Myths & Facts About Chiropractic
Myth: Chiropractors are not as well-trained as medical doctors (MDs)
Chiropractors undergo rigorous training to enable them to safely and effectively administer chiropractic care.
All practicing chiropractors in Hong Kong are graduates of accredited chiropractic colleges overseas and are registered to practice in their respective countries. The curriculum in the USA and Canada is a post-graduate programme leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. The curriculum in the UK and Australia leads to a Bachelor degree of Applied Science (Chiropractic).
Like general MDs, all chiropractors have undergone 6-8 years of post-secondary training.
Myth: Chiropractic adjustments are dangerous
The chiropractic adjustment (a high-velocity, low-amplitude force directed to specific joints) requires the integration of anatomical knowledge, biomechanical understanding, and a high degree of skill.
As with any medical procedures, there is a risk associated with the chiropractic adjustment. The highest concern is related to injuries after a cervical adjustment: according to research, there is a one in one million chance resulting in cerebrovascular accidents, with half having a fatal outcome. Having said that, it is worth noting that “compared to other treatments used for similar conditions, these rates are 200 times lower than the rates reported for gastrointestinal bleeding due to the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Gabriel SE et al. 1991, Dabbs V et al. 1995, Deyo RA et al. 1992, Malter AD et al. 1998).
In such cases, the individuals performing the adjustments were usually not professionally trained chiropractors.
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