1. Chiropractors only treat back pain: Chiropractors are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal (MSK) issues involving the spine, extremities, headaches and more. They provide advice on nutrition, fitness, ergonomics, and rehabilitative exercises, emphasizing a whole-body approach to health.
2. You DO NOT need a referral from a medical doctor: In Canada, chiropractors are primary care providers, meaning patients can directly access them without a referral. As of January 2024, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association confirmed that physician referrals are generally not required for insurance reimbursement of chiropractic treatments.
3. Once you see a chiropractor, you must keep going back: This is false. Chiropractors tailor treatment plans based on the patient’s goals and needs. Follow-up visits depend on the condition and patient progress, and the decision to continue care is entirely up to the patient.
4. Chiropractors are not “real” doctors: Chiropractors complete rigorous training, earning a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. They are regulated in all Canadian provinces and are qualified diagnosticians, similar to physicians, dentists, and optometrists.
5. There’s no evidence supporting chiropractic care: Extensive research demonstrates the effectiveness of spinal and joint manipulations for acute and chronic MSK conditions. Leading guidelines, such as those from the Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative, recommend spinal manipulative therapy as a first-line treatment for back pain.
6. Adjustments are painful: Adjustments are generally painless, with many patients experiencing immediate relief. The cracking sound associated with adjustments is harmless, caused by gas release in the joint fluid. At our Centre we use instrument-based adjustment technology rather than manual manipulation.
