Common Chiropractic Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

Chiropractic care has been around for over a century, yet it remains surrounded by myths, misconceptions, and outright misinformation that prevent many people from experiencing its benefits.

From fears about safety to misunderstandings about what chiropractors actually do, these persistent myths can keep people suffering from pain and dysfunction when effective, natural treatment is readily available. At Hansen Chiropractic in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. David Hansen regularly encounters patients whose preconceptions about chiropractic care don't match reality.

After 15 years of practice helping thousands of patients, we've heard just about every myth imaginable—and we're here to set the record straight with evidence-based facts about what chiropractic care really is, what it can genuinely accomplish, and what its actual limitations are.

Common myths we'll debunk:

- "Chiropractic adjustments are dangerous"
- "Once you start, you have to go forever"
- "Chiropractors aren't real doctors"
- "Chiropractic is just for back pain"
- "The popping sound means bones are grinding"
- "Adjustments are painful"
- "Chiropractic has no scientific support"

Understanding the truth about these common misconceptions can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare and potentially discover a safe, effective treatment approach you may have previously avoided based on inaccurate information.

Myth #1: "Chiropractic Adjustments Are Dangerous"

The Truth: Chiropractic adjustments are remarkably safe when performed by licensed professionals.

This is perhaps the most persistent and damaging myth about chiropractic care. While no medical intervention is completely without risk, serious complications from chiropractic adjustments are extraordinarily rare. Large-scale research has found that serious adverse events occur in fewer than 1 in 1 million cervical spine adjustments and fewer than 1 in 100 million lumbar spine adjustments.

To put this in perspective, common alternatives carry far greater risks. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen cause an estimated 16,500 deaths annually in the United States from gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiovascular complications. Prescription opioids contributed to over 80,000 overdose deaths in 2021. Spinal surgery carries risks of infection, nerve damage, blood clots, and failed back surgery syndrome.

What about that stroke risk everyone talks about? Cervical manipulation and stroke has been studied extensively. While there is an extremely small association, research suggests this relationship isn't causation—people experiencing vertebral artery dissection often have neck pain and see chiropractors for relief, not that chiropractic caused the dissection. The absolute risk remains incredibly small, and chiropractors are trained to screen for contraindications before adjusting.

Minor side effects like temporary soreness are relatively common but typically resolve within 24 hours. This is similar to the muscle soreness after a new workout—your body adjusting to positive changes.

Myth #2: "Once You Start Chiropractic Care, You Have to Go Forever"

The Truth: You choose your own care plan based on your goals.

This myth probably stems from the fact that many chiropractic patients choose to continue care long-term—but this is by choice, not necessity. Think of it like going to the gym: you don't "have to" continue working out after you lose those first 10 pounds, but many people choose to because they feel better and want to maintain their results.

Different care phases:
- Acute/relief care: Focuses on relieving immediate pain and symptoms (usually 2-4 weeks)
- Corrective/rehabilitation care: Addresses underlying dysfunction and strengthens supporting structures (typically 4-12 weeks)
- Wellness/maintenance care: Optional ongoing care to maintain optimal function and prevent future problems

Once you've achieved your initial treatment goals, you decide what happens next. Some patients discontinue care entirely. Others return only when problems arise. Many choose periodic maintenance adjustments (monthly or quarterly) because they feel better, perform better, and avoid the pain episodes that previously disrupted their lives.

At Hansen Chiropractic, we're transparent about care plans. We'll recommend what we believe will provide the best outcomes, but you're always in control of your healthcare decisions. We're here to support your goals, whatever they may be.

Myth #3: "Chiropractors Aren't Real Doctors"

The Truth: Chiropractors are doctors with extensive education and clinical training.

Chiropractors hold Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degrees earned through rigorous post-graduate education. The educational pathway includes:
- 4 years of undergraduate pre-medical education
- 4-5 years of chiropractic college (over 4,200 classroom hours)
- Comprehensive study of anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, radiology, and clinical sciences
- Extensive clinical internships treating real patients under supervision
- Passing multiple levels of National Board examinations
- State licensing requirements

In fact, chiropractors receive more hours of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics training than many medical physicians. What chiropractors don't do is prescribe medications or perform surgery—these aren't limitations, but rather reflections of the chiropractic philosophy of natural, drug-free, conservative care.

