Why Many Healthcare Practitioners and Doctors Think Chiropractors Are Kooks (And Why That’s Hilarious)

chiropractor, I’ve been called a lot of things over the years. “Quack,” “witch doctor,” “back cracker.” Honestly, at this point, I should start a bingo card for all the things people say when they find out what I do. But let's address the elephant in the room—why do so many healthcare professionals seem to think chiropractors are the equivalent of a magic show at a county fair?

If you’ve ever overheard a doctor or physical therapist mutter something like, “Those chiropractors are just a bunch of kooks,” I’m here to laugh it off, unpack it, and (gently) bust some of those myths wide open. Spoiler alert: Chiropractors aren’t the crazy, spine-bending charlatans some would have you believe. In fact, we’re just a bunch of folks who like to see people feel better without handing out a prescription for every little ache. So, let’s dive into why this stigma exists and why it’s as outdated as the idea that the Earth is flat.

1. Chiropractors Are "Too Alternative" for Some Folks

Let’s get this one out of the way. The healthcare world is kind of like that one friend who insists on having everything “mainstream.” They want the fancy machines, the latest pills, and the newest technologies that sound like something out of a sci-fi movie. So, when a chiropractor strolls in, saying, “I can help you feel better with my hands, thank you very much,” you can almost see the other healthcare practitioners clutching their prescription pads in terror.

But here’s the deal: Chiropractors are not anti-modern medicine. We just believe in letting the body do its thing without turning to drugs or knives at the first sign of trouble. We’ve been around for over a century, people! Sure, we don’t have fancy gadgets or high-tech surgeries to offer, but we’ve got something better: the ability to help people feel better using time-tested techniques. And spoiler alert: it works.

2. The “Crack Your Back” Stereotype

Ah yes, the classic “crack your back” image. If you ask the average person what a chiropractor does, they’re probably going to picture someone snapping and popping spines like they’re trying to launch the next superhero movie. People often think we’re auditioning for "The Chiropractor’s Revenge" with all the popping sounds.

But here’s the truth: The McTimoney approach I practice isn’t about getting all dramatic with the cracking sounds you might have seen in movies. It’s about gentle, subtle adjustments that realign the body. It’s a little more understated and a lot more effective. We’re not here to make things “pop” for fun, my friends. We’re here to help your body feel better, gently and precisely. Let’s stop pretending like we’re auditioning for a kung fu flick, shall we?

3. The “We’re Not Doctors” Debate

Cue the dramatic music! “Are chiropractors doctors?!” It’s a debate that has sparked many a passionate conversation. And sure, we didn’t attend traditional medical school (I mean, who’s got that kind of time?), but we do have extensive training in anatomy, neurology, and physiology. We’re not prescribing medication, but we do know a thing or two about how the body works.

Here’s a fun fact: Chiropractic care is meant to complement traditional medicine. We’re not trying to take anyone’s job. We’re just offering an alternative for those who want to feel better without immediately resorting to painkillers or invasive treatments. And yes, we are doctors of our craft—just with a slightly more hands-on approach and fewer white coats. Next time someone questions our credentials, just tell them we’re "doctors of getting people out of pain, one gentle adjustment at a time."

4. The “We Can’t Fix Everything” Problem

Look, I’ll admit it: We’re not miracle workers. While we can certainly do amazing things, like alleviating pain and improving mobility, we can’t cure everything. We’re not about to tell you we can make your arthritis vanish or stop your hair from thinning (though if that happens, let me know!). But when we get patients walking in with chronic neck pain or tension headaches, and they leave feeling better and moving more freely? That’s a win.

And sure, some doctors might feel a little nervous about us getting all excited over success stories. After all, if someone comes to me with sciatica and walks out with a smile, I’m probably going to mention it to anyone who will listen. But no, we’re not here to promise a cure-all. We just want to get you feeling better, one adjustment at a time. And if that’s kooky, then call me a kook!

5. The Lack of Mainstream Research

Ah, the infamous “we don’t have enough research” argument. Look, I get it. Big, randomized controlled trials are important in the world of medicine. But just because something doesn’t always fit neatly into those study parameters doesn’t mean it’s not effective.

Yes, there’s research to back up chiropractic care—especially McTimoney chiropractic—and while it may not always be presented in the format that other medical professionals prefer, the results speak for themselves. How do I know this? Because every time someone walks into my office in pain and leaves feeling better, I consider that a success. The body is pretty amazing, and chiropractic care just helps it do its thing. So, next time someone questions the research, I’ll just point them to all the happy, pain-free patients walking out of my office.

Let’s Embrace the Kookiness

At the end of the day, calling chiropractors “kooks” is really just a misunderstanding wrapped in an outdated stereotype. We’re highly trained professionals who’ve dedicated ourselves to helping people live healthier, more pain-free lives. Sure, we may not fit neatly into the “mainstream” medical box, but does that make us any less effective? Absolutely not.

So, next time someone calls us a kook, I’ll just take it as a compliment. After all, we’re the ones getting people out of pain without popping pills or booking them for surgery. If that makes us “kooks,” then we’ll wear that title proudly. Because in the end, we’re the ones who’ll be cracking the code for better health—one gentle adjustment at a time.