We hear it all the time: “Is chiropractic care even legit?” or “I’ve heard once you go, you always have to go.” These kinds of misconceptions not only create confusion but also keep people from getting the relief they genuinely need.
I’m proud to be a top-rated chiropractor in Denver. I’ve worked with hundreds of skeptical patients. And that’s okay; skepticism is healthy. But facts matter. What doesn’t help is misinformation passed along by outdated articles, viral videos, or someone’s friend-of-a-friend horror story.
In this blog, I’m breaking down 10 of the most common myths about chiropractic care and giving you the straight truth, based on science, experience, and outcomes.
1. Chiropractors Aren’t Real Doctors
Our reputation is built on results and a rigorous educational foundation. A Doctor of Chiropractic degree is earned after completing a nationally standardized curriculum that requires a minimum of 4,200 hours, including both classroom and clinical training.
Before entering a chiropractic doctoral program, most students complete at least three to four years of undergraduate study, with a strong emphasis on the biological sciences.
This is followed by national board exams (administered by the NBCE), state licensure requirements, and often continuing education annually to maintain credentials and stay current with clinical standards.
2. Chiropractic Adjustments Are Dangerous
A 2023 retrospective analysis published in the National Library of Medicine analyzed 960,140 spinal manipulative therapy sessions. Out of nearly a million visits, only two severe adverse events were reported, both rib fractures in women over 60 with osteoporosis. That’s an incidence of just 0.21 per 100,000 sessions.
These findings confirm what malpractice trends have shown for decades: serious complications from chiropractic care are extremely rare, especially when delivered by trained professionals. That’s why chiropractors pay some of the lowest malpractice insurance premiums in healthcare, often just $500, a clear reflection of our strong safety record.
3. Chiropractic Adjustments Cause Strokes
This is one of the most misleading myths about chiropractic care, and it’s simply not backed by research. A major study published in Spine looked at 818 cases of vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) stroke over nine years. The results showed:
- People under 45 were more likely to visit either a chiropractor or a medical doctor before their stroke
- There was no increased risk of stroke from chiropractic care compared to medical care
- Researchers concluded that the association was likely due to patients already experiencing neck pain or headache as an early symptom of arterial dissection, and seeking care, not because spinal adjustments caused the stroke.
We follow strict safety protocols. Every patient gets a full screening before any adjustments are made.
4. Chiropractic Care Isn’t Based on Science
This is simply false. Modern chiropractic care is firmly grounded in science and supported by hundreds of peer-reviewed studies, especially for conditions like low back pain and sciatica.
In fact, major healthcare institutions including the American College of Physicians (ACP) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognize spinal manipulation therapy and for the sake of transparency, we reference studies whether they support or challenge aspects of chiropractic care.
5. Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain
It’s a persistent myth that chiropractors just “crack backs.” At The Disc Chiropractic, nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, we treat back pain. But more importantly, we look at how your entire body functions.
We are trained to diagnose and treat nerve-related issues like sciatica, joint dysfunction in the shoulders or knees, TMJ issues, and even after sports injury or accident recovery.
We also integrate advanced tools like shockwave therapy to accelerate healing in chronic soft tissue injuries, and we coach every patient on proper posture, movement patterns, and ergonomics
6. Adjustments Are Painful or Harmful
It’s a common misconception that adjustments hurt or feel scary. Most patients actually describe their first adjustment as relieving and satisfying.
The “crack” or “pop” you hear is simply gas being released from the joint, not bones grinding or breaking. And for sensitive patients, we offer gentle techniques like the Activator Method or drop-table adjustments all designed to match your comfort and clinical needs.
7. Chiropractic Care Only Helps Adults
We proudly support patients at every stage of life, including children. Pediatric chiropractic care is tailored specifically for infants, toddlers, and adolescents using gentle, low-force techniques.
Numerous studies and pediatric associations acknowledge the safety and benefits of chiropractic for kids when performed by a trained provider such as yours truly.
8. All Chiropractors Use the Same Techniques
Just like in medicine or physical therapy, chiropractic care is not one-size-fits-all. I for one specializes in the Gonstead Technique, a biomechanically precise system known for its specificity and results.
There are many more techniques, but that deserves a separate blog post on its own.
9. There’s No Regulation or Oversight
Chiropractors are highly regulated healthcare providers, licensed and monitored at both the state and national levels.
In Colorado, chiropractors are regulated by the Colorado State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, which operates under the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Nationally, every chiropractor must pass a series of four comprehensive board exams through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE)
10. Chiropractic Care Isn’t Covered by Insurance
Chiropractic care is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare, the Veterans Affairs (VA) system, and many private insurers, especially when it’s considered medically necessary.
Coverage typically applies to conditions like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and musculoskeletal dysfunction. However, the specifics, such as the number of visits covered, referral requirements, or co-pay, can vary based on your plan.
Final Thoughts
If misconceptions have kept you from exploring chiropractic care, let this be the moment you get the clarity and relief you deserve.
We’re here to answer your questions honestly, explain your options thoroughly, and provide care rooted in results.
Schedule your first visit today and take advantage of our $97 New Patient Special, which includes a full consultation, spinal evaluation, and personalized care plan.
Call us at (720) 573-4910