Chiropractors are portal-of-entry providers, meaning you can see one without a referral from another doctor. In many states, including Arizona, chiropractors can order diagnostic imaging, perform DOT physicals, and are recognized as primary spine care providers.

‍Myth #4: "Chiropractic Is Only for Back Pain"

The Truth: Chiropractic addresses many conditions beyond back pain.

While chiropractors are indeed experts in treating back pain (and research consistently shows chiropractic is one of the most effective treatments for both acute and chronic back pain), the scope of chiropractic care extends far beyond.

Conditions commonly treated with chiropractic care:

- Neck pain and cervical dysfunction
- Headaches and migraines
- Sciatica and radiating leg pain
- Shoulder pain and restricted mobility
- Hip pain and restricted motion
- Knee pain and dysfunction
- Ankle and foot problems
- TMJ (jaw) dysfunction
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
- Sports injuries across all types
- Posture-related problems
- Work-related repetitive stress injuries

Additionally, because the nervous system controls all body functions, many patients report improvements in non-musculoskeletal conditions like improved digestion, better sleep, enhanced immune function, and reduced allergy symptoms. While these aren't the primary focus of chiropractic care, they reflect the interconnected nature of nervous system function and overall health.

Myth #5: "The Popping Sound Means Bones Are Grinding or Breaking"

The Truth: The sound is simply gas bubbles forming in the joint—completely harmless.

This myth causes unnecessary anxiety for many first-time chiropractic patients. The popping or cracking sound (called cavitation) occurs when the pressure in a joint changes rapidly during an adjustment, causing dissolved gases in the synovial fluid to form bubbles. It's similar to opening a carbonated beverage or cracking your knuckles.

The sound:
- Is NOT bones grinding against each other
- Is NOT anything breaking
- Is NOT required for a successful adjustment
- Has NO therapeutic value itself (it's just a byproduct)
- Indicates a change in joint pressure, not treatment success

Some very effective adjustments produce no sound at all, while others create noticeable cavitation. Either way is fine—what matters is restoring proper joint function and reducing nerve interference, not the acoustic effects.

Myth #6: "Chiropractic Adjustments Are Painful"

The Truth: Most patients find adjustments comfortable and even relieving.

This myth probably persists because the mental image of someone "cracking" your spine sounds painful. In reality, most patients report that adjustments feel good—often providing immediate relief from discomfort and tension.

What patients typically feel during adjustments:

- Pressure at the contact point
- A sense of movement or release
- Immediate relief of muscle tension
- Increased range of motion
- Reduced pain

Some temporary soreness can occur after adjustments, similar to post-workout muscle soreness. This is typically mild and resolves within 24 hours. It's a normal response to joints moving through ranges they haven't accessed recently and muscles releasing longstanding tension patterns.

For patients with acute pain or injuries, chiropractors can use gentler techniques like Activator Method (instrument-assisted adjusting), drop-table techniques, or flexion-distraction that provide effective treatment with minimal force and no discomfort.

At Hansen Chiropractic, patient comfort is a top priority. If anything ever feels uncomfortable, simply let Dr. Hansen know and he can adjust his approach.

Myth #7: "Chiropractic Has No Scientific Support"

The Truth: Hundreds of research studies support chiropractic effectiveness.

Far from being unsupported by science, chiropractic care has been extensively studied and validated for numerous conditions. Major healthcare organizations and government agencies worldwide recommend spinal manipulation as a first-line treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions.

Notable research findings:

- The American College of Physicians guidelines recommend spinal manipulation for acute and chronic low back pain
- Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses show chiropractic effectiveness for neck pain
- Research demonstrates chiropractic care reduces headache frequency and intensity
- Studies show chiropractic patients use fewer opioid pain medications
- Healthcare utilization studies find lower overall costs for chiropractic patients
- Patient satisfaction surveys consistently rate chiropractic care very highly

Additionally, numerous studies have examined the safety of chiropractic care, consistently finding it to be one of the safest treatment approaches for musculoskeletal conditions.

