Millions of people visit a chiropractor each year, but some folks still worry that it's dangerous for a healthcare practitioner to adjust their neck or back. It's normal to be apprehensive about visiting any type of medical specialist, but there are very few reasons to worry about receiving a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic care is generally safe for folks of all ages, including children and senior citizens. Here are three things that may help ease your mind if you're apprehensive about scheduling an appointment with a chiropractor. 

Complication Rates Are Low

The American Chiropractic Association refers to neck manipulation as a "remarkably safe" procedure when it is performed by a licensed, experienced chiropractor. The same association reassures potential patients that the risks of experiencing a severe injury, such as a vertebral artery dissection, are incredibly low, pointing out that this condition affects just 3 out of every 100,000 chiropractic patients. That means that less than 1% of patients have serious complications after a spinal adjustment. 

Chiropractors Have Medical Degrees

If you have considered alternative remedies for your spinal pain in the past, then you may already be aware that some folks classify themselves as healers or holistic practitioners despite the fact that they have not undergone any type of formal training. Chiropractors do not do this. The average chiropractor attends at least 4 years of college, has a Doctor of Chiropractor degree, and holds a state license permitting them to practice chiropractic care. Patients can verify that a chiropractor possesses a valid license by contacting the regulatory chiropractic boards for the state or country where the healthcare provider practices.

Chiropractic Practitioners Perform an Exam

An established, reputable chiropractor does not simply glance at patients and decide that they are good candidates for chiropractic care. Chiropractic treatments work well for a wide variety of people, but some individuals may not benefit from a spinal manipulation. Luckily, chiropractors know this, and they are careful not to treat patients who do not need therapy.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says that when a chiropractic specialist sees a patient for the first time, he or she typically asks questions about the patient's current lifestyle and medical conditions, then conducts a physical exam. Some doctors also order an X-ray or MRI to verify that the spinal region is damaged or speak with your other healthcare providers to learn about your unique medical history.

Chiropractic care can help reduce back and neck pain, and serious side affects are rare. If you're considering chiropractic care, schedule a consultation with an experienced healthcare professional at a clinic like Moss Chiropractic to learn more about how spinal adjustments can benefit you.