05 Mar 2025
Have you ever wondered about the real benefits of chiropractic care amidst the flurry of myths and stories shared across social forums?
Chiropractic care often sparks curiosity and sometimes scepticism, with numerous anecdotes floating around about what chiropractors do and don’t do, can and cannot do.
Today, we’re setting the record straight by addressing some of the common misconceptions about chiropractic care in Singapore, potentially helping you understand the truth behind the adjustments and how they can benefit your health.
Myth #1: Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain
It’s a widespread belief that chiropractors are solely experienced in managing back pain, a misconception that unduly narrows the scope of their expertise.
The truth: Chiropractors are trained to manage and support a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal issues, not just back pain. Their education encompasses the entire neuromusculoskeletal system, enabling them to assess and address conditions beyond the spine.
Beyond alleviating back discomfort, chiropractic care effectively supports the management of neck pain, migraines, and sciatica, and can support the recovery from sports injuries. It can also support prenatal care for smoother deliveries and postnatal recovery, as well as promote better development and growth in children and newborns, including help with colic and bedwetting. At Chiro Time, we apply a comprehensive approach that includes holistic lifestyle recommendations and personalised aftercare instructions to promote overall musculoskeletal health, aiming to support your body’s natural ability to address pain and prevent future ailments.
Myth #2: You Need a Doctor’s Referral to See a Chiropractor
There’s a common assumption that a visit to a chiropractor must be prescribed by a physician, similar to how one might need a referral for a specialist.
The truth: This is not the case for chiropractic care. This is because chiropractors are primary contact practitioners. This means that you can consult them directly without needing a referral from a medical doctor. Just like visiting your dentist or eye doctor, seeking chiropractic care is driven by personal health needs and does not require prior approval from a physician.
Myth #3: Chiropractic Care is an Ongoing Commitment
Another common apprehension about chiropractic care is the notion that once you begin chiropractic care, it becomes a never-ending cycle.
The truth: Chiropractors create personalised care plans that cater specifically to each patient’s unique needs and health objectives. The course of chiropractic programmes is not indefinite but tailored, with scheduled assessments to track progress and adapt as necessary.
Ultimately, the choice to continue with chiropractic care rests with the patient. Chiropractors support this decision-making process by providing education about care benefits and empowering patients with knowledge for self-care.
Myth #4: Chiropractors Do Not Undergo Proper, Certified Training
There’s a prevalent myth suggesting that chiropractors lack comprehensive formal education, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
The truth: In reality, chiropractors undergo extensive and rigorous academic and practical training. As a matter of fact, prospective chiropractors must complete a challenging curriculum that typically spans five years, culminating in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate in Chiropractic. The specific degree awarded may vary depending on the school and country, but all represent a rigorous, certified programme equivalent to five years of dedicated study. This education, although it does not equate to a medical or dental degree, does equip them with an understanding of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
In Singapore, chiropractors are also required to align with international standards, maintaining affiliation with recognised professional boards such as the General Chiropractic Council in the UK, the American Chiropractic Association in the US, or the New Zealand Chiropractic Board. Additionally, they must fulfil ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements to ensure they remain updated with the latest practices and research in the field.
Myth #5: There’s No Evidence Supporting Chiropractic Effectiveness
It’s also a common belief that chiropractic care lacks solid Scientific support and falls under the category of pseudoscience, making some hesitant to consider it a legitimate option for musculoskeletal issues.
The truth: Contrary to this misconception, there’s substantial research underpinning the efficacy of chiropractic care. Ongoing research, conducted by institutions like the New Zealand College of Chiropractic (NZCC), which has its own research department, and studies published in journals in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic or by the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association, continually adds to the body of evidence supporting chiropractic practices. Numerous studies have demonstrated that chiropractic methods, particularly manual spinal manipulations, effectively manage various musculoskeletal conditions. Noteworthy is a comprehensive review conducted in 2007, which examined programmes across thousands of patients, affirming the low risk of serious adverse events associated with chiropractic care. Another claim, as published on the Channel News Asia, is that paediatric chiropractic care is safe and gentle for the little ones.
Myth #6: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Painful
Many people associate chiropractic adjustments with pain due to misconceptions about the nature of chiropractic approaches and principles.
The truth: During an adjustment, the popping or ‘cracking’ sound heard is similar to that of cracking knuckles. It’s the sound of gas bubbles being released from the joint’s fluid, which is a natural occurrence and not typically painful. However, it’s important to note that not all chiropractic techniques produce this popping sound. For instance, with osteoporotic senior patients, those with acute disc problems, or patients with old fractures, a gentler approach using an activator instrument may be used instead of manual adjustments. Similarly, newborns and children may receive adjustments using a “press and hold” technique that doesn’t involve any forceful movements.
Myth #7: Chiropractors Only Perform Adjustments
It’s a common misconception that chiropractic care consists solely of spinal adjustments. In reality, chiropractic care tends to encompass a wide range of chiropractic programmes tailored to address various health concerns.
The truth: Beyond adjustments, chiropractors employ a variety of modalities, such as soft tissue therapy. They can also design personalised therapeutic exercise programmes and provide patient education, offering guidance on proper posture for daily activities like sitting, standing, and sleeping, as well as recommending specific exercises and stretches to improve musculoskeletal health. Each patient receives a customised care plan developed that addresses their specific health goals, demonstrating the comprehensive approach chiropractors take to enhance musculoskeletal health.
Myth #8: Chiropractors Are Not Regulated
And finally, there is a misconception that chiropractic practice is unregulated, leading some to question its legitimacy.
The truth: In Singapore, while chiropractic services are considered a complementary and alternative approach and are not licensed under the Private Hospital and Medical Clinic Act (PHMCA), they are indeed subject to regulation. For one, organisations like the Chiropractic Association (Singapore) and the Alliance of Chiropractic (Singapore) have been working closely with the Ministry of Health (MOH) for many years to include chiropractic under the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC).
And as mentioned above, chiropractors undergo a rigorous educational and training process, required for certification. They are also encouraged to practice self-regulation through their professional associations, further ensuring accountability and adherence to high standards of care.
Curious about how chiropractic care can support your health?
At Chiro Time, we are dedicated to providing effective chiropractic solutions tailored to your individual needs. Whether you’re seeking relief from chiropractic care for back pain or enhancing your overall well-being, our team is here to help.
Schedule your consultation today and experience the potential benefits of professional chiropractic care in Singapore.