Chiropractic Care: Common Myths & Misconceptions (Senior Edition)

Written By Ethan Marler

Myth #1: “Chiropractors will only crack your back.”

In reality, chiropractic care has come a long way in the last hundred years, and we do much more than just “cracking backs” (although we are really good at that). Hands-on treatment is just one part of the overall approach I use. Clinical guidelines for common conditions (such as back pain, neck pain, and certain headaches) often recommend a combination of education, exercise, and manual therapy. 

A typical visit starts off with a conversation. As we talk, I get a detailed health history from you and perform a physical assessment. This helps me identify the source of your symptoms and rule out conditions that may require referral to another healthcare provider. From there, care is often focused on helping you move better, reduce pain, and return to normal activities safely.

We work together to tailor the treatment plan to your needs. Treatment may include:

  • Hands-on techniques – such as joint mobilization, muscle release therapy, or spinal manipulation/adjustments

  • Guided exercises/stretches targeted to strengthen your weak spots and stretch where you're tight

  • Shockwave therapy for the more stubborn and chronic issues, like scar tissue

But just as important as treatment, I spend time helping you understand your condition and how you can manage it in your daily life.

Myth #2: “Chiropractors can only help with your back pain."

While the spine is certainly an important part of the treatment I offer, modern chiropractic care focuses on the entire musculoskeletal system – the muscles, joints, and nerves that help your body move.

Headache and Migraines

Patients come into the clinic every day with headaches and migraines, and chiropractic can be a huge relief. Many headaches are linked to tension in the neck muscles or stiffness in the upper spine. I’ll work with you to improve your neck mobility, reduce muscle tension, and teach you posture and movement strategies which can help reduce the frequency or intensity of certain headaches.

Shoulder problems

Shoulder pain is a very common issue. You may have issues with rotator cuff irritation, shoulder stiffness, or difficulty lifting your arm making it hard to dress, reach shelves, or carry groceries. I can assess your shoulder movement, provide manual therapy when appropriate, and prescribe exercises that improve your coordination, strength, and mobility.

Hip problems

Hip pain is another frequent concern, particularly in older adults. The hips play a key role in walking, balance, and standing from a seated position. Stiffness or weakness in the hips can increase the risk of falls and make everyday activities more challenging. We can work on improving your hip mobility and recommend exercises that strengthen the surrounding muscles.

Foot and Ankle problems 

Pain in the heel, ankle stiffness, or difficulty with balance can affect your walking and stability. I often look at how the entire lower body works together to help improve movement and reduce strain on these joints. I may also recommend orthotic soles for your shoes, which we can custom order to your foot. 

Vertigo and Dizziness 

A condition that sometimes surprises people is vertigo or dizziness. We are trained in assessments that can help identify many possible causes of dizziness. As a result, I may perform simple repositioning maneuvers that can help resolve these symptoms, or refer you to another healthcare provider more specific to your situation.

Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs)

Approximately 80% of people involved in motor vehicle accidents get injured. Roughly ½ of them still experience lasting effects a year later – even with regular treatment. With seniors typically taking additional time to recover. Even low-speed collisions can lead to injuries such as whiplash, muscle strains, joint stiffness, headaches, and reduced mobility. In the clinic, I focus on restoring your movement, reducing pain, and guiding you through gradual rehabilitation exercises to support your recovery and return to normal activities.

Myth #3: “Chiropractors only talk about the spine.”

As a healthcare professional, I’m able to discuss a variety of health-related topics that may influence your physical health, mobility, and overall quality of life. Some things we can talk about include:

Physical Activity and Exercise

I’m a huge advocate of movement. It is one of the most effective treatments for many conditions, regardless of your age. I can help you develop safe strengthening programs, walking routines, and mobility exercises that improve your joint health, reduce stiffness, and maintain your independence.

Balance and Fall Prevention

Injuries as a result of falling are one of the most common reasons I see people in the clinic. For older adults especially, maintaining balance and leg strength is essential for preventing falls. I can help assess your fall risk and provide simple balance exercises, walking strategies, and advice on safe movement you can do at home and in the community.

Posture and Everyday Movement

Many daily activities (such as lifting groceries, gardening, shoveling snow, or using a computer) can place strain on your body. I can provide practical advice on your posture and body mechanics to reduce unnecessary stress on your spine and joints.

