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Ever wondered what chiropractors actually do — or felt unsure about what to expect from a visit? In this episode, Dr. Andrew Hancock of Friendship Heights Chiropractic tackles the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding chiropractic care head-on.
Drawing from real questions he hears every week in his Washington, D.C. practice, Dr. Hancock breaks down the facts in a straightforward, approachable way that’s perfect for first-timers and longtime patients alike.
Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or simply looking for clarity, this episode will give you a clearer picture of how chiropractic care works and how it might benefit your health.
Hey there, and welcome to my first podcast episode. I’m Doctor Andrew Hancock, and you’re listening to the Friendship Heights Chiropractic podcast, coming to you from right here in Washington, D C. Today I want to talk about something that comes up almost every single week in my practice. And that’s the question of — what do chiropractors actually do? Because there are a lot of myths out there. A lot of misconceptions. And honestly, I get it. If you’ve never been to a chiropractor before, it can feel a little mysterious. So let’s clear the air today, and I think by the end of this, you’re going to have a much better picture of what chiropractic care is really about.
Okay, so let’s start with the big one. The myth I hear more than any other. “Chiropractors just crack backs.” Now, I have to laugh a little when I hear this, because it’s so much bigger than that. Yes, chiropractic adjustments can involve that popping sound — and we’ll get to what that actually is in a moment — but the real focus of what we do is restoring proper movement and function to the spine and joints. When a joint becomes restricted or misaligned, it can create tension, discomfort, and stress on the surrounding muscles and nerves. Our job is to identify where that’s happening and help the body move the way it’s designed to move.
Now, that sound — that pop — it’s not bones cracking. Here’s what’s actually happening. Your joints are surrounded by fluid, and when the joint is gently moved through its range of motion, a small gas bubble releases. That’s it. It’s called cavitation. It’s completely normal, and honestly, it doesn’t even happen every single time. The adjustment is still working whether you hear that sound or not.
Here’s another myth I want to address. “Once you start going to a chiropractor, you have to go forever.” I hear this one a lot, and I understand the concern. The truth is, the length of your care really depends on your individual situation. Some people come in for a specific issue — maybe they threw their back out moving furniture — and after a handful of visits, they feel great and they’re done. Other people find that regular chiropractic care helps them stay active and feel their best long-term, so they choose to keep coming in. That’s a personal decision, not a requirement. We always want to give you the information you need to make the right choice for your own body.
Now, a lot of people also think chiropractors only treat back pain. And while yes, back pain is something we see a lot of, it’s far from the only thing. We work with neck pain, headaches, shoulder tension, hip discomfort, and more. Really, any joint in the body can benefit from chiropractic evaluation. The spine just gets most of the attention because it’s so central to how your whole body functions.
So what can you do starting today? Well, first — pay attention to how you’re moving. Are you sitting for long hours without getting up? Are you carrying tension in your neck and shoulders? Simple things like taking short movement breaks, staying hydrated, and being mindful of your posture can make a real difference day to day.
And if you’ve been dealing with aches, stiffness, or recurring discomfort — even if it feels minor — I’d really encourage you to come in and get evaluated. You don’t have to be in severe pain to benefit from chiropractic care. Catching small issues early almost always leads to better outcomes than waiting until something becomes a bigger problem.
At Friendship Heights Chiropractic, we take the time to actually listen to you, understand what’s going on, and create a plan that makes sense for your life. Whether you’re brand new to chiropractic or you’ve been before and had a mixed experience, we want you to feel comfortable, informed, and genuinely cared for.
Thanks so much for spending a few minutes with me today. If you have questions, or you’re ready to come in and see us, we’d love to hear from you. We’re right here in the Friendship Heights neighborhood of Washington, D C, and we’re always happy to help. Until next time, take care of yourself — and remember, your body works hard for you every single day. It deserves a little attention in return.
