Do Chiropractors Actually Realign Your Spine? (Nope, Here’s the Truth) – The Cape Town Chiro
Think chiropractors “put bones back into place”? Think again. Here’s the science behind chiropractic adjustments — no fear-mongering, just real, evidence-based care from a Cape Town chiropractor.
Do Chiropractors Actually Realign Your Spine? (Nope, Here’s the Truth)
By Dr Tristan Koekemoer – The Cape Town Chiro
🧠 Where Did the “Realignment” Myth Come From?
The idea of “realignment” dates back to the origins of chiropractic in the late 1800s, where early practitioners believed that spinal “subluxations” (tiny bone misalignments) were the root of nearly all disease because they interfered with nerve flow.
Here’s what we now know, based on modern science:
- Your vertebrae don’t pop “out of place” during daily life.
- You’re not walking around misaligned like a Jenga tower.
- If your spine was truly out of alignment, it would be a medical emergency — not a chiro visit.
Despite this, the myth persists because it’s easy to explain and sells a lot of long-term treatment plans. But it’s not the truth.
✅ So What Does a Chiropractor Do Then?
Glad you asked. At The Cape Town Chiro, I don’t claim to “put things back into place.” Instead, my treatment is based on what the evidence supports.
Here’s what I actually do:
- Improve joint mobility through techniques like spinal manipulative therapy and soft tissue release.
- Reduce muscle tension and improve neuromuscular control.
- Guide you through functional rehab that restores strength, movement and confidence.
- Educate you on pain science, recovery, and long-term strategies that work.
Yes, adjustments can make that satisfying “pop” sound — but that’s just gas being released from a joint, not bones shifting back into place.
⚠️ Why the “Realignment” Myth Is Harmful
Believing your spine is out of place can:
- Create fear around movement (“I shouldn’t run or train because I’m out of alignment”)
- Cause dependence on the chiropractor instead of building your body’s resilience
- Lead to expensive care plans that don’t empower you or get you better in the long run
If your chiro is making you feel broken so that you keep coming back… that’s not healthcare, my bru. That’s a business model.
🔬 What the Research Actually Says
Modern studies show that spinal manipulation works — not because it fixes “alignment,” but because of neurophysiological effects:
- Decreases in pain sensitivity
- Improvements in joint range of motion
- Changes in muscle tone and reflexes
- Better brain-body communication
It’s more about recalibrating your nervous system than shifting bones.
🤷♂️ Should You Still Get Adjusted?
Absolutely — if it helps your pain or movement, and if it’s part of a broader plan that includes rehab, strength work, and education.
At my clinic, an adjustment is one tool in the toolbox — not the whole treatment.
📍 Looking for Real Help? Not Realignment?
If you’re tired of hearing that your spine is “out” and want real answers (and relief), book a consult with me — no fluff, no fear-mongering, no B.S.
📅 Book Online 24/7
📍 Convenient to V&A Waterfront, Green Point & Sea Point
🕕 Early and late appointments available for your schedule
🧠 Final Thoughts: Realign Your Thinking, Not Your Spine
Let’s drop the outdated myths.
✅ Chiropractic care doesn’t realign bones.
✅ It supports function, mobility, and pain relief through smart, evidence-based interventions.
✅ You don’t need 40 visits. You need a plan.
🔗 Related Posts You’ll Enjoy:
- Why Are Chiropractors Hated? (Let’s Be Honest)
- How Do I Know If I Have a Good Chiropractor?
- What Happens When a Chiropractor Cracks Your Back?
- Are There Still Honest Chiropractors Out There?
Tags:
Chiropractic Myths, Spine Health, Chiropractic Science, Chiropractic Cape Town, Chiropractic Education