Chiropractic Mythbuster #8: Chiropractic doesn’t work

One of the most common myths that I hear regarding Chiropractic care is that it doesn’t work. Let’s bust this myth!

The truth is that it does work.  It works best, when applied correcting, for the appropriate conditions with a well thought out, personalized treatment plan and with adequate time for healing.

Many people are under the impression that you can visit a Chiropractor for one adjustment and that you will be fixed.  There is one famous story where just one adjustment “fixed” the problem.  In September 1895, the first Chiropractic adjustment was delivered by D.D. Palmer in Davenport, Iowa to the then deaf patient, Harvey Lillard. Days later Harvey reported that his hearing had been restored.  This is an incredible story and shows how powerful the adjustment is.

This case is very rare and this is where the myth likely originates from.   I wish that every case was as miraculous as this one, but unfortunately that is not the way the body works. Many times the injury or problem that they are struggling with occured over a period of time due to repetitive stress.  For example: sitting at a computer 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for years with poor posture.

In this example, the injury is considered chronic.  Healing can be more prolonged in these types of injuries because the body has created scar tissue in the area.   There are other factors that impact the body’s ability to heal such as: lifestyle factors, posture, and overall health of the individual.

When you visit a Chiropractor they will gather information about the nature of the injury, health status, lifestyle factors, etc.  After evaluating these factors they will come up with a treatment plan. The plan is designed to address the problem, reduce symptoms, facilitate the healing process, improve function and promote health and well being.