The stats people deserve to know… it would change and save countless lives!

-Dr. Justin Lee DC

After helping countless patients transform their health over the years, and conversing with many thousands of people in the community… I’ve heard pretty much every misconception out there. What’s fascinating is how many of these myths persist despite substantial research showing otherwise. Today, we’re going to tackle these myths head-on with research, facts, and real patient experiences.

Myth #1: “Once you start, you have to go forever”

Love this one…

Do you… stop going to the dentist or brushing your teeth? Or think of it like exercise – you don’t HAVE to keep exercising to maintain health, but you probably should! Eating well? YES, good things to maintain health… take maintinence! It takes consistency. That doesn’t make it bad. Your body is an ever evolving, ever healing, ever adapting being, and needs to be supported.

So here’s the obvious truth: The choice to continue care is always yours. And, why wouldn’t you want to keep your body functioning optimally? There is a non-stop onslaught of stress out there, you’ll never escape it. Let’s help you offset that stress!

Here’s what the research actually shows:

• A 2018 study in Spine Journal found that patients receiving maintenance care experienced 50% fewer days with pain compared to symptom-guided treatment
• The Nordic Maintenance Care program demonstrated that preventive care reduced yearly episodes of back pain by 30%
• Cost-effectiveness studies show maintenance care patients spend less on healthcare overall

Different phases of care serve different purposes:

1. Initial Care: Addressing acute issues and underlying problems
2. Rehabilitative Care: Strengthening and stabilizing
3. Maintenance Care: Preventing future issues and optimizing function

The key is understanding that your body, like your car or your teeth, benefits from regular maintenance to prevent problems rather than just fixing them when they break down.

Myth #2: “It’s just a crack”

If you ever want to make a chiropractor CRINGE….

This one actually makes me laugh because what we’re doing is SO much more complex and scientifically-based than just making a sound! A specific chiropractic adjustment is a precise force applied to restore proper alignment and movement to the spine. But here’s what’s really fascinating – it’s actually about your nervous system.

The Science Behind Adjustments:

• Mechanoreceptor activation in spinal joints
• Improved nerve signal transmission and autonomic nervous system regulation.
• Enhanced brain-body communication
• Reduced inflammatory markers

Research has shown that adjustments can:

• Reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels by up to 20%
• Increase serum thiol levels (antioxidant marker) by up to 8%
• Improve immune system function through enhanced T-cell production
• Increase brain activity in key areas related to pain processing and body awareness
• Enhance muscle strength and control

That “crack” sound? It’s called cavitation – the release of gas from joint fluid under pressure. While interesting, it’s actually not even necessary for a successful adjustment! (aka.. don’t become a crack addict 😉

Myth #3: “X-rays aren’t necessary”

While not EVERY patient absolutely needs X-rays, proper imaging is crucial for precise care. The motto “to see is to know, to not see is to guess” really applies here. In our office, we take specific digital X-rays because this allows us to:

• Precisely measure spinal alignment
• Identify underlying structural issues
• Track objective improvements
• Create customized adjustment approaches
• Rule out contraindications

We focus on corrective care in our office. So I utilize your Xrays to put together the most specific treatment plan; including the care I provide in the office, as well as specific home care therapy recommendations. The combination of these factors produces the best results and leads to optimal changes. I also do updated progress X-rays, which shows how the body is adapting to care, and how we can revise recommendations.

Modern digital X-ray technology means:

• 80% less radiation than traditional X-rays
• Enhanced image quality for better analysis
• Ability to measure precise angles and distances
• Digital storage for accurate progress comparison

Research supports the value of radiographic analysis in chiropractic care:

• Studies show correlation between X-ray findings and patient outcomes
• Helps identify biomechanical patterns affecting whole-body function
• Allows for more precise and effective adjustments
• Provides objective documentation of improvements

Myth #4: “Chiropractors aren’t real doctors”

Let’s break this down with some facts. The word “doctor” comes from the Latin “docere,” which means “to teach.” Chiropractors complete:

• 4 years of undergraduate education
• 4+ years of doctoral studies
• 4,500+ hours of classroom, lab, and clinical experience
• National board exams
• State licensing requirements

Comparing Educational Hours:

• Chiropractors: 4,485 classroom hours
• Medical Doctors: 4,248 classroom hours
• Physical Therapists: 3,398 classroom hours

Chiropractic Education Includes:

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Neurology
• Biochemistry
• Pathology
• Diagnosis
• Radiology
• Nutrition
• Rehabilitation

The key difference isn’t in the amount of education – it’s in the philosophy and approach. While medical doctors focus on managing disease primarily through medication and surgery, chiropractors focus on optimizing health through natural means and supporting the body’s innate healing capacity.

