Chiropractors - 5 Things You Need To Know

How safe are chiropractors? Many people have heard horror stories about these "bone cracking" specialists. Some people claim that their work can leave permanent damage to muscles and nerves, or that certain procedures can even cause strokes. But are these stories true or merely exaggerations? And what can you do to make sure that you find a skilled professional? If you're interested in this alternative treatment method, there are many options available to you that can be beneficial. Here are five tips to help you get the most out of treatment, and some myths debunked.


1. Referral

If you're interested in seeking help from chiropractors, ask your family doctor for a referral. You should have any chronic medical condition or injury assessed by them initially anyways, and often times they will be the one to recommend further treatment through alternative means. If you carry health insurance, you'll also want to check with your carrier before making an appointment to ensure they cover the procedures and the specific professional you were referred to.

2. Listen

In any medical profession, the specialist has little control over how the patient chooses to treat their body following any procedures. If a doctor warns you to quit smoking or risk the consequences, and you don't follow his advice, there is no one to blame but yourself. Likewise, many chiropractors give their patient follow up instructions, such as how to position yourself when you sleep following an adjustment or some required stretching. If you fail to listen to their orders, a complication can arise.


3. Strokes

Recently there has been rumors that chiropractic treatment can lead to a greater incidence of strokes. Statistics and research have been misleading, however, and most studies seem to conclude that there is no greater risk of a stroke following a procedure than there is immediately after partaking in any other activity. It may be that people who are pre-stroke and experiencing some ill-health may be seeking alternative treatment to alleviate pain. However, there is nothing that directly links manipulation techniques to causation.


4. Time

After most medical treatments, there are some side effects which can include tenderness or even bruising. You may feel slight discomfort or pain for the first day or two following spinal or muscle manipulation, just as you would after a new workout routine. Your body is simply not used to the movement. It may also take several sessions for you to feel noticeable results. However, most treatments should be short term. Few chiropractors will engage in long-term, ongoing treatment with a patient.


5. Comfort

Do you feel comfortable with the treatment that is being offered? You do have choices when visiting medical professionals. Don't be intimidated by jargon or pushy staff. If you don't want a treatment, or feel uncomfortable during any procedure, you can simply ask them to stop. Or if you have one session and feel it did not benefit you, don't return. It doesn't hurt to have a consultation and give it a try, but you are not obligated to commit to anything.