the confusion.
CHIROPRACTORS AREN’T REAL DOCTORS
A chiropractor is a doctor, with the education needed to earn that designation. Typically, a chiropractor will complete four years of pre-medical undergraduate education and four to five years of study at an accredited chiropractic college. Thousands of hours of training both in the classroom and as clinical experience must be completed before someone can officially be called a chiropractor. In Dr. Lynelle McSweeney’s case, she graduated with a degree in sports medicine in 2000 before being accepted into the Palmer West Chiropractic College. She then completed a two-year preceptorship at her father’s practice before starting on her own. Dr. McSweeney currently completes over 30 hours per year in specialized nutrition and another 25 hours per year in additional studies.
ONCE YOU RECEIVE CHIROPRACTIC CARE, YOU CAN’T STOP
This notion that chiropractic care must be continued is persistent but patently untrue. When you visit Dr. McSweeney, she’ll create a specific treatment plan to address your condition that will include her best guess for the number of sessions you’ll need for resolution. However, it’s with exploring this myth from another perspective. An adjustment that puts your body into proper alignment makes you feel great. Many people, after recognizing how that feels, become more attuned to being out of alignment. So while you may quit chiropractic care at any time, you may want to continue going because you like the positive impact it has on your body and health.
CHIROPRACTORS ONLY TREAT BACK AND NECK PAIN
Yes, chiropractors traditionally treat back and neck pain. But that is only the beginning. From headaches to hip pain, shoulder pain to foot pain, chronic joint pain to colic, your chiropractor can offer assistance for many conditions. If you’re wondering whether Dr. McSweeney can help you, contact us today.
ADJUSTMENTS ARE HARD ON BONES
This myth probably comes from the sounds that accompany certain adjustments. Actually, the popping sounds you hear aren’t from cracking or grinding bones. They’re the sound of gas bubbles releasing between the joints – the same one you hear when you crack your knuckles. It’s the pressure that comes from a change in the joint, and there is no damage to your bones.
YOU CAN CRACK YOUR OWN BACK AND NECK
You may be able to crack your own back or neck, but that doesn’t make these kinds of self-adjustments purposeful and specific. Be clear that just because you hear or feel something doesn’t mean you’ve accomplished the same thing as your trained, experienced chiropractic.
In Reno, Dr. Lynelle McSweeney loves answering your questions. Schedule your visit now to learn how Dr. McSweeney can help you benefit from chiropractic care.