The Top 3 Reasons People Aren’t Seeing A Chiropractor

Dr. Steven Scappaticci, B.Sc. (Hons.), CSCS, DC, FRCms

​As a chiropractor, I’ve seen people recover from many injuries. It doesn’t matter if the issue is acute or chronic, if it’s their back or their foot; I’ve seen not only improvements in symptomatology but more importantly resolution of pain & restoration of function. What baffles me is that with results like these why aren’t more people utilizing chiropractic care as the utilization rate in Ontario continues to hover around 10% with the nations utilization rate being only slightly higher. Here are some of the top reasons I’ve found that people aren’t seeing a chiropractor for their musculoskeletal (MSK) aches & pains (note: these are not ranked in any particular order).
 
            The first reason surrounds the UNAWARNESS from the general public. Let me explicitly highlight that it’s not their (the publics) fault. It cannot be expected that the average person is reading the newest research that is, believe it or not, strengthening the evidence of chiropractic care for certain MSK issues. Let me ask you this, do most people know that chiropractors treat more than just necks & backs? Do people know that chiropractors utilize many tools (e.g. acupuncture, soft tissue therapy, laser…etc.), more than only adjusting? Do people know that there are chiropractors out there (like myself) who spend more than 3-5 minutes with a patient? Patients don’t know, what they don’t know. For some they’ve only been exposed to “other” chiropractors who may practice differently, leaving the patient wanting more. The unfortunate thing is when patients paint all chiropractors with the same brush; we’re not all the same (both a ‘pro’ & a ‘con’ for the profession). My recommendation is for patients to ask questions! Make sure they’re comfortable with the treatment they’re going to receive.
 
         Another reason is the COST. For a little over a decade chiropractic care has been delisted from OHIP covered services. Simply put, going to a chiropractor in Ontario is not like going to your medical doctor and “swiping” your OHIP card to cover the cost of the visit. People now have to find another means of paying. For the fortunate, they have extended health coverage through their employer (however even this is becoming less common) but there are a percentage of people without benefits who are left to pay out of pocket.
         But let me ask you a question, what is your health worth to you? What is more important, spending money on your health or spending money on “wants” like the newest toys, cigarettes, and fast food? Addressing the issue (that being pain & dysfunction) in it’s infancy (i.e. the acute stage) will be more cost effective in the long run compared to not getting treatment and having aches & pains linger until the issues are chronic or lead to other health effects. I’d recommend prioritizing what is most important to you but I caution you to put anything before your health.
 
         Lastly, I cite APPREHENSION as a reason you’re not seeing a chiropractor for your MSK complaints. In a 2017 article in the Canadian Chiropractor, Mari-Len De Guzman cites from a 2017 Canadian Chiropractic Survey that there still seems to be a “low trust-level from the public or medical community” towards chiropractors. Why is this? Is it because there is a fear of being adjusted, fear of having to “go forever”, and/or fear of lack of value (i.e. very short appointments). I see this with new patients, particularly from physician referrals as the patient is seeing me because their medical doctor advised them to. I don’t blame the patient though; rather I take it as an opportunity to educate them on what I call ‘The New Age of Chiropractic Care’. Gone should be the days of the “revolving-door” system of chiropractors seeing patients & the cookie cutter approaches for care. I’d recommend finding a chiropractor who comes highly recommended. One who will sit down with you & answer all of your questions until you are satisfied.
 
         In a world where research & technology is advancing at an exponential rate, how come our society isn’t healthier? Our health is the key to independence. And to stay independent you must feel & move well. If you are in (or near) the Niagara Region, I would love the opportunity to speak with you further about how we can work together to get you feeling your best & how my approach is different than the rest!