Arthritis and Joint Health

Osteoarthritis is common with aging, but movement remains one of the most effective ways to manage it. We can discuss gradual activities, strengthening surrounding muscles, and staying active to support joint function.

Sleep and Recovery

Sleep plays an important role in healing and pain sensitivity. Poor sleep can increase inflammation and make pain feel worse. We can talk about your sleep habits, comfortable sleeping positions, and simple strategies that support better rest and your recovery.

Nutrition and Muscle Health

Good nutrition supports tissue repair, muscle strength, and overall health. While I do not replace dietitians or physicians, I can provide general guidance about adequate protein intake, hydration, and maintaining a balanced diet to support your healthy aging and recovery from injury.

Pain Education

Pain is influenced by many factors, including stress, activity levels, sleep quality, and the nervous system. Understanding how pain works can reduce fear and help you stay active, which is often an important part of recovery.

Recovery After Injury or Surgery

Injuries and surgeries can be major life changing events. While rest is an important step in the recovery process, we can work together to guide safe return to movement by gradually reintroducing strength, flexibility, and functional activity.

Myth #4: “Once you start chiropractic care, you have to go forever.”

You may have heard this, but in reality, your goals direct the frequency and length of your treatment plan. I am here to serve you and your interests. Whether that’s to help reduce your pain, improve your movement, build your strength, or return to your normal activities, we’ll work together to find the right timeline for you.

Many patients come into the clinic with a very specific problem. Once their symptoms improve and they feel confident managing things on their own, the visits stop until the next thing happens.

Other patients choose to continue booking appointments regularly after they feel better. This is not because they are required to, but simply because they like how they feel after treatment. They report feeling looser, moving more comfortably, or noticing less stiffness after their visits. This maintenance care – whether it's monthly, quarterly, or annually – becomes part of their routine for staying active and managing the aches and pains that can come with aging.
The most important thing to remember is that ongoing care is always a choice. We work together to create a plan that fits your goals, comfort level, and lifestyle. My goal remains the same: helping you stay active, independent, and feeling your best throughout the year.

Myth #5: “Chiropractic care is unsafe or dangerous for seniors.”

It is understandable that you may feel unsure or nervous about chiropractic care. As we age, bones and joints can become more fragile, and you may worry that treatment may cause injury. But I can assure you as chiropractors we are trained to carefully assess each patient and modify treatment based on age, health history, and medical conditions. My clinic routinely treats patients into their 80s and 90s with great success. 

Safety is always my number one priority. For seniors, I routinely screen for things such as osteoporosis, fracture risk, medication use, and other medical conditions before providing treatment. I adapt your care accordingly, and in many cases, treatment involves gentle techniques.

In fact, there are many techniques that I use specifically designed to be low force and comfortable, making them well suited for older adults.


Activator (the “Clicker”)

A great example is using the Activator, which gets its nickname from the sound it makes. An Activator is a small handheld tool used to deliver a very gentle and precise impulse to a joint. The movement is quick but controlled, and you may appreciate that it does not involve twisting or heavy pressure.


Drop Table

Another option is using a drop table, sometimes called a drop piece. This specialized table has sections that move slightly during treatment, allowing joints to be adjusted with less force. The small drop helps the joints move while reducing the amount of pressure applied to your body.


Mobilizations

Mobilizations offer slow, controlled movements that gently improve joint motion without the quick thrust of a traditional chiropractic adjustment. I often combine mobilizations with muscle work and guided exercises to help improve your strength and mobility.


As with any healthcare treatment, open communication is important. I want the clinic to be a safe space, where you feel comfortable discussing your concerns and preferences with me. A good care plan should be individually tailored to you and adjusted as needed.

Myth #6: “Chiropractors aren’t real doctors.”

I would never imply that I am a Medical Doctor (MD), but as a chiropractor I do have a Doctorate in Chiropractic (DC). As chiropractors, we are regulated healthcare professionals who receive extensive university education and must meet strict licensing standards to practice. In many regions, we serve as primary contact providers for spine, joint, muscle, and nerve related concerns. We also collaborate with family physicians, physiotherapists, surgeons, and other specialists – especially for seniors with complex medical histories.

