Debunking Health Myths: A Chiropractic Perspective

“True health requires proactive, preventative measures - not just relying on insurance or medications to manage diseases after they arise." - Dr. Ryan Hewkin

Healthcare is riddled with misconceptions that can obscure our understanding and hinder our wellness journey. I want to unravel some of the biggest health myths that persist in modern discourse, particularly those that distort the true essence of healthcare.

The Real Face of Healthcare
Many refer to the healthcare system as "sick care" because it often focuses more on symptom management rather than prevention or treatment of the root causes of diseases. In the United States, despite leading the world in healthcare spending, we find ourselves lagging behind other industrialized nations in numerous health metrics like life expectancy, obesity rates, and other comorbid conditions.

Myth #1: Pills equal health.

Growing up with a pharmacist father, I learned early on about the arsenal of medications available to mask almost any symptom. From sore throats to itches, there seemed to be a pharmaceutical solution for everything. However, treating symptoms does not equate to curing the underlying ailment. For instance, taking Excedrin might alleviate a migraine temporarily, but it does not address the reason the migraine occurred in the first place. True health involves understanding and tackling these root causes, not just silencing symptoms.

Myth #2: All symptoms require treatment.

One night, our daughter had a fever, which many might rush to suppress with Tylenol. Yet, fevers are part of the body’s natural defense mechanism, helping to fight off infections. Suppressing a fever can sometimes interfere with this natural process. During my studies, we learned how even slight changes in temperature can affect bacterial growth, illustrating how a fever can be a beneficial response to infection.

Myth #3: Health is someone else's responsibility.

Perhaps the most insidious myth is the belief that our health is not our own responsibility. This mindset is often reinforced by a health insurance system that focuses more on managing diseases than promoting wellness. True health requires proactive, preventative measures—not just relying on insurance or medications to manage diseases after they arise.

Empowering Yourself...

Understanding these myths is the first step toward taking control of your health. At our practice, we focus on holistic wellness, encouraging patients to engage actively in their health through informed choices, regular chiropractic adjustments, and a lifestyle that supports overall well-being.

By shifting our perspective from a passive receipt of healthcare to an active pursuit of wellness, we can transform our lives and truly live up to the name of healthcare. It’s about time we start nurturing our bodies and minds with the care they deserve.