The following are some of the common myths surrounding the chiropractic profession:
Myth #1 – CHIROPRACTORS ARE NOT REAL DOCTORS.
Chiropractors are licensed as health care providers in every Canadian province, every U.S. state and many countries worldwide. They are granted a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree upon completion of the program. Undergraduate degrees are generally required prior to acceptance to Chiropractic College. The chiropractic college curriculum is very rigorous and almost identical to that of medical school. In fact, chiropractors have more hours of classroom education than their medical counterparts. When medical students begin to learn about prescription medication, chiropractic students learn the “hands-on” techniques to treat conditions. There is also a residency program that chiropractic students must complete in a clinical setting under the supervision of licensed Doctors of Chiropractic. Once chiropractic students graduate, they have to pass National and Provincial Board Exams before they are allowed to be in private practice.
Chiropractors are held to a high standard of practice and are regulated by a provincial governing body, such as, the “College of Chiropractors of Ontario”. Chiropractors are able to access billing numbers through WSIB and private insurance companies. They are able to write sick notes for employers and fill out disability forms.
The biggest difference between chiropractors and medical doctors is not in their level of education, but in their desired method of treating conditions. Medical doctors will use man-made medications (chemicals to alter your biochemistry) as their treatment option. Therefore, if your body has a chemical or hormonal imbalance such as hypothyroidism, diabetes or an infection etc., then medical doctors are essential. Chiropractors will use a more “natural” approach to treating conditions with a physical (musculoskeletal) cause. Treatment involves gentle “hands-on” techniques, which may include but are not limited to the following, joint manipulation, joint mobilization, stretching, strengthening exercises, soft tissue massage, acupuncture, therapeutic ultrasound, electric stimulation, therapeutic lasers, etc. to change a physical condition. Some may even offer advice on “natural” medicines (supplements) as an adjunct to therapy. Often times, medical doctors are accessed when you have a symptom to be treated but chiropractors offer adjustments to improve spinal alignment and overall well-being before symptoms even develop.
Myth #2 – MEDICAL DOCTORS DON’T LIKE CHIROPRACTORS
Chiropractic care has been around since 1895. There have been many studies performed indicating that chiropractic is a safe and effective form of treatment for physical ailments. Over time, medical doctors have gained a better understanding as to what chiropractic is and how it can help their patients. It is always advised to share your chiropractic experience with your medical doctor, so he or she can see how it has helped you improve. It is becoming more common to see chiropractors on staff at hospitals, particularly in the United States. There are an increasing number of joint practices where chiropractors, physiotherapists and medical doctors work out of the same office. If your health care provider has your BEST INTEREST at heart, he or she will tell you ALL the available options there are to treat your condition.
Dr. Tridico and Dr. Dumanski often will take the time out to write letters to your medical doctor, to keep he or she informed of your progress and/or to request additional medical testing, such as a MRI or CT scan, if deemed medically necessary. Communication between health care providers is absolutely paramount and is done in the best interest of the patient.
Myth #3 – ONCE YOU START GOING TO A CHIROPRACTOR, YOU NEED TO GO FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
You may keep going to the chiropractor for as long as you want. Chiropractors will deliver treatment that is necessary to relieve your pain, inflammation and muscle spasm. Chiropractors will release you from care when your condition is resolved and stable. He or she will assign you “homework”, a series of home stretches and strengthening exercises, to help maintain the long-term stability of your improvement. Maintenance visits are often recommended as a follow-up to ensure your spine is subluxation free and working at optimal level.
Routine chiropractic care is much like routine maintenance on your teeth, going to the gym and eating a healthy diet. You will see the continued benefits if you keep it up. Similar to your teeth, your spine experiences normal wear and tear as you walk, drive, sit, lift, sleep, and bend. Routine chiropractic care can help you feel better, increase your range of motion and mobility, and keeps you healthier throughout your lifetime.