Becoming a chiropractor requires years of formal education. Chiropractors must first complete a four-year undergraduate degree, focusing on science courses such as biology, anatomy, and physiology. After that we attend a Doctor of Chiropractic program, which typically takes another 3-4 years. During this program, we complete thousands of hours of classroom learning and hands-on clinical training. We study subjects such as anatomy, neurology, biomechanics, imaging, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment approaches for various spine, joint, muscle, and nerve conditions.

Once we finish our education, we must pass a series of national board exams as well as meeting annual licensing requirements. In Alberta, we are regulated under the Health Professions Act, which sets clear standards for training, ethics, and patient safety. This regulation helps ensure that you receive care from qualified professionals who follow strict professional guidelines.

As chiropractors, we are also members of professional organizations that help maintain high standards of care and continuing education. I am licensed through the College of Chiropractors of Alberta and am a member of the Chiropractic Association of Alberta and the Canadian Chiropractic Association. These organizations help support research, education, and advocacy for evidence-based care.

Together, education, regulation, and professional oversight help ensure that as chiropractors we provide safe, evidence-based care. For you, this means chiropractic care is delivered by trained healthcare professionals who are accountable to both regulatory bodies and professional standards.

Myth #7: “Pain means I should stop moving.”

You may worry that if you feel pain in your back, neck, or joints, movement must be causing more harm than good. But while pain is an important signal from the body, it does not always mean that something is being damaged.

Pain is produced by your nervous system, which acts like the body’s alarm system. When your body senses potential danger, your brain creates the feeling of pain to encourage you to protect that area. However, like a home alarm that goes off when the wind blows, your pain system can sometimes become overly sensitive, even when there is no serious injury.

Many factors can influence how strongly we feel pain. Poor sleep, stress, anxiety, and low physical activity can all increase the sensitivity of the nervous system. This is why movement is often one of the best ways you can help calm down your pain system. I often recommend gentle activity, stretching, and strengthening exercises to help your body become more resilient and less sensitive to pain over time. Avoiding movement out of fear can sometimes make pain last longer by allowing your muscles and joints to become stiffer and weaker.

This is where education about pain can be very helpful. Understanding how your nervous system works can reduce fear and help you feel more confident about moving again. This is why I often spend time explaining pain science and guide you through safe and gradual activity programs.

Myth #8: “Surgery is the only option for back pain at my age.”

You might worry that if your back pain becomes any more severe, surgery will be your only option. But I'm here to assure you that most cases of back pain improve with non-surgical treatments.

Conservative Care

In the clinic I use several conservative approaches to help you manage your back pain such as gentle spinal adjustments/joint mobilization, low-force techniques designed to improve movement in stiff joints, and targeted exercises and stretches. To me, conservative care focuses on helping your body move better, reduce pain, and improve your strength and function over time.

Exercise

I regularly recommend general movement and exercise for seniors. When you avoid movement because of pain, your muscles around the spine can become weaker and stiffer. Over time, this can actually make your back pain worse. I can help guide you through safe exercises that match your ability and comfort level.

Activity Modification

Adjusting some of your daily habits may be beneficial to reduce strain. For example, I may provide advice on your bending or lifting techniques, posture, walking routines, or ways to make your household tasks easier on your joints.

Risks of Surgery

It’s important to know that any surgical procedure involves possible complications such as infection, blood clots, nerve injury, or reactions to anesthesia. Recovery from surgery can also take months, and the results are not always guaranteed. I would recommend talking with your Doctor or Surgeon if you have any concerns. 

When Surgery is Needed

That said, surgery can be necessary and very helpful in certain situations. For example, I may suggest exploring surgical options if you have severe nerve compression, progressive muscle weakness, or loss of bowel or bladder control.

My goal is not to replace surgery when it is truly needed. Instead, I aim to help you manage pain, improve movement, and explore safe non-surgical options first. For many seniors, this conservative approach can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life without the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.

The “Coles Notes” (Summary)

As a chiropractor, I offer a wide variety of services, addressing a broad range of conditions, with a treatment plan timeline that suits your specific needs. I can be a handy addition to your healthcare team, treating anyone from their infancy to their 90s. I have a large tool bag of techniques to pull from, and I can adapt to your comfort level and condition. If you have any questions or want to learn more, come by or call the clinic anytime!

Ethan Marler
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