If you live in Lakewood, you have probably heard it.
“Chiropractic isn’t real medicine.”
“Once you start going, you’re stuck forever.”
“I heard someone had a stroke.”
I hear these almost weekly in my office.
Lakewood is full of smart, hardworking people. Many commute into Denver. Many work in healthcare, education, trades, or tech. A lot of you are analytical and want proof before you trust something. I respect that.
Skepticism is healthy.
But misinformation is not.
Let’s clear this up the right way.
1. Chiropractors Aren’t Real Doctors
Chiropractors earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree after completing a nationally standardized curriculum that requires a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom and clinical training.
Before that, most complete three to four years of undergraduate education focused heavily on biology, anatomy, and physiology.
We pass four national board exams through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and meet Colorado state licensure requirements.
This is not a weekend certification. It is a doctoral degree with rigorous testing and oversight.
2. Adjustments Are Dangerous
This is one of the biggest fears I hear from Lakewood patients.
A 2023 retrospective analysis published in the National Library of Medicine reviewed 960,140 spinal manipulative therapy sessions. Out of nearly one million visits, only two severe adverse events were reported. Both were rib fractures in women over 60 with osteoporosis.
That is 0.21 per 100,000 sessions.
For perspective, chiropractors carry some of the lowest malpractice premiums in healthcare. That is not an accident. It reflects decades of safety data.
Every patient that goes to our office goes through a detailed screening before we ever perform an adjustment. That’s Gonstead
3. Chiropractic Adjustments Cause Strokes
This myth refuses to die.
A large study published in the journal Spine examined 818 vertebrobasilar artery stroke cases over nine years. Researchers found no increased risk of stroke from chiropractic visits compared to medical doctor visits.
The reason some patients see a chiropractor before a stroke is because neck pain and headache can be early symptoms of arterial dissection. They were already in the early stages before seeking care.
Correlation is not causation.
We perform thorough neurological and orthopedic screening before adjusting anyone’s neck. Safety is not optional.
4. Chiropractic Isn’t Evidence Based
Modern chiropractic care is heavily researched, especially for low back pain, neck pain, and certain headache types.
The American College of Physicians recommends spinal manipulation as a first line option for acute and chronic low back pain.
This is not fringe medicine. It is included in major clinical guidelines.
5. Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain
Yes, we treat back pain. But that is just the surface.
Many of our Lakewood patients come in for
Sciatica
Disc injuries
Shoulder dysfunction
Knee instability
TMJ issues
Post accident recovery
Chronic sports injuries
We also integrate shockwave therapy for chronic soft tissue conditions that have not responded to traditional care.
The spine houses the nervous system. When spinal mechanics improve, nerve function improves. That affects more than just your back.
6. Adjustments Hurt
Most patients are surprised at how relieving an adjustment feels.
The popping sound is simply gas releasing from the joint. It is not bones cracking.
For patients who prefer gentler methods, we offer low force techniques like instrument assisted adjustments and drop table techniques. Care is customized to the person in front of us.
7. Chiropractic Is Not for Kids
We see families from Lakewood regularly.
Pediatric chiropractic uses extremely gentle techniques tailored to infants, toddlers, and adolescents. The force used on a newborn is comparable to checking the ripeness of a tomato.
As always, evaluation comes first. We do not adjust unless it is appropriate.
8. All Chiropractors Are the Same
They are not.
Technique matters. Experience matters. Philosophy matters.
In our office, we focus on precise structural correction. That means we are not randomly adjusting everything. We analyze posture, movement, neurological patterns, and imaging when necessary to determine exactly where correction is needed.
Specificity produces better outcomes.
9. Chiropractors Are Not Regulated
In Colorado, chiropractors are regulated by the Colorado State Board of Chiropractic Examiners under the Department of Regulatory Agencies.
We are licensed healthcare providers.
Continuing education is required to maintain licensure. Standards are enforced.
10. Insurance Does Not Cover Chiropractic
Most major insurance plans cover chiropractic care when it is medically necessary.
That includes Medicare, many private insurers such as United Health, Cigna, and more in some cases the VA system.
Coverage details vary, that’s really dependent on the plan that you have and whether it’s a medical necessity . but it is far more common than people assume.
Final Thoughts for Lakewood
Lakewood residents are thoughtful consumers. You do not jump into healthcare decisions lightly. You research. You ask around. You want proof.
That is exactly how it should be.
If misinformation has kept you from exploring chiropractic care, I hope this gave you clarity.
You deserve answers rooted in science and explained in plain English.
That is why we offer our $97 New Patient Special for Lakewood residents.
It includes
A detailed consultation
A comprehensive spinal examination
X-rays
A personalized care plan
By the end of that visit, you will know exactly what is going on and whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
If you live in Lakewood and are ready to stop guessing, call us at 720 573 4910 and schedule your $97 New Patient Special.
Let’s get you real answers and a plan you can feel confident about.