Chiropractic Myths Busted: What You've Heard vs. What the Research Says
5 Chiropractic Myths Debunked by a 30-Year Kenosha Chiropractor
After more than 30 years in practice in Kenosha, WI, Dr. John Murphy has heard every myth, misconception, and concern about chiropractic care imaginable. Some people avoid seeking care because of misinformation they’ve absorbed from well-meaning family members, outdated media portrayals, or simple unfamiliarity. Here, Dr. Murphy addresses the five most common myths head-on — with evidence to back it up.
Myth #1: “Chiropractic Isn’t Real Medicine”
The Truth: Chiropractic is a licensed, regulated, evidence-based healthcare profession — not alternative medicine in the dismissive sense the phrase is often used.
Chiropractors in the United States complete a minimum of four years of graduate-level education at accredited chiropractic colleges, following undergraduate prerequisites in sciences. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pathology, radiology, neurology, orthopedics, and clinical diagnosis — totaling over 4,200 classroom and clinical hours for most programs.
After graduation, chiropractors must pass a multi-part national board examination (the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners) and meet state licensure requirements. In Wisconsin, Dr. Murphy is licensed under Wisconsin License #3307-012.
Chiropractic care is recognized by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. It is integrated into Veterans Affairs healthcare and U.S. military facilities. The American College of Physicians recommends spinal manipulation as a first-line treatment for acute and chronic low back pain — before medication.
Myth #2: “Once You Start Chiropractic, You Have to Go Forever”
The Truth: Chiropractic care plans have defined beginning, middle, and end points — just like physical therapy or any other rehabilitative care.
This myth persists, but it’s based on a misunderstanding (and, frankly, on some old-school chiropractors who did push unnecessary long-term care plans). Dr. Murphy’s approach is different: he designs care with clear goals and exit criteria. When you’ve achieved the intended results, you’re done — unless you choose to continue with elective maintenance care.
The analogy to dentistry is apt: you go to the dentist regularly not because your teeth will fall out if you miss one cleaning, but because prevention and maintenance make sense for long-term health. Some patients choose periodic chiropractic maintenance for the same reason. Others come in only when something’s bothering them. Both are valid.
You will never be pressured to continue care at Murphy Chiropractic beyond what’s clinically indicated.
Myth #3: “Chiropractic Adjustments Are Dangerous”
The Truth: Chiropractic care is one of the safest healthcare interventions available for musculoskeletal conditions — with a remarkably low rate of adverse events.
The most frequently cited concern is the risk of vertebral artery stroke following cervical (neck) manipulation. This risk has been studied extensively. The best available evidence suggests that any association between cervical manipulation and stroke is extremely rare — estimated at fewer than 1–2 cases per 1 million manipulations — and that the causal relationship is uncertain. Patients who suffer vertebrobasilar strokes may visit chiropractors with early stroke symptoms (neck pain and headache), creating an apparent but not causal association.
By comparison, the risks of common alternatives — NSAIDs (which cause thousands of hospitalizations annually from GI bleeding) and opioid pain medications — are dramatically higher.
Minor, temporary side effects of chiropractic care — soreness, stiffness, or fatigue for 24–48 hours after treatment — occur in a portion of patients and resolve on their own.
Dr. Murphy takes a thorough health history before treating any new patient, screens for contraindications (conditions where manipulation would not be appropriate), and uses techniques specifically tailored to your diagnosis and health status.
Myth #4: “Chiropractic Is Only for Back Pain”
The Truth: Chiropractors are trained to evaluate and treat disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system — which includes far more than the low back.
Chiropractic care is effective for:
- Neck pain and cervicogenic headaches — Often related to cervical spine dysfunction; highly responsive to manipulation and mobilization.
- Shoulder pain — Including rotator cuff tendinopathy and impingement syndrome.
- Hip and knee pain — Biomechanical dysfunction in the spine and pelvis often contributes to hip and knee problems.
- Headaches and migraines — A significant body of evidence supports chiropractic care for tension-type headaches and cervicogenic headaches, and emerging evidence suggests benefit for migraines.
- Extremity conditions — Carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and other peripheral conditions can be addressed chiropractic ally.
- Posture and balance — Particularly important for older adults at risk of falls.
Additionally, chiropractic care has positive effects on the nervous system that extend beyond pain — improving proprioception (your body’s sense of position), sleep quality, and overall physical function.
Myth #5: “Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt”
The Truth: For the vast majority of patients, chiropractic adjustments are not painful — and many are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and even satisfying the treatment feels.
The cracking or popping sound that sometimes accompanies an adjustment — the sound that makes some people cringe — is called a cavitation. It’s the release of gas (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen) that has dissolved in the synovial fluid of the joint. It’s exactly the same as cracking your knuckles, and it’s completely harmless. In fact, many patients find the sensation satisfying, and the release is often accompanied by immediate reduction in tension and pain.
Patients who are in acute pain may experience some discomfort during positioning for treatment, but the adjustment itself is typically brief and tolerated well. Dr. Murphy adjusts his technique to each patient’s comfort level — using gentler low-force techniques when appropriate. And for patients who are particularly sensitive, the dry hydrotherapy and laser therapy options can provide significant relief without any direct spinal manipulation.
You Deserve Accurate Information
If you’ve been avoiding chiropractic care because of something you heard years ago, we’d like the opportunity to have a real conversation with you. Dr. Murphy has helped thousands of Kenosha residents get out of pain and back to their lives over the past three decades — and he’d like to help you, too.
Ask your questions and book your appointment →
Murphy Chiropractic, S.C. | 3535 30th Ave, Suite 201, Kenosha, WI 53144 | (262) 697-7463
