In recent years, alternative healthcare practices have gained in popularity, with chiropractic care standing out as a popular choice for many. Within the realm of chiropractic care, there exists a subset known as Upper Cervical Chiropractic, which is often surrounded by its own myths and misconceptions. Unfortunately, these myths contribute to the idea that Upper Cervical Chiropractic is pseudoscience. Today, we are shedding some light on the top myths about Upper Cervical Chiropractic and illuminating the facts.
The Myth: Chiropractors Are Not Real Doctors
One of the most persistent and long-standing myths about chiropractors is that they are not “real doctors.”
The Facts:
No, Chiropractors are not MDs (Medical Doctor). They are DCs (Doctor of Chiropractic). Like your MD, your DC underwent extensive education and training to earn their doctorate. Becoming a doctor of chiropractic requires a 4-year undergraduate degree, 3 to 5 years at an accredited chiropractic college, and a clinical internship.
To become an Upper Cervical Chiropractor, UCC doctors must first be trained as General Chiropractors before receiving additional education and training in managing the delicate C1 (Atlas) and C2 (Axis) vertebrae. This training is so specialized that Upper Cervical Chiropractors make up less than 5% of all chiropractors currently in practice.
The Myth: Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care is Only for Neck Pain
A major misconception about Upper Cervical Chiropractic is that since it focuses only on the top two bones of the neck, it is only meant to treat neck pain.
The Facts:
While the focus is on the Axis (C1) and Atlas (C2) neck bones, Upper Cervical Chiropractic care extends far beyond merely addressing neck pain. The upper cervical spine is a neurological powerhouse that influences various bodily functions. Upper Cervical Care can alleviate many health issues, ranging from headaches and migraines to sleep, digestion, chronic pain, and even mental health concerns.
The Myth: Chiropractors Only Help With Musculoskeletal Issues
Another persistent myth is that chiropractic care can only help relieve issues related to the bones and muscles.
The Facts:
Your Upper Cervical Chiropractor should be considered your nervous system doctor! Your nervous system is intrinsically intertwined with your spine and your spinal health. Since the nervous system controls and regulates nearly every process within the body, it is crucial that it operates without interference.
When spinal bones shift out of place (called subluxation), they put pressure on nerves and restrict brain-to-body communication. This interruption in communication leads to a cascade of dysfunction within the body. Your Upper Cervical Chiropractor works to restore spinal alignment and optimal nerve flow, allowing your body to self-regulate, self-heal, and return to a state of balance and health.
Yes, musculoskeletal conditions can be improved with Upper Cervical care, but the truth is that spinal misalignment can affect all body systems. When proper alignment and nervous system function are restored, all body systems can see improvement in function.
The Myth: Upper Cervical Adjustments are Painful
Many people avoid the chiropractor because they fear the “snap, crackle, pop” and assume the adjustment will be jarring or painful.
The Facts:
Upper Cervical Chiropractic adjustments are gentle and noninvasive. Adjustments in the Upper Cervical region hinge on precision and specificity, not on force. They are gentle and carefully calculated to provide relief and restoration without inducing pain.
The Myth: “Symptoms” are a Normal Part of Life
Many people who experience symptoms of pain, discomfort, headaches, and fatigue have had their symptoms for so long that they begin to believe that they are a normal part of life. Worse, they may even have asked their MD for assistance and been ignored or given medications laden with side effects to treat their symptoms.
The Facts:
Symptoms, particularly pain, fatigue, headaches, recurrent infections, and general poor health, are all signs of body dysfunction. With Upper Cervical Care, we don’t focus on the treatment or curing of specific conditions. Our goal is to find the root cause of your ailment, restore balance, and help your body to heal itself naturally. Our purpose is to find the cause of your ailment, not mask your symptoms.
The Myth: Once You Start, You Can’t Stop
It's a common belief that starting chiropractic care is a never-ending journey; once you start, you can never stop. This statement has been used to shift people away from Chiropractic care for decades.
The Facts:
There is an old saying that the only things you HAVE to do are “death and taxes.” No one will make you see a chiropractor for the rest of your life. With Upper Cervical Care, the duration and frequency of your visits will vary based on your individual condition, health goals, and response to treatment. While some patients may benefit from periodic adjustments to maintain optimal health and prevent future issues, others may only require a short series of treatments to resolve their specific concerns.
The Myth: Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Is Not Evidence-Based
In many people’s minds, chiropractic care and Upper Cervical Care, in particular, live in the realm of pseudoscience.
The Facts:
Contrary to this myth, numerous scientific studies validate the efficacy of Upper Cervical Chiropractic care. Even more surprising, many of those studies come unexpectedly from medical (not chiropractic) associations. Studies on Upper Cervical Chiropractic have shown positive outcomes in various areas, including neck pain, brain function, immune system, nervous system, multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure, just to name a few.
The Myth Chiropractic Care is Not Suitable for Older Adults
Many people believe that chiropractic care may be unsafe for older adults due to aging bones being more brittle.
The Facts:
The truth is that age is not a barrier to benefiting from care, especially with Upper Cervical Chiropractic care. Through gentle but powerful Upper Cervical Adjustments, older adults may find substantial relief from age-related issues like memory problems, joint pain, limited mobility, and balance.
The Myth: Upper Cervical Chiropractic is Unsafe for Children
A familiar concern we see among parents is that Upper Cervical Care for their children may be unsafe since the body and spine are still growing.
The Facts:
Upper Cervical care is gentle and noninvasive. Since it focuses on the top two vertebrae of the spine, it has less impact on a developing spine than other types of chiropractic care. There is no uncomfortable twisting or “cracking,” making it the perfect solution for pediatric spinal care.
The Myth: You Can Adjust Yourself by “Cracking” Your Neck or Back
There are plenty of people who regularly “crack” their backs or necks and believe that this is the same as receiving a chiropractic adjustment.
The Facts:
Chiropractic is a precise discipline requiring years of dedicated training. You may be interested to know that chiropractors don't adjust themselves. They seek the help of another professional. You may be able to “pop” your back or neck, but this “pop” is not an adjustment, and it can lead to other problems, such as a hypermobile joint over time.
The Myth: Upper Cervical Chiropractic Adjustments are Risky
Because the Upper Cervical Chiropractor works so closely to the brain stem, some feel the practice may be unsafe.
The Facts:
Safety is paramount in chiropractic care. Your Upper Cervical Chiropractor has undergone extensive education and training to provide safe and effective care. The risks associated with Upper Cervical adjustments are minimal, especially when compared to more invasive procedures such as surgery.
Separating Fact from Fiction
Dispelling myths about Upper Cervical Chiropractic is essential to providing our patients with a comprehensive understanding of our practice. Distinguishing myths from facts paves the way for informed decisions about our health and a full appreciation of this form of chiropractic care's therapeutic potential.
At Atlas Specific, you’ll find a team committed to providing you with the authentic, evidence-based, patient-centered, holistic care you seek. If you’re curious if Upper Cervical Care is the right choice for your journey to health and wellness, contact us today for a free consultation by clicking the link below, calling us at 970 - 259 - 6803, or dropping by our Durango office. We are as passionate about your health and well-being as you are.
Notice of Disclaimer:
We are doctors of upper cervical chiropractic, but we are NOT necessarily YOUR doctors. All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and reading or interacting with this site does not establish any form of patient-doctor relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate information, the information presented here is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your particular area of need before making medical decisions.
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