The Cape Town Chiro

Evidence-Based Chiropractor Cape Town: Myths and What Actually Works

Chiropractic care should be judged on evidence. For back and neck pain, manual therapy combined with exercise and education is a reasonable, guideline-supported option. Many of the claims made in chiropractic marketing are not supported.

This page explains the most common myths and what Dr Tristan does instead.

Dr Tristan explaining a spine model to a patient

What you can expect here


Care based on current research, clinical reasoning and what you want to get back to.

A diagnosis

You leave the first visit knowing what is likely going on and how long recovery usually takes.

No prepaid packages

Pay per visit. Book again only if it is helping.

No routine X-rays

Imaging only when it will change the plan.

No subluxation talk

Care is based on current research and clinical reasoning.

Rehab you can do yourself

Every plan includes exercises and advice for between sessions.

Referral when needed

If another professional or a scan is needed, you are referred.

Common myths

  • “Your spine is out of alignment”

    Spines are not pushed out of place and clicked back in. The pop is gas in the joint, not a bone moving back into position.

    Read the full article
  • Subluxations cause disease

    There is no good evidence that chiropractic subluxations exist as a cause of illness. Care here is based on diagnosis, not subluxations.

    Read the full article
  • You need regular maintenance adjustments

    Long prepaid plans are not supported for most problems. You get a plan with an end point and the tools to manage yourself.

    Read the full article
  • Everyone needs an X-ray first

    Routine imaging is not recommended for most back and neck pain. It is used when it will change the plan.

    Read the full article
  • Posture scans show what is wrong

    Digital posture scans have limited evidence, and posture is a weak predictor of pain.

    Read the full article
  • Bad posture causes pain

    There is no single correct posture. Moving often and building strength matters more.

    Read the full article
  • The Y-strap is a powerful treatment

    A dramatic video does not make a treatment more effective. Forceful traction gadgets add risk without proven extra benefit.

    Read the full article
  • A full-body crack fixes everything

    More cracks are not better care. Treatment is chosen for your problem.

    Read the full article
  • Technique systems are proven

    Named systems and analysis methods often have little research behind them.

    Read the full article

Questions worth asking any practitioner

Whoever you see, these help you judge the care you are offered.

  • Can you tell me what my diagnosis is?
  • How many sessions should this take, and when will we review progress?
  • What should I be doing myself between visits?
  • Do I need to pay for a package upfront?
  • When would you refer me to someone else?

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Book your chiropractic consultation and start working towards better movement and less pain.

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