Addiction to Chiropractic Treatment: Myth or Reality
Can one become addicted to chiropractic care? The answer to that depends on the connotation of the word addiction. If implying a negative relationship between chiropractic treatment and lifestyle, then no chiropractic therapy should not result in an unhealthy habit that encompasses all of a person’s thinking and functioning. However, if addiction implies the continued use of treatment to sustain a healthy and functional life, then yes, chiropractic therapy is addictive. Unfortunately, when people make this association, they often imply that chiropractic treatments eventually lead to harmful and unnecessary behaviors, and several assumptions are wrong with that viewpoint.
1. Chiropractors Sign Patients Up for Unnecessary Treatment
It is true that chiropractic treatment often includes the need for several return visits. However, the idea that a doctor of chiropractic would intentionally sign up patients for procedures or therapies they don’t need is absurd. These certified and licensed professionals have undergone years of dedicated schooling and practice to be able to help people, not dupe them. Obviously, as with any other medical professional, a chiropractor would like to see patients routinely to ensure they remain healthy and happy, but they will not recommend therapy that is unnecessary.
2. Chiropractic is Harmful or Dangerous
Many people wrongly assume that because spinal manipulations cause popping and cracking sounds that damage is being done to the spinal column. In fact, many inaccurately state that chiropractic treatment will cause arthritis. Nothing could be further from the truth. Manipulations are actually designed to restore mobility and relieve irritation, which means that chiropractic can prevent or alleviate most symptoms of arthritis. The popping sound you hear has nothing to do with arthritic damage; it is actually the release of air pockets inside the joint.
3. Chiropractic is an Illegitimate Practice
Despite the numerous reports and proven studies, there are still some who believe that chiropractic is illegitimate. Unfortunately, this leads to many people who need chiropractic care never getting treatment. Chiropractic therapy has been around for centuries, and it is a recognized therapy for several chronic conditions. Therefore, do not listen to those who push gossip without evidence. Look to the World Health Organization and other medical and health organizations. Chiropractic treatment is recognized for its treatment capabilities.
Chiropractic addiction is real if it is defined as the healthy and repetitive use of therapy to live your best physical life. If you are suffering from chronic back, neck or joint pain, then reach out to a local chiropractor like the ones at the office of the chiropractors in Dundalk, MD, to discuss assessment and treatment.
Thank you to the experts at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic for their insight into chiropractic care.
