Controversial Things I Tell My Chiropractic Clients

By Caeden Chau – Chiropractor in Courtenay, BC

Sometimes, the most accepted beliefs about pain need to be questioned. In my chiropractic practice in Courtenay, BC, I work with a lot of individuals dealing with back pain, neck pain, headaches, and persistent aches. Many come in having been given clear rules about posture, movement, imaging, and treatment. In reality, pain is rarely that simple.

Understanding what pain actually means, and what it doesn’t, can be one of the most important steps toward recovery.

Here are a few common conversations I have in clinic. Things that gently challenge how pain is usually explained, and often lead to really helpful conversations.

It’s Okay to Slouch Sometimes

Our backs are strong and resilient! They’re designed to move in many different ways, one of them being slouching.

Slouching does not automatically increase our risk of back pain. There is no single posture that is bad on its own. In fact, what matters more is how long we stay in one position.

Changing positions throughout the day and moving often is one of the healthiest things we can do for our spine. It’s not about "perfect posture", it’s about variety!

Chiropractic Adjustments Are Helpful, But They’re Only One Piece

Pain is so complex and there are many ways we can go about managing it. Chiropractic adjustments can be helpful and often provide relief, but pain is rarely that simple.

Pain is influenced by many factors, including:

• Activity levels

• Strength and mobility

• Stress

• Sleep

• Diet

• Lifestyle habits

• Beliefs about pain

In clinic, care often includes education, movement, strengthening, and lifestyle support alongside the hands-on treatment. When we are able to address more of these factors, we tend to see long-term improvements that feel sustainable and manageable.

Pain With Movement Doesn’t Always Mean Harm

Feeling pain during movement or exercise can be worrying. It’s easy to assume that pain always means damage... but that’s not always the case!

When pain is present, our muscles and joints can become extra sensitive. (Think hot showers on a sunburn... the hot water isn't damaging the skin, but it still stings!) This means movement may feel painful even when tissues are safe and healthy. This sensitivity is often coming from the nervous system, not injury.

With the right guidance, movement is often one of the most helpful tools for managing pain and rebuilding confidence.

Stretching Isn't Necessarily Helpful

Muscles that feel "tight" aren’t always shortened or in need of stretching. That stiff, achy feeling can come from fatigue, sensitivity, or weakness. While stretching can help sometimes, it’s not always the best solution. Our bodies respond well to a bunch of different stimuli that can help to manage our symptoms.

Other approaches can be just as helpful, including:

• Strengthening

• Gradual loading

• Mobility work

Part of chiropractic care is figuring out which combination works best for our body.

X-Rays and MRIs Don't Always Explain Pain

X-rays and MRIs often show findings that sound concerning or scary, but are actually commonly found on scans. A lot of times, these findings aren't associated with the pain being felt.

What the scans don't mention is that many of these findings are also found in people without pain. When imaging results are explained without context, we can become fearful and start avoiding movement or activities that we enjoy, even when our bodies are safe to move.

Pain is rarely explained by imaging alone. Symptoms, history, and how the body moves usually tell us far more.

Moving Forward

Pain can be frustrating and difficult to understand, but we are not broken. With the right information, movement, and support, pain can often be managed more comfortably and confidently.

If any of this sounds familiar and you are looking for a chiropractor in Courtenay, BC, I’d be happy to help. Care is always tailored to your goals, concerns, and body!