Myth #8: "Chiropractors Just Want to Sell You Unnecessary X-Rays and Treatments"

The Truth: Responsible chiropractors use diagnostic imaging only when clinically indicated.

While some practitioners may overutilize diagnostic imaging, ethical chiropractors follow evidence-based guidelines about when X-rays and other imaging are truly necessary. At Hansen Chiropractic, we order imaging only when:
- Trauma history suggests possible fracture or serious injury
- Red flags indicate potentially serious underlying conditions
- Patients aren't responding to treatment as expected
- Specific conditions require visualization for safe, effective treatment
- Structural abnormalities need to be ruled out

Similarly, treatment recommendations are based on clinical findings, evidence-based best practices, and your individual goals—not on meeting arbitrary visit quotas or maximizing revenue.

Patients should feel comfortable asking questions about why specific diagnostic tests or treatments are recommended. Transparent communication about the rationale behind recommendations is a hallmark of ethical practice.

Myth #9: "You Can Adjust Yourself by Cracking Your Own Back"

The Truth: Self-manipulation lacks the specificity and safety of professional adjustments.

Many people who feel stiff or restricted will twist their spine until they hear popping sounds, thinking they're giving themselves an adjustment. While this might provide temporary relief, it's not the same as a professional chiropractic adjustment and can actually be harmful.

Why self-manipulation doesn't work the same:

- You typically mobilize areas that are already hypermobile (too mobile) rather than the restricted segments
- You lack the specific force vectors and contact points that chiropractors use
- Repeated self-manipulation can create joint instability
- You can't assess underlying problems or contraindications
- You're treating symptoms rather than addressing causes

Professional adjustments target specific vertebrae in specific directions with controlled force—this precision is what creates therapeutic effects beyond the temporary relief of self-manipulation.

If you feel the need to constantly "crack" your own back or neck, that's actually a sign you should see a chiropractor. The underlying restriction or instability can be properly addressed, eliminating the urge to self-manipulate.

Myth #10: "Chiropractic Is Just a Placebo Effect"

The Truth: Research using objective measures demonstrates real physiological changes.

Placebo effects can certainly contribute to any healthcare intervention—including both conventional and alternative treatments. However, chiropractic care produces measurable, objective changes that can't be explained by placebo alone:

Objective measurements showing chiropractic effects:

- Increased range of motion (measured with inclinometers and goniometers)
- Reduced muscle tension (measured with surface EMG)
- Changes in nervous system activity (measured with various neurological tests)
- Altered brain activity patterns (shown in functional MRI studies)
- Mechanical changes in spinal alignment (visible on before/after imaging)
- Changes in inflammatory markers (measured through blood tests)

Additionally, chiropractic care works effectively on infants, children, and even animals—populations where placebo effects are minimal or nonexistent.

Separating Fact from Fiction: How to Evaluate Healthcare Claims

Given the amount of misinformation about chiropractic (and healthcare in general), here are some tips for evaluating claims:

Consider the source:

- Is information from reputable, peer-reviewed research?
- Who benefits from you believing this claim?
- Are personal anecdotes being presented as universal truths?

Look at the evidence:

- What do systematic reviews and meta-analyses say?
- Have claims been tested in rigorous studies?
- Do professional organizations with expertise in the area support the claim?

Be skeptical of extremes:

- Claims that something is "perfectly safe" or "completely dangerous" are usually oversimplifications
- Be wary of both overly enthusiastic promotion and blanket dismissals

Trust your experience:

- Individual responses vary—what works for others might not work for you, and vice versa
- Give treatments a fair trial but also listen to your body

Conclusion

Chiropractic care is a scientifically-supported, remarkably safe, and often highly effective treatment for numerous musculoskeletal conditions and overall health optimization.

While myths and misconceptions persist, the facts tell a different story: chiropractic is practiced by extensively-trained doctors, produces measurable physiological changes, is supported by substantial research, and helps millions of people live healthier, more comfortable, active lives.

Don't let outdated myths prevent you from experiencing the benefits of chiropractic care. If you're in the Phoenix area and curious about whether chiropractic might help with your specific health concerns, contact Hansen Chiropractic today for a consultation. We'll answer your questions honestly, address your concerns, and help you make an informed decision about whether chiropractic care is right for you.