Chiropractic care has come a long way in the medical industry but there’s still some work to do when it comes to busting common misconceptions about chiropractic care. Below we answer four of the most common myths about chiropractors.
Are Chiropractors Doctors?
A common, yet unfortunate question is, “are chiropractors doctors?” The short answer is yes. Most states and federal Medicare programs recognize doctors of chiropractic (DC) as physician-level providers, which means that they are primary-care portal-of-entry doctors just like medical doctors (MD) and osteopaths (DO). Additionally, chiropractors are listed as doctors in federal health delivery systems such as Medicaid, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, Federal Workers’ Compensation, and all state workers’ compensation programs.
While chiropractic care is sometimes considered an “alternative medicine”, chiropractors must study and learn about every nerve, muscle, organ and bone in the human body as well as all the associated physiological functions and disease diagnosis’. They are trained to be leading experts on the musculoskeletal system with strong emphasis on the spine which connects and communicates with everything in the human body. This is what makes chiropractors such great doctors in healing body pain and creating overall wellness. Because chiropractic physicians know so much about your nervous system, spine, joints, muscles, and bones, they know how to find the underlying core issues and treat them effectively and efficiently. Additionally, chiropractors go through the same amount of medical schooling as any other licensed doctor which we will detail below.
Do Chiropractors have Education Requirements?
Chiropractors have to receive a Doctor of Chiropractic medical degree from a nationally recognized and accredited school or university. When comparing the two degrees – Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) vs. Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) – the education track is very similar, and actually, chiropractors spend more hours of study in anatomy and physiology than medical doctors do. Both complete about 8 years of school starting with a 4 year undergraduate degree, usually in a pre-med major. Afterwich, they continue on for a 4 year graduate degree, which for a chiropractor will include a total of 4,200-4,400 instructional classroom hours in core course credits as well a 2 year internship with hands on clinical treatment of patients.
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
It’s a common belief that chiropractors can only help back or neck pain. Chiropractors are trained to understand the anatomy and physiology of the entire body. This is important, just because you’re having pain in a particular area, it doesn’t mean that is where the primary cause of the pain is coming from. For example, you may think you have neck pain but the pain may actually be stemming from an issue in your shoulder or vice versa. Or if you’re having arm or leg pain, it could be coming from your back or neck. Chiropractors can treat and relieve pain from any body part – back, neck, legs, arms, knees, wrists, head, jaw, feet and hands. Additionally, using modern technology, many chiropractors are enhancing their treatment techniques to include cold laser therapy and disc decompression to name but a few.
Does Chiropractic Care Work?
Does dieting and exercise help you lose weight? Yes, if it’s done correctly and regularly. The same is true for chiropractic care. Regular treatments and chiropractic adjustments are necessary to ensure wellness and relieve pain, but the term ‘regular’ depends on your situation. Depending on your diagnosis or health situation, you may need adjustments 2 times per week or 2 times per month. The great news here is that even if you fall off your recommended treatment plan, your chiropractor will be ready and waiting with open hands when you want to come back!
Don’t believe the myths or misconceptions! Chiropractors are doctors who truly want to help you achieve optimal health and wellness. If you’re living in acute or chronic pain, give you local chiropractor a call to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Phil Altieri has been treating patients in Ocean County and Toms River for over 20 years. His patients go to him for everything from chronic pain, to sports injuries to whole family wellness care. To learn more about how Dr. Altieri can help you, give us a call (732) 270-4800.
