Busting the Top Myths About Chiropractic Care: What’s Actually True?

By Your Health Magazine

These days, most of us sit too much, move too little, and carry way more stress than our bodies were designed to handle. Over time, that can lead to all kinds of frustrating symptoms — back and neck pain, sciatica, migraines, numbness, disc issues, and more.

If you’ve tried medication, massage, or even physical therapy and still feel stuck, you’re not alone. More and more people are turning to chiropractic care — especially neurologically based care — to get to the root of what’s going on, not just mask symptoms.

Still, there are a lot of outdated myths floating around about chiropractic, and it’s time to clear those up.

What Is Chiropractic Care, Really?

At Enlighten Chiropractic, we focus on the nervous system — not just the bones. Our goal is to assess how well your brain and body are communicating. Misalignments (subluxations) in the spine can interfere with that connection, which can lead to symptoms like pain, tension, or dysfunction.

By using a gentle, non-cracking technique (Torque Release Technique), we help restore normal brain-body communication so your body can heal from the inside out. No guesswork. No quick cracks. Just science-based, precise neurological adjustments.

Top 6 Myths About Chiropractic — Busted

Myth #1: Chiropractic Is Just for Back Pain

Sure, we help a lot of people with back pain — but that’s just the beginning. Because we focus on the nervous system, we often help with much more than physical pain.

Many people come to us for support with:

Neck pain and migraines
Numbness or tingling
Sciatica
Disc injuries
Posture and alignment issues
Repetitive strain (think desk jobs or lifting)
Sports injuries
Chronic stress and tension
Sleep challenges
Focus and mental clarity
Emotional regulation and mood

Your spine directly influences your nervous system — and your nervous system controls everything. When it’s out of balance, it can affect how your body feels and how your brain functions. That’s why many people notice improvements not just in pain, but in energy, sleep, and emotional well-being too.

Myth #2: Chiropractors Aren’t “Real” Doctors

This one’s common but totally false. Chiropractors go through extensive training to earn their Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, including:

3–4 years of undergraduate science prerequisites
4–5 years of graduate-level chiropractic college (doctoral-level education)
Clinical internships and hands-on training
Passing the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams
Meeting rigorous state licensure requirements

Many chiropractors also complete advanced postdoctoral training. At Enlighten Chiropractic, our team includes doctors who hold a Diplomate from the American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders (ACACD) — offering a specialized background in behavioral health, addiction, mental wellness, and how technology impacts the nervous system.

Myth #3: Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt

We get it — nobody likes pain. The good news? Most of our patients are surprised at how gentle and relaxing adjustments can be, especially with the Torque Release Technique. There’s no twisting, cracking, or popping — just precise input to the nervous system to help your body heal and adapt.

Myth #4: Medical Doctors Don’t Support Chiropractic

Not true anymore. More medical doctors are referring to chiropractors — especially for patients who want to avoid pain meds or surgery. In fact, we collaborate with local MDs, attorneys, and other healthcare professionals all the time, especially when it comes to personal injury or chronic pain cases.

Myth #5: Once You Start, You’re Stuck Forever

We’ve all heard the joke — “Once you go to a chiropractor, you have to go forever.” Not true.

Some people choose to incorporate chiropractic into their wellness routine because they notice they feel and function better when they do. But that doesn’t mean you need to come in three times a week for the rest of your life.

At Enlighten Chiropractic, our goal is to help your nervous system stabilize and function better long term — not keep you dependent on care. Once you’re out of the initial corrective phase, many people choose to maintain results with less frequent visits, but it’s always your call.

Myth #6: Chiropractic Isn’t Safe

Chiropractic care is one of the safest healthcare options available when delivered by a licensed, trained provider. Extensive research shows that the risk of serious complications — like stroke — is extremely rare. In fact, studies show no direct causal link between chiropractic care and stroke when appropriately performed.

We always start with a detailed neurological and structural evaluation to make sure you’re a good candidate for care. If we don’t think chiropractic is right for your case, we’ll let you know and guide you in the right direction.

So… Is Chiropractic Worth Considering?

If you’re looking for a natural, drug-free option to finally feel better — not just temporarily mask symptoms — chiropractic care may be exactly what you need.

At Enlighten Chiropractic in Lakeville, we offer a customized, neurologically based approach that helps your body heal from the inside out. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, chronic tension, or just feel “off,” we’re here to help you get back to living a life you love.

Don’t let old myths keep you from healing