Let’s be honest, lots of people have doubts or hesitations about chiropractors and chiropractic treatment. This doubt is typically the result of skeptics who haven’t done any quality research or those who don’t think that it is legitimate because the area of treatment is unseen and the effects are not always immediate.

However, there are a few things to know about chiropractors and their treatments.

1) Chiropractors go to school. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Chiropractors must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree and a state license. Doctor of Chiropractic programs typically take 4 years to complete and require at least 3 years of undergraduate college education for admission.” The idea that they are mystical witch doctors must be done away with. Chiropractors are legitimate doctors.

2) Chiropractic care can relieve pain. Many lay people and those in the medical community regard chiropractic treatment as a viable alternative to using potentially harmful or addictive medications to treat pain.

3) Chiropractic care is available for all ages. Many parents start their children on chiropractic adjustments at a young age to avoid much of the physical complications that come with age. While it is available for those of all ages, it is not necessarily recommended for everyone. Some injuries are not treatable by a chiropractor. Work with your primary care physician to determine the best course of action.

4) Chiropractic treatment can cause side effects. One of the prevailing problems associated with the perception chiropractic treatment is the pain that patients sometimes experience after treatment. Too often, this is misattributed to bad treatment when it may really be the effect of the beginning of your healing.

Chiropractic care, like any medical procedure, has inherent risks. Talk to your primary care doctor and your prospective chiropractor and make an informed decision. Don’t let the naysayers of the world discourage you or keep you from potential relief or healing.