10 Myths of Chiropractic

You’ve heard stories of chiropractors.  Some have been positive and changed one’s life, yet others may not be so encouraging.

You may now be skeptical due to an experience you had.  Or, you may want to share your wonderful healing experience with a friend to be told, “I don’t believe in chiropractic”  In any case, our goals below are to share the myths of chiropractic care that we have heard for years and give you the REAL FACTS!

FACT:  Spinal Manipulative therapy or an adjustment is a non-invasive, manual procedure done by a highly skilled medical practitioner to correct spinal and/or joint pain.  The primary goal is to restore range of motion, improve function and decrease pain and muscle tightness.  The “sound” that you may hear during a manipulative treatment is caused by a slight opening of the joint space and the release of gas within that space.  Other noise –free methods are available using a gentle handheld instrument. Not ALL treatments involve manipulation as some may include:  muscle stimulation modalities, soft tissue work, exercise and ergonomic advice as well as nutritional counseling.

FACT:  Chiropractors make evidence-based recommendations for you based on your specific diagnosis.  When your specific problem has resolved your treatment plan should end.  However, if your condition is long-standing, you may benefit from periodic care.   The choice is ALWAYS up to you depending on your health care goals. We promote at home lifestyle tools to aid in reducing future flare-ups of pain.

FACT:  Most patients experience a feeling of relief, more relaxed, more energy and are out of discomfort after their treatment.  However, on occasion, you may experience some discomfort, similar to the sensation of sore muscles after exercising.  In time, as your body adapts and your nervous system integrates the effects of the treatments, you should feel a sense ease.

FACT:  Chiropractors are expertly trained to improve joint function to ALL the joints of your body.  Therefore, imbalances of the joints of the feet can cause improper function up the kinetic chain and go as far as causing chronic headaches!  Our focus is on maintaining movement to the joints of the spine and the rest of the body. We offer relief for: neck and back pain, headaches, sciatica, auto, work and sports injuries as well as pain during pregnancy.

FACT:  Over the last number of years, there have been hundreds of studies describing the validity of chiropractic care.  Studies have shown the positive benefits of increased brain and immune function, as well as general wellbeing for millions of people all over the world!  Many of these studies can be found on the American Chiropractic website and the ICL (Index to Chiropractic Literature).

FACT:  When you attempt to adjust yourself, a joint that is capable of moving can achieve a “popping” type sound and you may feel less discomfort, initially.  However, this does not mean you have restored the proper movement to the right joint using the specific adjustments properly to restore joint motion, improve function and provide lasting relief.  You may cause more problems resulting in hypermobile joints or joints that move too much and become unstable. This can lead to more instability in years to come.

FACT:  What does QUALITY of life mean to you?  Those patients who follow the chiropractic lifestyle along with periodic care, recognize that chiropractic care doesn’t cost…IT PAYS OVER THE LONG HAUL!!!  Studies show that these patients generally take less medications, have less chronic conditions associated with aging and overall consider their health as excellent!!  Chiropractic is covered by many insurance companies or affordable cost savings are offered to you and your family so you can take care of your most important asset; your body.  Our office is in-network with most insurance plans.

FACT:  Studies have shown that gentle chiropractic manipulative therapy is much safer than many common activities as washing your hair or break dancing.  When expertly performed by a skilled Doctor of Chiropractic, whom has extensive training, adjustments are among the safest and most effective ways to treat back and neck pain.  Spinal adjustments should be at the top of the list before considering surgical and more intensive interventions.

There is no scientific evidence of an increased risk of any serious event following spinal manipulation. According to medical studies, the result of injury following a chiropractic treatment is less than 0.01%.  Comparatively, there is a much higher risk with more invasive procedures as injections, surgeries and medications.  You have an increased chance of being struck by lightening, being killed on a bicycle and dying from taking aspirin then by being injured by gentle and precise spinal manipulative therapy.

FACT:  Yes, it is known that children’s bodies are more flexible and heal quicker than an adult, however, children should still be checked after sports injuries, repetitive falls, complaints of pain syndromes, etc.  Keep in mind that childhood is a time when the musculoskeletal system is under continued stress due to rapid growth and development, continuous learning, exploring and playing.  OSHA estimates that a child can sustain about 1,500 spinal related traumas before the age of 5!!  Research has shown that children under the care of a knowledgeable chiropractor have less colds and infections and when they do get ill, they recover quickly.  Therefore, checking for spinal imbalances during these critical years is vital for overall nervous system development.

It has been the experience of Dr Iris Rosenfeld that introducing a child to a chiropractic and holistic lifestyle, diminishes their chances of doing recreational drugs as a teenager.  As parents, it’s up to us to help our children make better lifestyle choices through drugless, safe chiropractic care.

FACT:  Unfortunately, the perception of many of a Doctor is one who prescribes pills or removes organs.   However, a Medical Doctor (MD) and a chiropractor (DC) are two professions that each require a degree from a government accredited medical or chiropractic school and are licensed to practice.

Before attending a chiropractic institution, one must complete an undergraduate program with specific medical coursework.  The Doctor of Chiropractic curriculum takes 4 years to complete and includes at least 4200 hours of specialized clinical training. Chiropractic students spend a significant portion of their program studying clinical subjects related to evaluating and caring for patients.  They must spend about 1 year in a clinical-based program caring for patients under professional supervision.  After completing the schooling which includes the study of: anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, toxicopharmacology, microbiology, neurology, radiology, laboratory, clinical diagnosis, etc chiropractors must pass a 4 part National Board exam to qualify for a license.

