Share this episode:
In this episode, Dr. Craig Schulman from Chiropractic Fitness in Charlotte addresses the most common misconceptions about chiropractic care. He tackles the everyday myths he hears from patients and provides clarity on what chiropractors actually do.
If you’ve ever wondered about the reality of chiropractic treatment versus the stereotypes, this episode offers straightforward answers from an experienced practitioner.
Hey there, this is Doctor Craig Schulman from Chiropractic Fitness here in Charlotte. Thanks for tuning in today.
So, I want to talk about something I hear almost every single day in my office. People come in and they say… Doctor Schulman, what exactly do you do? Or even better, they tell me what they think I do, and honestly, a lot of times they’ve got the wrong idea. So today, let’s clear up some of these myths and talk about what chiropractors actually do.
First off, the biggest myth out there… that we only crack backs. Now look, spinal adjustments are a big part of what we do, absolutely. But here’s the thing. When I’m working with you, I’m looking at the whole picture. I’m assessing how your spine moves, how your muscles are functioning, your posture, your daily habits. I’m trying to figure out why you’re having pain or dysfunction in the first place. An adjustment isn’t just a crack for the sake of cracking. It’s a specific movement applied to a joint that isn’t moving properly. And that helps restore normal motion, reduces inflammation, and gets your nervous system working better.
Another myth I hear all the time… once you go to a chiropractor, you have to go forever. Listen, that’s just not true. Do some people choose ongoing wellness care? Sure. Just like some people get regular massages or go to the gym consistently. But if you come in with acute lower back pain, my goal is to get you feeling better and functioning well as efficiently as possible. We create a treatment plan together. And when you’re better, you’re done. Some folks come back when they need a tune up. Others never come back. That’s totally fine. You’re in control.
Here’s another big one. People think chiropractic care is dangerous or that adjustments are going to hurt. I get it. The popping sound can be intimidating if you’ve never experienced it before. But that sound is just gas bubbles releasing from the joint. It’s the same thing that happens when you crack your knuckles. And most of my patients tell me adjustments feel really good… like a relief. Are there risks? Like any medical procedure, sure. But serious complications are extremely rare. We’re trained to assess your health history and make sure you’re a good candidate for care.
And one more myth… that chiropractors aren’t real doctors. Okay, let me set the record straight on this. I went to chiropractic school for four years after getting my undergraduate degree. We study anatomy, physiology, neurology, radiology, diagnosis, and we do extensive clinical training. We take national board exams. We’re licensed by the state. We’re absolutely real doctors… we just focus on conservative, non-surgical, drug-free approaches to musculoskeletal problems.
So here’s what I want you to take away from this. Chiropractic care is about restoring function, reducing pain, and helping your body move and feel better. It’s evidence-based, it’s safe, and it’s effective for things like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint problems.
If you’ve been putting off getting checked out because you believed one of these myths, I hope today clears things up. And if you’re in the Charlotte area and you’re dealing with pain or just not feeling your best, come see us at Chiropractic Fitness. Let’s figure out what’s going on and get you back to doing what you love.
Thanks for listening. I’m Doctor Craig Schulman, and I’ll catch you next time.
I came in with a reversed cervical curve and Dr. Schulman was able to completely fix it. He uses different techniques than just the basic readjustments that most chiropractors do, so he actually fixes problems long term. Mary the receptionist is also so sweet and welcoming. Always brightens my day to see her!
I’m so glad I came here! 🙌 Everyone made me feel like they genuinely cared about my health and getting me better. I had never had X-rays done on my back before, and being able to actually see what was going on and understand that there were ways to improve it made me feel much more at ease. I really appreciate the doctor for explaining everything, giving me stretches to work on at home, and providing adjustments that have been helpful. I’m definitely coming back!
Great experience! Went in for a DOT exam and it was super fast the doctor and front desk were very nice.
I highly recommend Dr. Schulman! He is personable, knowledgeable, and professional. I went from having neck and back pain almost every day to having no pain at all. I also continued seeing him throughout my pregnancy, and he was always thoughtful about accommodating me and adjusting care as needed. Sheila and Mary at the front are so sweet and welcoming as well. I’m very appreciative of the care and kindness I’ve received here!
I came into Dr. Schulman's office with severe sciatica pain, heel pain on right, and such a tight neck that I couldn't sleep at night from throbbing aches and pains. Now that I've been seeing Dr. Schulman for 3 months now, I'm running with my dogs again, and getting back into the gym without any back or neck pain. Best decision I ever made for self care! Highly recommend!
I have endured an 18 year headache due to a car accident. I’ve visited multiple Chiropractors over the years with no change to my issue. I’m now seeing there is light at the end of this dark tunnel. The care that I am receiving is unmatched. I no longer have a constant headache. I recommend coming here for Chiropractic care if you desire to get better.
I found Dr. Schumann at the Taste of Charlotte a few weeks back, and it has completely turned everything around for the better. I have had chronic pain in my low back, hip, leg, and groin since November of 2025 (~7 months unresolved). I went to orthopedic doctors, physiologists, physical therapists and more in that time frame — no one was able to give me a concrete or definite source of my pain — if anything, I was thrown around a million different diagnoses and treatments. I’m a healthy, active 26 y/o and had no prior injury. Very quickly (when I say fast, I mean with scans evaluated during our FIRST consult) Dr. Schumann was able to identify that I’ve had a pinched nerve at my S1. I’ve been following his plan for the last two weeks and have already felt relief that I completely forgot exists. I can proudly say that I am no longer in chronic pain, while I experience minimal flares as we work to fully resolve the issue. I plan to continue treatment until my spine is realigned. Whether you’re in need of immediate relief, long term relief, or someone that will affirm you are not crazy and there is a source to your pain — Chiropractic Fitness is the place to go (and Dr. Schulman’s team is absolutely phenomenal and so helpful).
Excellent care. Knowledgeable chiropractor and patient care.