Common Chiropractic Myths & What’s Really True
Have you ever heard things about Chiropractors that made you think twice about seeing one? There are some myths out there that cause caution to people that considered visiting a chiropractor that now are missing out on the health benefits. Some people think chiropractors just simply aren’t real doctors and that chiropractic care is dangerous. Others think that they can it themselves or that the treatment wouldn’t do any good for their health problems. Here’s a closer look at the common chiropractor myths and then a fact check to make sure you know why these things simply aren’t true.
It’s too expensive to see a chiropractor
One of the common myths of Chiropractors is that people think a chiropractic visit to too expensive and not affordable unless you’re an athlete. They think that it’s not care available to just anyone even though most insurance plans actually cover chiropractic in their coverage. In reality, chiropractors are meant to be for everyone because they offer so many health benefits that everyone needs, not just athletes.
You can’t stop going once you start
Another myth is that once you start getting care you can’t ever stop going. In truth, chiropractic care is an individualized treatment plan and everyone will need different levels of care. Depending on your health and care needs, you may need weekly treatment or temporary treatment until something is corrected.
Chiropractic care is typically used for pain relief, correcting an abnormality, or for wellness and general maintenance. It’s great to go regularly to prevent injury and keep your health in check, but if you are visiting after a car accident or from an issue like scoliosis, you may only need to go until that issue is resolved with minor follow-up in the future. In most cases, people go back because of the health benefits and the results they get, not because they have to.
It’s unnecessary
Other people think that it’s not necessary to seek chiropractic care because they can crack their own back or that a chiropractor is never going to fix their body’s issues. Chiropractic care puts on a force applied specifically to get results safely and is not something you should try to do yourself. In addition, chiropractors work on more than just back pain; they can also help with spine misalignment and nervous system function, the areas that affect the body the most.
They aren’t real doctors
If you don’t trust chiropractors because you don’t think they are real doctors, take a look at the educational requirements involved in becoming one. Chiropractors actually require around 400 hours more of classroom work than regular physicians, taking a closer look at things like anatomy, nutrition, and physiology.
It’s actually dangerous
Lastly, if you fear going to the chiropractor because you think the adjustments are dangerous, realize that chiropractic care is actually the safer therapy option compared to a prescription or surgery. It’s a gentle therapy that requires no drugs or intrusive treatments, but rather uses adjustments and exercise to relieve pain and optimize body function. There is a much higher risk to anti-inflammatory drugs and prescription medicines.
You’ve probably heard these myths or worried about them yourself. Don’t allow these common chiropractic myths worry you from seeking the health benefits of chiropractic treatment. These are the truths behind these common myths.
Top 4 Stretches for Back Pain Between Chiropractic Visits
When you go to the chiropractor for an adjustment, you’ll often be instructed to do some stretches or exercises related to the issue you went in for in-between visits. Whether you have an injury you are trying to heal or your spine becomes misaligned from daily activity, it’s important to see the chiropractor for adjustments and a closer look at how your body is functioning.
Since everything in the body is connected, having one thing off will affect everything else. Take a look at these four stretches you can do for back pain between chiropractic visits to help heal and relieve discomfort until your next appointment.
Lying knee to chest with twist
One easy way to stretch the body for back pain relief is to lay with your knee to your chest. Start by lying on your back and bring one leg from a straight out position towards your chest while the other remains straight out. Hold it there and then slowly bring the knee over your body to the other side where you’ll rest it on the floor. This can be extra effective if you form a T shape with your arms straight out.
This is great for working the chest, shoulders, piriformis muscles, and paraspinal muscles. Your abs will also benefit from the twisting because it awakens the digestive process and strengthens your core.
Hamstring stretch
Try the hamstring stretch if you want to benefit the hamstrings, lower back, and upper back. You can do this standing or sitting depending how flexible you are. Simply stretch your legs to a straight position with a slight bend to protect your knees and tendons. Bend over the legs keeping the back straight reaching towards the toes without harming the back’s strength in order to do so.
Make this extra effective by doing it in a standing position so that the blood flow to the head can improve circulation.
Child’s pose
You may have seen this pose done in yoga. The child’s pose or resting pose is a great one for simple stress relief and relaxation. It’ll be conducive to your entire back, your hips, and your shoulders.
Get on the floor for this one with a yoga mat and start with your knees on the floor either together or spread apart underneath you. Fold over the legs and stretch your arms in front of you. You’ll want to reach your hands forward as your tailbone is stretching backwards to open the hips and lengthen the spine.
Piriformis seated stretch
Lastly, do the Piriformis seated stretch to help with your pirifromis muscle, lower back, and thighs. It’s a great way to improve your posture too. You’ll simple start with a seated position and cross your leg over the other while the lower one continues to lie down. Keep the lower one tucked under the opposite hip while your top leg keeps your knee pointed upwards and the foot placed next to the thigh. Your arm will go around the top leg pulling inward to stretch your top leg, all while sitting straight up.
You can maintain your adjustments and seek pain relief for your back between appointments by using these four stretches regularly.
Getting your Body Ready for Flu Season
One of the reasons everybody dreads the winter season is that it typically means that flu season is upon us. You might be seeing ads suggesting you to get your flu shot and that is because we are at the right time of year where the flu is on everyone’s mind. It can ruin holidays, keep you from work, and cause you to be homebound missing important events or obligations.
The good news is that you can get your body ready for flu season now in order to increase your chances of avoiding the flu this season. By prepping your boy, your immune system will have a fighting chance to avoid the flu. Check out these tricks for getting yourself ready for flu season.
Increase your fluids
Treat your body as if it’s already sick in order to start giving it what it would need if it were sick. That means it’s time to drink plenty of fluids and make this a priority once and for all. It’s a tough time to remember to drink your fluids when the weather is chilly rather than a constant remind in the hot summer sun, but it’s all the more important. The winter is a time of dry air and people tend to forget to hydrate.
Your body’s immune system and mucous membranes will thank you when you remember to hydrate, especially to optimize your mouth, nose, and ears’ mucous membranes. Throw in herbal teas and avoid fruit juices when you need a break from water.
Watch the sugar
Speaking of avoiding sugary drinks, you’ll also want to avoid simple sugars like white flour. Sweets are so common during the winter months and it’s easy for them to suppress your immune system which increases your chances of catching the flu.
Increase certain spices
By adding some spices and veggies into your week, you can help your immune system too. Choose herbs like oregano and turmeric for their antimicrobial properties, as well as ginger, onion, and garlic to add to your dishes, soups, and sauces.
Exercise
Just like any time of year, exercise is a great way to keep your body strong, but it’s extra important if you want to boost your immune system. The physical movement will increase your blood’s circulation and oxygen, as well as eliminate metabolic wastes. Just add 30 minutes of exercise a day and you’ll help your body prep for flu season.
Prep the home
Lastly, find ways to fight off the cold around your house. Start washing your hands more and doing a daily nasal saline flush to keep your mucous membranes moist. Watch the heat in your home since that could dry out those mucous membranes. Keep your fridge stocked with vegetables high in vitamins A and C, and prep some delicious soups and dishes that you can reheat when you want to boost your immune system.
You can get your body ready for flu season and significantly increase your chances of avoiding catching the flu, even without a flu shot. Be sure to talk to us about getting regular adjustments this season as it will help your body perform at its optimal capacity, keeping your immune system and all functions in check.