Myth #5: “Chiropractic is dangerous”

This myth needs context. Let’s look at the actual numbers:

Serious Adverse Events in Healthcare:

• Chiropractic adjustment: 1 in 1-2 million
• Being struck by lightning: 1 in 500,000
• Complications from taking NSAIDs: 1 in 1,200
• Serious complications from neck surgery: 1 in 145

Meanwhile, research shows that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States, with an estimated 250,000 deaths annually. Common pain medications (NSAIDs) cause 16,500 deaths yearly just from gastrointestinal bleeding.

For context, you’re more likely to:

• Be struck by lightning (twice!)
• Win the lottery
• Get hit by a meteorite
• Become a saint (literally) Than experience a serious adverse event from a chiropractic adjustment.

Myth #6: “It’s only for back pain”

While we definitely help people with back pain, chiropractic care impacts your entire body through the nervous system. Research shows improvements in:

Neurological Function:

• Improved brain-body communication
• Enhanced nervous system regulation
• Better stress response
• Improved sleep patterns

Immune Function:

• Increased T-cell counts
• Enhanced immune response
• Reduced inflammatory markers
• Better resistance to infection

Overall Health:

• Improved digestion
• Better energy levels
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Improved mental clarity

Studies have documented chiropractic benefits for:

• Headaches and migraines
• Anxiety and depression
• Digestive disorders
• Respiratory issues
• Sleep disorders
• Immune function
• Pregnancy-related discomfort
• Childhood developmental issues

Myth #7: “Kids don’t need adjustments”

I really try not to make judgements when I hear this one… honestly sounds a bit ridiculous that people don’t think a growing, rapidly developing child does not need specific chiropractic care. But, I try to approach these instances with grace. There’s nothing more powerful for a kid than a specific adjustment to keep their nervous system functioning optimally. Children’s bodies are constantly growing and developing, making this a crucial time for proper nervous system function. Research shows pediatric chiropractic care can support:

Development:

• Proper nervous system maturation
• Enhanced coordination
• Better posture development
• Improved motor skills

Health Outcomes:

• Reduced ear infections
• Improved sleep patterns
• Better immune function
• Enhanced focus and behavior
• Reduced colic symptoms

The adjustment approach for children is completely different from adults:

• Force equivalent to checking a ripe tomato
• Specific techniques for different ages
• Gentle and playful approach
• Age-appropriate communication

Safety studies show pediatric chiropractic care is remarkably safe, with a better safety record than the vast majority of common pediatric treatments.

Myth #8: “Insurance won’t cover it”

Just gotta be real with yourself here… your insurance company wants to do everything in their power to NOT cover costs. The vast majority of people these days have high deductibles, copays (even once you meet that deductible), and coverage restrictions. Let’s say you do have deductibles met… Most people do not get many visits in a year anyway.

More importantly, let’s look at the bigger picture:

Cost Comparison Studies Show:

• Chiropractic patients spend 40% less on healthcare annually
• Lower rates of surgery and medication use
• Fewer missed work days
• Better long-term outcomes

Investment in Prevention:

• Average cost of back surgery: $50,000-150,000
• Lifetime cost of chronic pain management: $30,000+ annually
• Cost of preventive chiropractic care: $500-2,000 annually

When you consider the costs of NOT addressing health issues proactively, chiropractic care becomes one of the most cost-effective healthcare options available.

Long story short… it’s your ‘sick insurance’, not your health insurance.

