‘When I say almost all the usual lines chiropractors tell you are lies, I mean almost all of them’: Chiropractor says that most of his profession is a scam (2024)

Braden Bjella IRL

Posted on Aug 5, 2022Updated on Aug 6, 2022, 2:31 pm CDT

A chiropractor has gone viral on TikTok after calling out an unexpected group—chiropractors.

TikTok user Trevor Zierke is a D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) whose page is filled with many tips to help people properly lift weights and take care of themselves.Now, he’s gone viral after saying that “literally 99% of my profession” is a scam.

His initial video received over 6.5 million views.

@trevorzierke_dc #stitch with @debtcollective #greenscreen please dont share with your chiropractor 😬 #chiropractor #chiropractic #chiropracticadjustment #health #fitnesstiktok ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show

“When I say almost all the usual lines chiropractors tell you are lies, I mean almost all of them,” he says.

Zierke then goes on to give examples of issues chiropractors allegedly make up, including someone’s spine being “misaligned,” tension on nerves causing health problems, and someone having back pain because their hips are off-center.

“Almost all of these aren’t true,” he concludes.

In follow-up, he clarifies that not all chiropractors are scam artists, just that the industry is filled with scams and false promises.

@trevorzierke_dc #greenscreenvideo #greenscreen are chiropractors scams? #chiropractor #chiropracticadjustment #chiropractic #health #fitnesstiktok ♬ Roxanne – Instrumental – Califa Azul

He states in this video that the reasons most people are told they need to go to a chiropractor are “overblown or just flat out lies proven wrong by research.”

Zierke also notes that, while there are many scams, that “doesn’t mean you can’t get help from a chiropractor.”

A 2016 article from TIME regarding the legitimacy of the chiropractic field notes that controversy arises when chiropractors claim their services can help issues not stemming from musculoskeletal conditions. The report cites Michael Schneider, an associate professor of health sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, who says these claims are not based on scientific evidence.

In a third TikTok, Zierke offered some valid reasons to see a chiropractor.

@trevorzierke_dc Plz don’t go see a chiropractor for your constipation #chiropractor #chiropractic #chiropracticadjustment #health #fitnesstiktok #gymtok ♬ Wii Shop Channel Trap – OSRSBeatz

He notes that one can seek help from a chiropractor if they have musculoskeletal pain that has been ongoing for more than one to two days, and that’s about it.

The creator says "basically anything that you answer ‘no’ to the question, ‘Would it feel better if that area was rubbed on for a bit?’” are issues that couldn't really be fixed by a chiropractor, including "GI [gastrointestinal] pain, hormonal issues, nutrition," among others.

In comments, users were largely supportive of Zierke's message.

First, many said that while the TikToker was right to point out the scammy nature of some chiropractors, others can be genuinely helpful.

“There’s good and bad chiropractors just like regular doctors,” one user wrote. “I couldn’t walk without shooting pain before my spine was adjusted by a chiropractor.”

“I’ve worked for two different Chiropractors. One was a complete scam artist and the other was incredible,” a second user added. “It’s a shame honestly.”

Others were simply thankful for the message of the videos.

“As a physiotherapist I've been trying to tell this but I don't want to like offend any chiropractor in doing so,” a commenter shared.

“Working in a chiropractic office, this is fair,” a further user wrote. “I have issues that I know an adjustment will help & other pain that would be better stretched/released.”

Update 2:30pm CT August 6: In an email to Daily Dot, Zierke reiterated the intention of his videos.

"I would just like to clarify that chiropractors, in general, are not a scam or are inherently scammers (I myself am a practicing chiropractor), but rather a lot of very popular sales tactics, phrases and wording used to imply patients need treatment, and methods of treatment, have never been proven to be true," he explained.

"When chiropractors say & use these methods stating things that are not factually true—I believe it’s scammy behavior and practices."

"There are still a lot of very good, honest, and integral chiropractors out there," he concluded. "They can provide a lot of help and relief to patients. But that’s unfortunately not the majority, and I’ve heard too many stories of people falling victim to some of these scam-like tactics from bad apple chiropractors."

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*First Published: Aug 5, 2022, 10:02 am CDT

Braden Bjella

Braden Bjella is a culture writer. His work can be found in Mixmag, Electronic Beats, Schon! magazine, and more.

