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What Chiropractors Actually Do: Debunking Common Myths

  • June 26, 2026

In this episode of the Revive Chiropractic podcast, Dr. Jae ho Roh tackles one of the most frequently asked questions he encounters in his Sunnyvale, California practice: what do chiropractors actually do?

With so many myths and misconceptions circulating about chiropractic care, Dr. Roh sets the record straight and separates fact from fiction in a straightforward, approachable conversation.

Whether you’re a longtime chiropractic patient or simply curious about what to expect, this episode is a great starting point for understanding the real benefits and scope of chiropractic treatment.

Hey there, welcome back. I’m Doctor Jae ho Roh, and you’re listening to the Revive Chiropractic podcast, coming to you from right here in Sunnyvale, California. Thanks so much for spending a few minutes with me today.

So today I want to talk about something that comes up constantly in my office. And that is — what do chiropractors actually do? Because honestly, there are a lot of myths floating around out there. And some of them are pretty wild. So let’s just clear the air and talk about what chiropractic care really is, and why so many people find it genuinely helpful.

Let’s start with the biggest one. You know what I hear a lot? “Chiropractors just crack your back.” I get it. That sound is… memorable. But here’s the thing — that’s not really what’s happening. What chiropractors are trained to do is called a spinal adjustment. And what we’re doing is applying a very specific, controlled movement to a joint that isn’t moving the way it should be. That sound you hear — that pop — is just gas being released from the joint space. It’s harmless. It’s actually the same thing that happens when you crack your knuckles. The adjustment itself is about restoring proper motion, reducing tension, and helping your nervous system function better. It’s a lot more precise than just “cracking your back.”

Now, here’s another myth I hear often. “Chiropractic is only for back pain.” And look, yes — if you have back pain, we can absolutely help with that. But chiropractic care is really about your spine and your nervous system working together. Your spine houses and protects your spinal cord. And your spinal cord is the highway for every signal that travels between your brain and your body. When joints in your spine aren’t moving well, it can create tension and irritation that affects more than just the local area. Neck pain, headaches, shoulder tension, even how you feel day to day — these things can all be connected to how well your spine is functioning. So no, it’s not just for back pain.

Here’s a third one that I want to address, because I think it holds a lot of people back from even trying chiropractic. “Isn’t it dangerous?” I hear this one, and I completely understand the hesitation. Any healthcare decision deserves careful thought. But the reality is — chiropractic adjustments are considered one of the safest forms of treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. We go through years of clinical training specifically to learn how to assess patients properly and apply the right technique for the right person. A good chiropractor always evaluates before they treat. We look at your history, your posture, how you move — before we ever put our hands on you.

So what can you do starting today? First, pay attention to how you feel in your body. Are you waking up stiff? Do you find yourself constantly rolling your neck or shifting in your chair? These are little signals your body sends you. Second, work on your posture. I know — everyone says this. But it matters. Simple things like keeping your screen at eye level, taking short breaks to stand up, and being mindful of how you’re sitting can make a real difference over time.

And if you’ve been dealing with pain, stiffness, headaches, or just that general feeling that something is off — that’s when it’s worth coming in for an evaluation. You don’t need to be in severe pain to see a chiropractor. In fact, the earlier we catch something, the easier it usually is to address. We’re not here to scare you or keep you coming back forever. We’re here to help you understand what’s going on and put together a plan that actually makes sense for your life.

If you’re here in Sunnyvale or the surrounding area, I would love to meet you. Come see us at Revive Chiropractic. We take the time to listen, to explain what we find, and to work with you — not just on you.

Thanks so much for tuning in today. I hope this helped clear up a few things. And if you have questions, reach out to us. We are always happy to talk. Until next time — take care of yourselves, and we’ll see you soon.