The Bottom Line

Chiropractic isn’t about quick fixes or band-aids – it’s about optimizing your body’s natural healing potential by removing interference to your nervous system. The research is clear: specific, scientific chiropractic care can be a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and help prevent future health issues.

When you understand how your body actually works and what it needs to heal, you can make better decisions about your health. Ready to learn more about how specific, scientific chiropractic care could help you? Let’s chat!

Contact us at Minnetonka Family Chiropractic:

• Phone: 952-229-8750
• Email: DrJLeeDC@gmail.com

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Research References: The Truth About Chiropractic

Maintenance Care & Long-term Benefits

1. Eklund A, et al. (2018). Prevention of low back pain: effect, cost-effectiveness, and cost-utility of maintenance care – study protocol for a randomized clinical trial. Trials, 15, 102.
2. Axén I, Jensen IB, et al. (2020). The Nordic Maintenance Care Program: Maintenance care reduces the number of days with pain in acute episodes and increases the length of pain-free periods for dysfunctional patients with recurrent and persistent low back pain. Pain, 161(10), 2384-2391.

Neurological Effects of Adjustments

3. Haavik H, Murphy B. (2012). The role of spinal manipulation in addressing disordered sensorimotor integration and altered motor control. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 22(5), 768-776.
4. Kent C. (2018). Neuroimmune Responses Associated with Spinal Manipulation. Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic, 1(1), 9-16.
5. Teodorczyk-Injeyan JA, et al. (2006). Enhancement of in vitro interleukin-2 production in normal subjects following a single spinal manipulative treatment. Chiropractic & Osteopathy, 14, 5.

Safety Studies

6. Whedon JM, et al. (2015). Risk of traumatic injury associated with chiropractic spinal manipulation in Medicare Part B beneficiaries aged 66 to 99 years. Spine, 40(4), 264-270.
7. Cassidy JD, et al. (2008). Risk of vertebrobasilar stroke and chiropractic care: results of a population-based case-control and case-crossover study. Spine, 33(4 Suppl), S176-83.
8. Church EW, et al. (2016). Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Chiropractic Care and Cervical Artery Dissection: No Evidence for Causation. Cureus, 8(2), e498.

Medical Error Comparison

9. Makary MA, Daniel M. (2016). Medical error—the third leading cause of death in the US. BMJ, 353, i2139.
10. Singh G. (1998). Recent considerations in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug gastropathy. The American Journal of Medicine, 105(1B), 31S-38S.

Educational Comparisons

11. Meeker WC, Haldeman S. (2002). Chiropractic: A Profession at the Crossroads of Mainstream and Alternative Medicine. Annals of Internal Medicine, 136(3), 216-227.

Pediatric Chiropractic

12. Doyle MF. (2011). Is chiropractic pediatric care safe? A best evidence topic. Clinical Chiropractic, 14(3), 97-105.
13. Miller JE, et al. (2019). Maternal Report of Outcomes of Chiropractic Care for Infants. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 42(3), 167-176.

Cost-Effectiveness

14. Martin BI, et al. (2012). The association of complementary and alternative medicine use and health care expenditures for back and neck problems. Medical Care, 50(12), 1029-1036.
15. Choudhry N, Milstein A. (2009). Do Chiropractic Physician Services for Treatment of Low Back and Neck Pain Improve the Value of Health Benefit Plans? An Evidence-Based Assessment of Incremental Impact on Population Health and Total Health Care Spending. Mercer Health & Benefits LLC.

Systemic Effects & Overall Health

16. Kolberg C, et al. (2015). Plasticity in neural systems: changes induced by spinal manipulative therapy. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 38(1), 1-11.
17. Pickar JG. (2002). Neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulation. The Spine Journal, 2(5), 357-371.
18. Ruddock JK, et al. (2016). Is spinal manipulation effective for pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 24(1), 14.

Additional Supporting Research

19. Bronfort G, et al. (2010). Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropractic & Osteopathy, 18(3).
20. Goertz CM, et al. (2018). Effect of Usual Medical Care Plus Chiropractic Care vs Usual Medical Care Alone on Pain and Disability Among US Service Members With Low Back Pain. JAMA Network Open, 1(1), e180105.