What does a chiropractor do? Common misconceptions in a row

If you ask someone on the street what exactly a chiropractor does, many do not know how to answer this (properly). In fact, a large group of people do not even know of the existence of a chiropractor. Or only know the term “bone crusher,” and have never visited a chiropractor. Unfortunately, there are still many negative preconceptions about chiropractic. With this blog, we try to dispel those, and give you a better understanding of what a chiropractor does. We think this is important, because we have already helped many people with chiropractic care.

The chiropractor: getting rid of your pain naturally

A chiropractor primarily helps with pain and symptoms by treating your spine and joints. Special techniques are used to improve the functioning of your nervous system, promote the healing process, and reduce muscle tension. You soon feel better; the pain subsides and you can move more easily again. In addition, a chiropractor gives advice on posture and exercises to improve your health naturally, without drugs or surgery.

Misconceptions about chiropractors

Some people have ideas and beliefs about chiropractors that are wrong. Misconceptions about what a chiropractor does and how chiropractic works create confusion and unwarranted mistrust. In this paragraph, we debunk some common misconceptions about chiropractors so you can have a clearer and more honest picture.

Misconception 1: Chiropractors are not medical professionals
Did you know that chiropractors must complete a full-time 5-year university education before they can call themselves chiropractors? This is a challenging medical education, where students learn all about health and the human body, with a focus on the spine, nervous system and joints. There is no chiropractor training in the Netherlands (yet); most chiropractors study in Britain. After their studies, they must first gain practical experience of one year, usually in the country where they want to work. In the Netherlands, chiropractic is accepted as alternative health care.

Misconception 2: Chiropractic is only for back and neck pain
Most people know how to find a chiropractor for back and neck pain. It is just less known that chiropractic care is also a good treatment method for various other complaints such as headaches, RSI, migraines, intestinal problems, pelvic instability, tinnitus, autoimmune diseases and sports injuries. In doing so, the focus is not only on fixing or relieving the pain symptoms, but also looking at the cause. A chiropractor looks at the big picture, and also gives advice on exercise, nutrition and posture.

Misconception 3: Chiropractic treatments are dangerous
There is a misconception that chiropractic treatments are dangerous, especially for the neck. Rest assured, chiropractic is a safe treatment method when performed by a qualified professional. Always check that your chiropractor has the proper training and is affiliated with a trade association such as the DCF or NCA.

Misconception 4: A chiropractor ‘cracks’ bones
A chiropractor rebalances the spine and joints. That correction is sometimes accompanied by a “cracking” sound. It is often thought that a chiropractor cracks bones, but that is not possible at all. The sound you hear is gas/air moving between the joints. This is due to the controlled pressure used in chiropractic adjustments. This can do no harm and has nothing to do with your bones.

Misconception 5: Chiropractic treatments are very painful
Does a chiropractor evoke in you an image of someone who makes people scream in pain? On the contrary, most clients actually feel relief during/after a treatment. Sometimes treatments can be a bit sensitive, such as with a pinched nerve or sore muscles.

Misconception 6: Chiropractors only treat adults
Chiropractic care is for the whole family, from newborn babies and children to pregnant women and seniors. You more often see adults at a chiropractor, because it is not yet as well known that (small) children and teenagers also benefit greatly from chiropractic care. Especially in the growth phase chiropractic can make a big difference, which helps prevent complaints later in life. 

Misconception 7: Chiropractic is the same as physical therapy
There are several professionals who work to improve movement, pain relief and recovery from physical complaints through manual techniques and therapies. Thus, chiropractic and physical therapy have overlap, yet are very different. It is better to think of them as complementing each other. Chiropractic focuses primarily on the spine and joints, while physical therapy has a broader focus on rehabilitation of muscles and movement patterns.

Misconception 8: If you’re not in pain, you don’t need to see a chiropractor
Many people think they only need to visit a chiropractor if they are in pain. This is unfortunate, because prevention is obviously better than cure. Think of chiropractic as a health check for your body, just like you routinely go to a dentist. A chiropractor helps keep your body (and mind) healthy, a big part of it being prevention.

Misconception 9: You can ‘crack your back’ yourself
You sometimes see people “cracking” their backs or necks themselves, such as when they stretch or turn their backs. This can’t do any harm, as long as it doesn’t become a (daily) habit. If you do this often, in the long run it can even cause wear and tear, instability and damage to the tendons and ligaments.

Behandeling bekkeninstabiliteit Haarlem

Alternative care

In the Netherlands, chiropractic falls under alternative care, this means that chiropractors fall outside of regular health care (including physical therapy and surgery). Why? This is mainly because of these three reasons:

  • Scientific evidence
    Although more and more scientific research shows that chiropractic is effective, especially for back and neck pain, it is not yet as widely supported by medical guidelines as other, more common treatments.
  • Training and supervision
    In the Netherlands, chiropractor training is not affiliated with a university and there is no legal BIG registration (Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg) as with doctors or physiotherapists. Chiropractors are supervised by professional associations; they are not part of the official medical professions.
  • Reimbursement by health insurance companies
    Chiropractic treatments are unfortunately not covered by basic insurance, but they are covered by supplementary insurance. You will receive a fair amount back from your insurer per treatment; often linked to a maximum number of treatments per year.

Healthier with chiropractic care

Don’t be put off by misinformation; chiropractors ziin well-trained experts who help alleviate many different complaints with their knowledge. They help prevent future problems and improve your overall health. Are you still in doubt or not sure if you can come to us with your complaint? The expert team at Avant Garde Chiropractic in Haarlem is ready to help you! Contact us for an initial consultation or more information. Make an appointment, you do not need a referral from the doctor.

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