Doctors of Chiropractic and Doctors of Medicine take a similar class load of human health sciences, however the philosophy differs.  The difference is a chiropractor takes courses in Spinal Manipulation, Nutrition, Physiotherapy and Advanced Radiology, while a medical doctor takes courses in Pharmacology, Immunology and General Surgery.

To maintain their license, a chiropractor must complete 24 hours per year of continuing education courses to ensure updated knowledge and stay on the cutting edge of patient care.

Each profession looks at health and healing through a different set of glasses.  Medical doctors study disease, blood and rely on drugs and treat symptoms.  Chiropractors look at the whole person, improve the function of the nervous system, study the blood and promote function.

Both professions have their place:  while medical doctors focus on crisis care, chiropractors focus on health and healing.

So, going back to our original question..Is a chiropractor a real doctor? Absolutely, yes. Chiropractors are real doctors with a unique purpose. What we are able to offer to our community, no other doctor can!

We Love Our Clients!

Thank you for taking the time to read these reviews.

Dr. Iris is a wonderful and caring doctor.

"Dr. Iris is a wonderful and caring doctor. I have been fortunate enough to be her patient since 2012, when my large toddler was causing havoc on my back. She was easily able to get me out of pain and back to functioning order and has been doing so ever since.

She has an amazing intuition when it comes to the body. She is able to find the little spots that are out of alignment, even if I'm not able to locate them myself, and put them back where they belong.

She is completely committed to her patient's well being and will do everything in her power to make you well, body and mind!"

-M.J.

Overall my results have improved tremendously with spinal decompression therapy

"I have had been having spinal decompression therapy for the last month. I have had excellent results. I was having sciatica and neuropathy; after the first treatment the neuropathy was so much less!   Dr Iris and the office staff are very professional, efficient and caring. Overall my results have improved tremendously with spinal decompression therapy. I would recommend Dr Rosenfeld to all patients with back problems, she listens and will work with you to improve your life."

-A.S.

Dr. Rosenfeld is a very loving and generous doctor.

"Dr. Rosenfeld is a very loving and generous doctor.  I highly recommend her. She is always studying and learning new ways to help her clients.  Dr. Rosenfeld has a very long list of techniques that she can offer to help.  Dr. Rosenfeld is high energy and fun and an inspiration.  I am grateful that my 19 yo son is her patient since I want him to meet motivated professionals."

-C.A.

I have experienced relief, blessed relief!

"I have neck pain.  I recall various incidents that triggered it… reaching into a desk drawer, sleeping on a new pillow, etc.  I have seen other chiropractors and some helped and others didn't.  My mom introduced me to Dr. Rosenfeld and I have experienced relief, blessed relief!"

- IP

My back is a lot better

"I have suffered back strain on and off since December 2006.  Picking up something or my weight caused it and I could not go to work so it was pretty severe.  I saw another chiropractor on and off and got some good results but it didn't last.  I found Dr. Rosenfeld on the internet and through my husband's insurance.  My back is a lot better and now we are working on neck pain and stress in my upper shoulders from work and day to day activities.  Massage has helped as well."

- CS

I love coming into this office.

"I had tremendous pain in my lower back and neck.  I could barely walk or even function normally before I came to see Dr. Rosenfeld.  I had this condition on and off for years, but never to this degree that caused me to finally seek professional help.  I was given Vicodin, Soma and Naproxin by a regular family physician.  The medication only temporarily took away my pain.  I never had any other treatment other than a physician who prescribed me these medications.  One of my husband's friends spoke very highly of Dr. Rosenfeld so I called her.  I have gotten great results!!! I am finally recovering from my back/neck injury.  Dr. Rosenfeld and her entire staff have been extremely caring and helpful.  I love coming into this office."

- MG

I have my life back!

"I have suffered with sciatica issues my entire life and worsened when I was pregnant.  The severity was intense.  I saw a general practitioner but had poor results.  I found Dr. Rosenfeld through my insurance company and looked her up on the internet.  I have had excellent results… I have my life back!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart and back!"

- DH

After seeing Dr. Rosenfeld, I have no pain in my neck and great mobility.

"I first came to the office in 07/07. I came to the office because of pain in my neck and shoulders that I have had on and off for years. I also had very limited mobility. In the past I have been treated by other chiropractors with only temporary relief. We changed insurance plans and after much research I called Dr. Rosenfeld. After seeing Dr. Rosenfeld, I have no pain in my neck and great mobility. There is still some aching in the shoulder, but the mobility is much improved."

- Sharon

I chose Dr. Rosenfeld to help me continue on the road to good health.

"I had just moved to this area.  I had been seeing another chiropractor on a regular basis to help with knee problems and other aches and pains that cropped up.  After I moved I chose Dr. Rosenfeld to help me continue on the road to good health.  I had also received physical therapy for my knee.  Physical therapy worked well but only focused on my knee.  Chiropractic treats my whole body.  Other areas of my body need adjusting to help keep my knee functioning well.  I found Dr. Rosenfeld through the yellow pages.  I am now in my 5th year of chiropractic care and I wonder how I got along without it in the past.  My knee is doing well and I am continuing to run."

- KB

Dr. Rosenfeld has given me lasting relief from pain

"In 1982 I was catapulted from a motorcycle causing whiplash, neck and low back injuries.  Many years of an untreated condition and compression created much pain, discomfort and subluxation.  After seeing another chiropractor for 15 years it was time for a change.  During those 15 years I had many visits and physical therapy that gave me temporary pain relief and muscle toning and strenuously.  Temporary relief.  I was referred to Dr. Rosenfeld by Barbara Anderson who is a Rolfing therapist.  Dr. Rosenfeld has given me lasting relief from pain and the ability to maintain a longer adjustment much and I have much gratitude and appreciation!"

- NP
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