Chiropractic Myths Debunked: Chiro 101

You’re excited about chiropractic care. Maybe it’s reduced your pain, improved your posture, or boosted your energy. But when you tell a friend or family member, they give you that look – the one that says that they don’t believe in pain relief that doesn’t come from drugs or surgery.   Skepticism about chiropractic care is far less common these days; most people recognize its value and the role it can play in helping people find relief from pain. But there are still many who consider conservative and holistic care as less effective than traditional or more invasive approaches. The good news? Armed with a few facts (and your own story of relief) you can help people see chiropractic in a new light.

Here are some of the most common myths our doctors have heard, and the truth about each one.

1. “I can just crack my own back.”

• Reality check: While it may feel good to get that crack from your foam roller or chirp wheel, it is not the same as a chiropractic adjustment and can’t deliver the same results.
• Chiropractors use a precise force, in a specific direction, applied to a specific joint (learn more about what an adjustment is and what happens during an adjustment here.)
• Self-cracking may create a noise, but it’s not correcting alignment—and it can actually make instability worse.

Bottom line: You can’t safely or effectively adjust yourself.

2. “Chiropractic care is too expensive.”

• Most health insurance plans generally include chiropractic benefits.
• Many chiropractic offices (including Chiro One Wellness Centers) work with patients to design affordable care plans.
• Compared to the long-term costs of surgery or chronic medication, chiropractic is often the more cost-effective choice.

Pro tip: Always check your insurance benefits—you may already be covered.

3. “Once you start, you have to keep going forever.”

Here’s the truth: chiropractic care is a journey, not a sentence.

Stages of Care:

Stage	Purpose	Example Benefits
Therapeutic	Reduce pain and inflammation	Relief from headaches, back pain, stiffness
Corrective	Address postural or structural issues	Scoliosis, forward head posture, spinal imbalances
Wellness	Maintain progress and prevent relapse	Better mobility, fewer injuries, long-term spinal health

Like exercise or healthy eating, people continue because they want to—they feel better when they do. 

4. “Chiropractors aren’t real doctors.”

This is one of the biggest misconceptions. Let’s compare:

Training Area	Chiropractic (DC)	Medical (MD)
Classroom Hours	~4,200+	~3,800
Focus Areas	Anatomy, neurology, rehab, nutrition, spinal biomechanics	Pharmacology, surgery, pathology, general medicine
Licensing	National board exams + state requirements	National board exams + state requirements

Chiropractors complete hundreds more classroom hours in anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation than many of their MD counterparts.

5. “Adjustments are dangerous.”

• Chiropractic care has an excellent safety record.
• Most patients feel relief right away, though mild soreness (similar to post-workout aches) can happen.
• In comparison, common pain treatments—like NSAIDs or prescription opioids—may carry far higher risks, ranging from ulcers to dependency.

Fact: Chiropractic is a safe, drug-free, non-invasive therapy.

6. “I don’t see how chiropractic could help with anything other than back pain.”

Chiropractic is about more than pain relief.

• Adjustments improve nervous system communication by removing misalignments (subluxations).
• Since the nervous system controls every function in the body, improved communication means better healing, regulation, and performance.

Chiropractic may help with:

• Headaches and migraines
• Posture and spinal alignment
• Joint mobility
• Stress reduction
• Improved athletic performance 

The Truth Behind the Myths

There’s a reason so many people choose chiropractic care – and why chiropractic care is recommended by the Joint Commission. Chiropractic care is:

• Safe
• Evidence-based
• Cost-effective
• About whole-body wellness—not just back pain

Chiropractic care serves patients of all ages. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, living with a chronic condition, or hoping to have a more comfortable pregnancy, your care can be tailored to your unique needs. And while we could write for days about the benefits of chiropractic care and who it serves, the best way to debunk the myths about chiropractic care is to find out for yourself.