Acupuncture Vs Chiropractor

What are the differences and similarities between acupuncture and a chiropractor? Let’s look at a few!

What Is Chiropractic Treatment?

Chiropractic treatment is a hands-on approach to examining, treating and diagnosing a patient. Typically, patients will seek the services of a chiropractor when they are experiencing pain or looking for prevention. Spinal manipulation tends to be one of the most common therapeutic chiropractic treatments today. This form of manipulation is used to restore mobility of the joints.

Required to complete up to five years of specialized coursework at an accredited college of chiropractic medicine, these medical professionals are highly trained and skilled. Prospective chiropractors must complete a minimum of 4,200 hours in the classroom, labs and clinical work.

Chiropractic Pros

Chiropractic adjustments are pretty affordable and short sessions work wonders. Chiropractic management can offer vital health benefits, comprising of back and neck relief, arm or wrist pains, sleeping disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis strain and tension afflictions, sciatica, bursitis, knee pain, foot pain, ankle pain, fibromyalgia, and much more.

Overall, chiropractic care helps with sports injuries, the prevention of the decline of the joints of appendages including the spine, helping with chronic ailments such as arthritis, tendinitis, compressions, herniated discs, irritated nerves, etc.

Chiropractic care is considered to be beneficial for neck pain and headaches. It also improves nervous system functionality, offer precautionary care, relieve prenatal irritation, and increase energy.

Chiropractic Cons

Chiropractic care comes with a fair amount of risks. These risks run the gamut from bone injury to a terminal stroke. However, there are some disparity when it comes to the believability of chiropractic care in scientific studies and personal accounts. The personal accounts sing wonderful things. At the same time, scientific studies are not big supporters.

Chiropractic care focuses mainly around spinal control. Nevertheless, neck adjustments are different. It is more delicate and has quite an additional concerning risk. A study purported by the American Heart Association in 2014 shown that neck adjustments by a chiropractor might be linked to an increased risk of terminal stroke. And several reports on deaths because of chiropractic neck adjustments unfolded recently. These adjustments will require a number of visits to the chiropractor. Although a single session might seem cheap, the number of sessions will match the number of bills.

Because chiropractic care is essentially the manipulating of the spine and typically requires high velocity jolts. People that have bone damage are recommended not to receive chiropractic care because of heightened chances of more bone damage. An additional concern is the credibility of the chiropractors. It is pivotal that you don’t end up at a unlicensed chiropractor.

What Is Acupuncture?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says acupuncture is safe, yet this practice is still seen as alternative medicine. Acupuncture involves stimulating points in the body via thin metallic needles. The needles are inserted into the skin, then manipulated either by hand or electrical stimuli. It works by regulating the flow of the body’s vital energy.

Acupuncture has been practiced for generations, with origins in Asian countries. This is one of the basic tenets of traditional Chinese medicine. Typically offered as an alternative medicine, acupuncture can be used to treat chronic pain and headaches, back pain, neck pain and joint pain.

Acupuncture Pros

Safety is an advantage of acupuncture. The FDA has given its approval, so as long as you are seeing a professional, your safety will be ensured during this process. Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including fibromyalgia, tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, it has been shown to strengthen the immune system, relieve insomnia and reduce stress.

Acupuncture is typically cheaper than other alternatives. The low cost is mainly due to some skepticism in the technique that remains across the medical field. Nonetheless, continuing research shows time and time again how beneficial acupuncture can be for pain relief. Patients that are recovering from illness tend to heal quicker when undergoing acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture Cons

The biggest fear most patients have is the treatment hurting. While there will be some discomfort involved, most patients agree the needles feel more like pressure than pain. Once the needless are in place, there will no longer be any discomfort.

Few cases of complications have been reported, but there are some serious issues that have occurred in the past. Punctured organs and harsh infections have been noted, yet the cases are few and far between. Possibly the biggest disadvantage of acupuncture is that most health insurance plans will not pay for this treatment.

How Much Does A Chiropractor Cost?

On average, chiropractor adjustments cost $65 per session for the US in 2022, with average prices of chiropractic care ranging from $30 to $200 per session. Your actual price depends on the chiropractor’s experience, location, and if you have insurance, according to CharlotteWelnessCenter. Most experienced offices will offer free chiropractic care consultations.  At our chiropractic clinic in Glendale, Arizona we provide affordable chiropractor services with and without insurance.

How Much Does Acupuncture Cost?

Depending on provider and location, costs for acupuncture sessions range from $75-$95. Routine visits will typically cost $50-$70, according to CostHelper.

Should I Choose Chiropractic Treatment Or Acupuncture?

Choosing between a chiropractor and acupuncture truly comes down to what you feel is best for your body. A physician recommendation can help push you in one direction, of course, but you must feel comfortable before undergoing treatment. Discuss your interest in the two treatments with your regular physician to ensure you are a good candidate for this type of therapeutic care.

Can You See A Chiropractor And Acupuncturist At The Same Time?

Yes, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of seeing both a chiropractor and acupuncturist at the same time. In fact, a chiropractor may even recommend a patient see an acupuncturist for some sort of supplemental treatment. The additional support provided by the acupuncturist can help you maintain the results of the chiropractic treatment.