‘When I say almost all the usual lines chiropractors tell you are lies, I mean almost all of them’: Chiropractor says that most of his profession is a scam (2024)

FAQs

Why do chiropractors have such a bad reputation? ›

Chiropractors, especially in America, have a reputation for unnecessarily treating patients. Sustained chiropractic care is promoted as a preventative tool but unnecessary manipulation could possibly present a risk to patients. Some chiropractors are concerned by the routine unjustified claims chiropractors have made.

Why do doctors not like chiropractors? ›

This fundamental difference in philosophy often leads to skepticism and misunderstanding from the medical community. Some doctors may view chiropractic care as unconventional or lacking scientific evidence, leading to a reluctance to refer patients to chiropractors or collaborate with them on patient care.

What is a red flag in chiropractic? ›

One of the most common chiropractor red flags is when a back specialist tells you that they can fix your problems in one session. While a spinal adjustment may improve your condition, you should still see your primary care physician and consult other medical professionals.

How do you know a chiropractor is bad? ›

A good chiropractor may also teach you basic theory on how their treatments can benefit you. A bad chiropractor will just tell you to trust them and will not give you a clear understanding of why they are suggesting certain treatments. NEVER TRUST A CHIROPRACTOR THAT DOESN'T EXPLAIN THEMSELVES!

Are chiropractors actually worth it? ›

Studies upon studies show the benefits of going to a chiropractor. You could see a vast improvement in your comfort level, energy level, and general health. What you spend on monthly – or even weekly – sessions can go far to keep you feeling your best for years to come.

What does science say about chiropractic adjustments? ›

Several health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved joint biomechanics, reduced pain, and localized muscle spasms, have been associated with chiropractic manipulation.

What are negatives about chiropractors? ›

Serious complications associated with chiropractic adjustment are overall rare, but may include: A herniated disk or a worsening of an existing disk herniation. Compression of nerves in the lower spinal column. A certain type of stroke after neck manipulation.

What do MDS think of chiropractors? ›

In general, doctors enjoy working with chiropractors. Many doctors appreciate the type of care they offer, the treatment and management of musculoskeletal disorders, and the attention they give their patients.

Why don't physical therapists like chiropractors? ›

Historically, medical doctors and physical therapists did not refer patients to chiropractors because they did not understand the benefits of chiropractic care and they didn't want to risk losing patients.

Who should not get chiropractic adjustment? ›

If there is a physical abnormality or injury in your body, such as a fracture, chiropractic care may not be for you. People with osteoporosis and those with fragile health should also check before beginning chiropractic care.

Do chiropractic adjustments really release toxins? ›

“Toxins” is a vague word that doesn't really mean anything. Chiropractic adjustments greatly improve your body's natural healing abilities, but there is not a specific toxin release that will make you feel sicker or healthier after an adjustment.

Are too many chiropractic adjustments bad? ›

According to a 2019 scoping review , there is no universal standard for the frequency and duration of spinal manipulation treatment. The frequency may depend on the chiropractor's experience. The review concludes that spinal manipulation frequency does not significantly affect treatment outcomes.

When should you stop seeing a chiropractor? ›

Chiropractic treatment should be discontinued when your injury has been restored or your treatment goals have been met, per your chiropractor's evaluation. Treatment should also end if: You are not experiencing any benefits at all. You do not feel even a gradual improvement.

What happens when a chiropractor cracks your back? ›

What your chiropractor does is restore proper motion into that stuck joint with an adjustment. You'll feel things move, you may hear a pop as the joint opens up, and then, once normal motion is restored, those nerves tell your muscles that it's ok to relax again.

Can a chiropractor tell if you have arthritis? ›

Yes, chiropractors can diagnose osteoarthritis through a combination of assessing your symptoms, the location of the pain, and a physical examination. The chiropractor (or doctor) may also order x-rays to further confirm the diagnosis and determine the amount of joint damage involved.

Is there any evidence for chiropractic? ›

The most positive research on chiropractic therapy has focused on spinal manipulation for low back pain. As one of the alternatives to pain-relieving drugs, the American College of Physicians low back pain guideline recommends spinal manipulation along with heat, massage, and acupuncture.

How do you say thank you to your chiropractor? ›

Share the details about your positive experience. Other patients frequently read online reviews before picking an office, so this is helpful. In addition, many doctors read the reviews to see what their patients think. Remember that a positive review is a free and meaningful way to say thank you.

What toxins are released after chiropractic adjustment? ›

In summary, scientific evidence does not support the myth that toxins are released after a chiropractic adjustment. The body has natural mechanisms for eliminating toxins; chiropractic adjustments do not play a significant role.

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