
For many people, the idea of visiting a chiropractor can feel a little intimidating. Maybe you’ve heard some wild myths about chiropractic care or seen a dramatic video of someone getting an adjustment on YouTube and thought, “No way am I doing that!” You’re not alone. Many people have reservations about chiropractic care, often based on misconceptions or fear of the unknown.
Let’s take a moment to address some of the most common fears and myths about chiropractic care, explain why they’re unfounded, and show you how chiropractors (especially here at Backcountry Health) work with you to create a safe, personalized, and effective plan for your health.

Myth 1: "Chiropractors Only Crack Backs and Necks" and "Chiropractic Care is Only for Back Pain"
This is probably the most common misconception out there. Yes, spinal adjustments are a tool chiropractors use, but they’re just one of many tools in our toolbox. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t use a hammer for every household project, right? Similarly, chiropractors assess each patient’s unique needs and use the right tools for the job. Honestly, you can think of us like a hybrid between a chiropractor and a physical therapist.
At Backcountry Health, we offer a variety of evidence-based techniques, including:
Active Release Techniques (ART) for soft tissue work
Functional movement analysis to pinpoint the root cause of pain
Cupping and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)
Progressive rehab exercises to build strength and prevent future injuries
So, if the thought of an adjustment makes you uneasy, know that it’s not the only option. We tailor our care to what works best for you.
Likewise, while back pain is a common reason people seek chiropractic care, it’s far from the only thing we treat. Chiropractors can help with neck pain, headaches and other neurological issues, sports injuries, joint discomfort, and even improving posture and movement. At Backcountry Health, we work with patients of all activity levels to address a variety of issues and help them live their healthiest lives.
Myth 2: "Chiropractic Adjustments Are Painful or Dangerous"
The idea of someone manipulating your spine and extremities can sound scary, but let’s break it down. Adjustments are designed to be gentle and precise. Many people describe them as feeling like a satisfying release of pressure, almost like cracking your knuckles (but with far more science behind it!). It's less about moving bones or fixing "misalignments" like you may have heard. All we're doing is taking a joint structure that doesn't move well and improving it. The sound you hear, that's just gas coming out of solution within the fluids of your joint.
One of our professors told us that if something has the power to do good, it also has the potential to do harm. We took that message to heart and choose to focus on keeping our knowledge and training up to date with the latest and best researched techniques. Additionally, chiropractors undergo years of rigorous training to master the basic techniques and the art of adjusting. Research shows that chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. Plus, we always explain what we’re doing and why before starting any treatment, so you’re never left in the dark.

Myth 3: "Once You Start Seeing a Chiropractor, You Have to Go Forever"
This is a big one, and it’s simply not true. The goal of chiropractic care isn’t to make you dependent on it; it’s to help you feel better and function better so you can get back to doing what you love. Chiropractors focus on restoring your body’s natural ability to heal and move efficiently. For most patients, this means creating a short-term plan to address their specific issue and providing tools, such as rehab exercises, to maintain results at home.
Some people choose to come in for periodic maintenance care because it helps them feel their best and prevent future issues, much like getting a dental cleaning or an oil change for your car. But this is entirely optional and based on individual needs and preferences.
Our priority is to empower you, not trap you in endless visits. We’ll outline a clear plan with specific goals and milestones so you know exactly what to expect. Once your goals are met, it’s your choice whether to continue periodic visits or simply use chiropractic care as needed. It’s all about putting you in control of your health journey.
Myth 4: "Chiropractors Aren't Real Doctors"
This myth stems from a misunderstanding of chiropractic education. Chiropractors undergo years of rigorous training, including a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, which involves coursework in anatomy, physiology, neurology, and more. The education is very similar to medical school but instead of spending all that time studying pharmacology, chiro students learn hands-on techniques. Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.) are licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in the neuromusculoskeletal systems and are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. At Backcountry Health, we pride ourselves on using evidence-based practices to ensure you receive the highest standard of care.

Myth 5: "Chiropractors Can Fix Everything in One Visit"
While it would be amazing to solve every issue with a single visit, healing is often a process. Just like going to the gym once doesn’t make you fit, resolving musculoskeletal issues takes time and consistent effort. Chiropractic care is designed to address the root cause of your pain and improve your long-term function. This often involves a series of treatments, rehab exercises, and guidance to help you achieve your health goals. That single pop is not going to fix you, but in conjunction with a well-balanced treatment plan, we can successfully resolve many musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.
Most of our treatment plans involve multiple visits, usually between 5 and 15 depending on the type and severity of injury and person being treated. We hardly ever ask to see you more than twice per week as the muscle work we perform, Active Release Techniques, requires a period of time to between sessions.
So, What Sets Backcountry Health Apart?
At Backcountry Health, we understand that every patient is unique. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, and we certainly don’t believe in forcing square pegs into round holes. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, chronic pain, or simply want to move better, we’ll work with you to create a customized treatment plan that fits your goals and comfort level.
Here’s what you can expect when you visit us:
In-Depth Assessment: We take the time to understand your history, goals, and concerns.
Evidence-Based Treatments: From hands-on techniques to rehab exercises, we use proven methods to help you heal.
Education and Empowerment: We’ll teach you how to take care of your body so you can stay healthy and active.
Stability and Strength Gains: progression out of acute care and into rehab-oriented exercise programs.
Turn on the Light and Face Fear - the Power of Education
Fear often comes from a lack of understanding, and that’s okay. It’s natural to feel a little unsure about something new. But chiropractic care is all about helping you feel better, not making you feel uncomfortable or afraid. If you’ve been avoiding care because of myths or fears, we hope this post has helped ease some of those worries.
At the end of the day, our mission is simple: to help you move more efficiently, get stronger, feel better, and be live a more active life. So why not take that first step? Reach out to Backcountry Health today and let us show you how chiropractic care can be a positive, uplifting part of your health journey.
Let’s tackle your concerns together. You’ve got nothing to lose but the fear!

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