What conditions does The Cape Town Chiro treat?

We specialize in treating back pain, neck pain, sports injuries, and improving performance through evidence-based chiropractic care.

How long are chiropractic appointments?

Appointments are 45 minutes for an Initial Consultation and 30 minutes for a Follow Up, offering longer and more thorough care than most practices in Cape Town.

Is chiropractic care safe?

Yes. At The Cape Town Chiro, care is evidence-based, patient-centered, and safety is always our priority.

How much does a session cost?

Our sessions range between R650–R900 depending on the type and duration of your appointment.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a chiropractor?

No referral is needed. Chiropractors in South Africa are primary-contact practitioners, so you can book directly through The Cape Town Chiro.

How much does a chiropractic session cost?

An initial consultation costs R900 for 45 minutes and follow-ups are R650 (20-30 minutes).

Do you accept medical aid?

We don’t bill medical aid directly, but we provide you with a statement so you can submit a claim to your provider.

Can I reschedule my chiropractic booking?

Yes — you can reschedule via the confirmation email link or by reaching out directly to The Cape Town Chiro.

Why don’t you perform in-house X-rays?

In-house X-rays often yield poor image quality. We refer patients to professional radiology centres for accurate imaging and proper reporting.

When are chiropractic appointments available?

Bookings are open from 06:30 to 19:00 on weekdays, and Saturdays 06:30 to 16:00. You can reserve slots 24/7 via the online system.

Is Chiropractic Pseudoscience? Evidence For and Against (Presented by Chiropractor Cape Town | Dr Tristan Koekemoer)

Name: The Cape Town Chiro
Address: 99 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8005, ZA
Telephone: +27 76 313 6987
Price range: R650-R900
Rating: 5

Introduction

Chiropractic care, which focuses on spinal alignment and manual adjustments, is widely used to treat musculoskeletal issues. Despite its popularity, some critics label it as pseudoscience. But is that fair? This article examines the evidence for and against chiropractic care, explaining where it shines and where doubts remain.

1. Definition: What Is Pseudoscience?

Pseudoscience refers to claims or practices that claim scientific validation but lack rigorous evidence, often relying on anecdotal observations or untestable theories. To determine whether chiropractic is pseudoscience, we peer into both its scientific backing and its more speculative theories.

2. Evidence Supporting Chiropractic Care

a) Low Back Pain and Spinal Manipulation

A large randomized controlled trial (JAMA Network Open, 2018) found that combining chiropractic care with usual medical care significantly reduced low back pain intensity and disability after six weeks, compared to usual care alone. (JAMA Network)
A systematic review by Gevers-Montoro et al. (2021) supported spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) as effective for non-specific and chronic spine pain, comparable to other recommended therapies. (PMC)
Health authorities like the Mayo Clinic and Harvard Health recognize spinal manipulation as beneficial for low back pain, neck pain, and certain headaches, especially as an alternative to drugs. (Mayo Clinic)

b) Professional Integration and Guidelines

Several clinical guidelines now endorse spinal manipulation as a first-line, non-pharmacological treatment for low back pain. (Harvard Health)
Chiropractic care is increasingly integrated into multidisciplinary pain treatment strategies, especially where drug use (e.g. opioids) carries risks. (JAMA Network)

3. Evidence Against Chiropractic Claims (and Where Skepticism Is Warranted)

a) Subluxation Theory and Ontological Claims

The vertebral subluxation—a subtle spinal misalignment causing general disease—is foundational in traditional chiropractic but lacks scientific validation. Mainstream anatomy and physiology reject it. (PubMed)
Ernst’s critical evaluation (2008) labeled fundamental chiropractic concepts as not based on solid science, particularly when used to justify non-musculoskeletal treatments. (PubMed)
The profession remains divided: “straight” chiropractors adhere to traditional vitalistic ideas, while “mixers” adopt evidence-based, anatomy-focused practice. (Wikipedia)

b) Efficacy Beyond Back Pain

There is limited or no compelling evidence supporting chiropractic treatment for non-musculoskeletal conditions(e.g., asthma, ear infections, high blood pressure). (PMC)
Some chiropractors’ claims of curing or preventing diseases outside their scope remain anecdotal and unproven.

c) Safety and Risk

While mild side effects (stiffness, temporary soreness) are common, serious complications such as stroke due to neck manipulation are rare but well-documented. (Wikipedia)
Critics call for more standardization, informed consent, and caution—particularly in pediatric or high-risk patients. (Herald Sun)

4. Weighing the Evidence: Is Chiropractic Pseudoscience?

No—not in total. While certain elements like spinal manipulation for back pain are evidence-supported and integrated into mainstream care, other aspects—notably subluxation theory and claims beyond musculoskeletal conditions—remain unproven or pseudoscientific.

Chiropractic care exists on a spectrum:

When grounded in evidence-based musculoskeletal practice, it is legitimate and helpful.
When rooted in vitalistic or metaphysical claims unsupported by data, it crosses into the realm of pseudoscience.

5. If You’re Considering Chiropractic Care

Tip	Rationale
Seek licensed, evidence-informed chiropractors	Avoid practitioners who tout cures for unrelated conditions.
Ask about treatment scope	e.g., spinal manipulation only for musculoskeletal pain.
Inquire about possible side effects and risks	Especially if you have neck issues, arthritis, or other risk factors.
Report and follow up if symptoms don’t improve after a few sessions	Pipeline alternative options.

6. Ready to Book? Contact Us!

Location:
Chiropractor Cape Town | Dr Tristan Koekemoer
Atlantic Seaboard | Sea Point | Green Point, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Booking Link:
Book your consultation here — secure your appointment in just a few clicks!

WhatsApp Us:
Want a quick chat or to ask a question?
Click here: WhatsApp The Chiro or add +27 76 313 6987 to chat instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can chiropractic cure diseases like asthma or high blood pressure?

Answer: No reputable scientific evidence supports chiropractic as a cure for non-musculoskeletal diseases. Chiropractic care should be focused on back pain, neck pain, headaches, and similar conditions.

2. Is chiropractic adjustment safe?

Answer: For most people, spinal manipulation is safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. Mild side effects such as temporary soreness are common. Serious risks (e.g., stroke) are rare but mostly associated with neck manipulation, so informing your provider about your medical history is vital.

3. What about the concept of vertebral subluxation?

Answer: The traditional idea that tiny misalignments cause systemic disease is not supported by modern science. While joint dysfunction can contribute to pain or mobility issues, the original “subluxation theory” is considered pseudoscientific.

4. How many sessions will I need for back pain relief?

Answer: Treatment varies by individual. Some patients experience relief after a few sessions; others may require more frequent care over several weeks. Your chiropractor should reassess and adjust your plan based on your progress.

5. How do I choose a good chiropractor?

Answer: Look for a practitioner who:

Is licensed and trained in anatomy, musculoskeletal conditions, and evidence-based care.
Offers clear, transparent communication about what their treatments can realistically achieve.
Is willing to consult or refer you to other health professionals if needed.

Conclusion:
Chiropractic is not inherently pseudoscience, especially when used appropriately for musculoskeletal conditions like low back pain. It has demonstrated benefits in numerous high-quality studies. However, aspects like vitalistic subluxation theory and claims beyond the spine remain scientifically unsupported. Choose practitioners wisely, and always consider chiropractic as part of a broader, informed approach to health.

Herniated Disc Worries? Here’s What Cape Town Chiropractors Want You to Know

Do I Need X-rays Before Seeing a Chiropractor?

What Chiropractors Really Do – Cape Town Chiropractic Explained