Myth # 1 Chiropractors are not doctors

Fact:  Chiropractors have the same level of education as medical doctors and are licensed as primary health care providers.  The difference between chiropractors and medical doctors is their underlying approach to the human body.  Medical doctors rely primarily on prescription drugs and surgery to treat pathology, while chiropractors focus on correcting the internal conditions which keep the body from healing itself.  Because of this, chiropractic is highly effective in treating a wide range of conditions without resorting prescription drugs or surgery.

Myth #2 Chiropractic adjustments are dangerous

Fact:  Chiropractic is extremely safe.  You are far more likely to suffer an adverse reaction to taking an aspirin than you are from having a chiropractic adjustment.  Most people don’t realize that there are more than 100,000 adverse reactions each year from taking a simple aspirin, while there are fewer than 100 adverse reactions to chiropractic adjustments.  When you consider that there are over three million people being adjusted in one year, the risk from being adjusted is vanishingly small.  Chiropractic is the safest form of healthcare available today.

Myth #3 Once you start chiropractic you must continue forever

Fact:  Westalake Chriopractic is not a high-pressure, high-volume practice, and we will not try to sell you a treatment plan that you don't need.  We can treat acute pain and leave it with that.  However it is important to consider that regular health care is important for prevention, and prevention is a primary focus of chiropractic.   Many of our patients find that they feel and operate so much better when they are adjusted regularly that they set up a maintenance plan.  Studies have shown that chiropractic patients are healthier and use fewer drugs than non-chiropractic patients, and that it is more economical to see a chiropractor regularly than to not do so.  

Myth #4 Medical doctors don’t like chiropractors

Fact:  As a pharmacist and a chiropractor Dr. Sheffield is trusted by and referred to by medical doctors, and she refers to medical doctors.  Chiropractors are on staff at many major hospitals, the military, working at insurance companies and working side by side with medical doctors in private clinics.

Myth #5 People can adjust themselves by “cracking” their neck or back

Fact:  Chiropractic is a precise discipline, and chiropractors don't adjust themselves, but see other chiropractors for adjustments.  Some people may be able to pop their back or neck, but this pop is not an adjustment.  In fact, over time, popping your neck or back can lead to other problems, such as a hypermobile joint.  It's best to leave the care of your neck and spine to a professional chiropractor.

Myth #6 Spinal adjustments hurt

Fact:  Dr. Sheffield practices a gentle and specific form of upper-cervical chiropractic and many patients feel instant relief immediately after their treatments.  For obvious reasons, patients suffering from severe neck or back pain may experience some discomfort, but for most patients this in not the case.  Most patients look forward to their chiropractic treatments.