Debunking Chiropractic Myths

What to Really Expect During Your First Visit

By Dr. Tim Fargo, Chiropractor

Chiropractic has been around for over 125 years.  During that time, there have been numerous myths and misconceptions that have circulated about the profession.  Some of those myths are  the result of misunderstanding and a lack of public education on what we do.  Other myths have been promulgated and kept afloat by people and institutions who would just as soon see us disappear.  Think about the fact that we are the largest, best organized, and most vocal drug-free healing art in America.  We have, as a result, made powerful enemies among  pharmaceutical and medical interests.  At this point, it doesn’t really matter where these ideas come from; all that matters is an enumeration of the truth of the matter.  

1. The first such myth is that chiropractors are not “real doctors”.  Not sure where that came from except perhaps the folks that consider that they are the only real doctors.  The fact is that we receive approximately 4000 hours of post-graduate education which, in the first two years, is virtually identical in subject matter to medical school. We are required to pass 4 national licensing exams.  We, additionally, must pass exams in each individual state in which we practice.  We are recognized by the federal government and are part of both Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs.  Not sure what more you’d want?  No, we do not prescribe drugs or do surgery, but neither do physical therapists or optometrists, and they are nonetheless considered doctors.  We are just a different kind of doctor, using different tools with different ends.
2. That chiropractic costs a lot of money is another myth.  The fact is that most things in life that have value cost money. If you compare the cost of chiropractic care for the treatment of a particular condition, to the cost of treating the condition in an orthopedic or emergency room setting, chiropractic care is significantly cheaper, not to mention if a person requires hospitalization or surgery. Another perspective on this is that when we talk about the cost of something, we must also compare that cost to the value of what one receives. If I said to you that at the end of some time period (weeks or months) you would regain the ability to do your life activities at a higher level, resist injury, recover more quickly, have more energy, and set a positive trajectory for the rest of your life, then I think you might consider that to be of great value and wouldn’t mind spending a little money for it. That’s the basic calculus when it comes to chiropractic care.
3. Another prominent myth is that chiropractic care causes strokes, particularly manipulation of the neck. While it is true that there have been some rare instances of stroke following chiropractic manipulation, this must be kept in perspective. We have to look at the frequency with which such dire complications occur, and we must compare that probability to other choices and activities in life. For example, when you fly in an airplane or drive a car, it is true that the airplane  or car may crash and you may die. You still fly and drive because you recognize that the probability of such occurring is very low. What I will tell you, statistically speaking, is that the risk of stroke with chiropractic manipulation is somewhere between one in a million and one in 5 million. This is a lower risk than virtually any other healthcare procedure. For example, just taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen results in over 16,000 deaths a year. The fact is that no one knows more about the safety of chiropractic care than insurance companies who insure us against professional liability claims. Chiropractors, as a group, pay less for malpractice insurance than any other doctor.
4. Another myth is that once you start going to a chiropractor you have to keep going. The implication is that somehow it is “addictive”. This is utter balderdash. The fact is that when you come in for a new patient exam we will do a full history, a complete examination incorporating orthopedic, neurological, kinesiological and sometimes radiographic analysis. We will then sit down with you and discuss  these findings and, most importantly, determine your goals for care. Based upon your stated goals, we then map out a treatment plan. It is true that many of our patients choose to continue maintenance care even when they are out of pain, but this is a choice that people make, just like they choose to continue exercising, brushing and flossing their teeth, and eating well. Your health is your responsibility, and no one else’s. It is up to you to make decisions about what is going to allow you to get and stay healthy throughout your life. We are here to assist you, and that is all. It’s all about your choices.

Most great ideas and disciplines have faced opposition throughout history. The same has been true for chiropractic.  The risks are very low, and the potential gain is very high.  If you have not yet been to a chiropractor, then you owe it to yourself to give it a try.  

Take the Next Step Toward Better Health

Experience chiropractic care rooted in truth, safety, and real results. If you’re ready to feel better, move better, and understand how your body truly works, schedule your first visit today. Let’s start your path to lasting wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are chiropractors real doctors or not?

Chiropractors complete thousands of hours of education, pass national board exams, and hold state licensure, making them fully qualified healthcare professionals who specialize in non-surgical, drug-free care.

2. How much does chiropractic care really cost?

Chiropractic care is often more affordable than medical treatments like orthopedic visits, ER care, or surgery. Many patients find the long-term benefits—better mobility, less pain, and faster recovery—well worth the investment.

3. Can chiropractic adjustments cause a stroke?

Current research shows the risk is extremely low—between 1 in 1 million and 1 in 5 million—making chiropractic care one of the safest healthcare interventions when performed by a licensed professional.

4. Do you have to keep going to the chiropractor forever?

No. You choose how long you receive care. Some people stop once their pain improves, while others continue occasional maintenance care because it helps them feel and function better.

5. What happens at your first chiropractic appointment?

Your first visit usually includes a comprehensive health history, orthopedic and neurological testing, posture evaluation, and sometimes X-rays. Your chiropractor then explains the findings and outlines a care plan based on your goals.