Myth #1: “There’s such a thing as perfect posture.”
We’ve all heard it: “Sit up straight!” or “Don’t slouch!” But here’s the truth — there’s no one perfect posture.Your body is designed to move. Staying frozen in any position (even what people call “good posture”) can actually make you more uncomfortable over time. It’s less about how you sit or stand, and more about how long you stay there.Your muscles, joints, and nervous system love variety — so shift positions, stand up, stretch, and move throughout your day. Think of posture as a snapshot of your current position, not a permanent setting. Movement is the goal, not perfection.
Dr. Myra’s Takeaway: “The best posture is your next one.”
Myth #2: “Flexing your spine is dangerous.”
Let’s talk about the misunderstood villain of back health: spinal flexion. Yes, bending forward (like touching your toes or doing Jefferson curls) can feel scary if you’ve been told it’s “bad for your back.” But research and experience show that the spine is built to bend, flex, and adapt.Avoiding movement out of fear can actually make your back less resilient. Controlled flexion under appropriate load — when done with proper progression — teaches your body how to move confidently and safely.Instead of fearing flexion, learn to respect and train it. Because the more your spine experiences safe movement, the stronger and smarter it becomes.
Dr. Myra’s Takeaway: “Your spine isn’t fragile — it’s adaptable.”
Myth #3: “Chiropractic is only for the spine.”
Sure, chiropractors are spine experts — but our work goes far beyond that. At Sonoma Sports & Family Chiropractic, I treat shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and wrists just as often as backs and necks.Pain and dysfunction in the extremities can affect how your whole body moves. Whether you’re a powerlifter with shoulder impingement, a soccer player with a rolled ankle, or a parent chasing toddlers with wrist pain, chiropractic care can help restore joint motion and function throughout your entire kinetic chain.We’re not just “back doctors.” We’re movement specialists who help your body perform as one connected system.
Dr. Myra’s Takeaway: “If it moves, we can help it move better.”
Myth #4: “Pain always means something is damaged.”
One of the most common misconceptions in healthcare — not just chiropractic — is that pain automatically equals injury. But pain is more complex than that. It’s a protective signal from your nervous system, influenced by stress, sleep, past experiences, and even emotions.Sometimes, tissues heal long before pain fully subsides. Other times, you may feel discomfort without any structural damage at all — like when you have a tension headache after a stressful week.At Sonoma Sports & Family Chiropractic, I look at the whole picture — not just where it hurts. The goal isn’t to chase pain, but to understand why it’s happening and restore balance to the system that’s sending those signals.
Dr. Myra’s Takeaway: “Pain is information, not identity. Listen to it — don’t live by it.”
Myth #5: “If it doesn’t hurt, nothing’s wrong.”
The flip side of the last myth — just because you’re pain-free doesn’t mean your body’s functioning optimally. Restricted movement, muscle imbalances, and poor coordination can exist long before discomfort shows up. That’s why performance-based care and regular check-ins matter — not just when something’s “off.”I often see athletes or weekend warriors who feel fine… until their body finally says, “Enough.” Preventative care helps you stay ahead of the breakdown, not play catch-up after.
Dr. Myra’s Takeaway: “Don’t wait for pain to get your attention — movement is the best early warning system.”
Final Thoughts:
These myths have haunted people for far too long — but knowledge is power. Your body is not fragile. It’s adaptable, intelligent, and capable of so much more than you’ve been told.
Let’s rewrite the narrative this October: Move. Lift. Bend. Thrive. And if you need help along the way, we’ll guide you back into alignment — no scary stories required.
