Myth: Chiropractors are not real doctors.

Fact: Chiropractors and medical doctors complete the same rigorous levels of education, and are subject to the same types of testing, certification and monitoring by state and national peer-reviewed boards. While medical doctors receive an M.D., or Medical Doctorate, Chiropractors receive a D.C., or Doctorate of Chiropractic degree.

Aside from nomenclature, the primary difference between an M.D. and a chiropractor lies in their preferred methods of treatment.  A medical doctor seeks out and treats the symptoms of disease with either medication, surgery, or a combination of the two. A chiropractor, on the other hand, seeks to treat the condition that causes disease. All body functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. If the cause of your condition is due to misalignment in the vertebra of the spine, or irritation/pressure on a nerve, a chiropractor will use non-invasive manual adjustments, physiotherapy, massage therapy or strength exercises to correct the condition and eliminate your pain.

Myth: Once you start going to a chiropractor, you have to keep going for the rest of your life.

Fact: Chiropractic care is as much about preventing pain as it is about treating it. In this respect, going to a chiropractor is like going to the dentist, exercising at a gym, or eating a healthy diet—with a steady routine, you will feel better, move with more freedom, and stay healthier throughout your lifetime.

That said, it is your decision whether to continue chiropractic treatment after eliminating the immediate cause of your pain or discomfort. Dr. Szekely will always tell you the extent and length of your recommended treatment, and will respect any decision made thereafter.

Myth: Most insurance won’t cover chiropractic treatments.

Fact: The majority of insured American workers have coverage for chiropractic services in their health care plans—including chiropractic benefits under Federal Workers’ Compensation. However, there may be limitations on the number of visits per calendar year. For specific information about your coverage and allowances, contact your insurance provider or call at Szekely Chiropractic Center at (215) 855-9250.

Myth: Chiropractors only treat back pain.

Fact: Chiropractors provide effective treatment for all types of soft tissue disorders, joint pains and even nervous system conditions—not just back and neck ailments. Through a combination of manual adjustments, physiotherapy, massage therapy, strength exercises, and lifestyle coaching, chiropractic care also can help with:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Accident recovery
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Hip pain
• Neck pain
• Pinched nerves
• PMS
• Pregnancy
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Shoulder pain
• Slipped discs
• Stress
• Upper and lower back pain
• Whiplash