Tag Archives: orthopedic vs chiropractor

The decision between chiropractic and orthopedic care ultimately comes down to your preference. However, it’s crucial to know the differences between both forms of treatment. This article will look at chiropractor and orthopedic similarities, differences and costs.

Chiropractic Approach

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 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.

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.

Orthopedic Approach

While orthopedists do treat the same areas of the body as chiropractors, their approach differs in many ways. A visit to an orthopedic surgeon typically means a patient can expect treatment, then get prescriptions or injections, if necessary.

Chiropractors and orthopedists may recommend physical therapy to a patient experiencing constant pain, but only an orthopedists will move forward with surgery if the pain persists. Even if this may seem like a quick fix, orthopedic surgery does have many long-lasting benefits.

Orthopedic surgeons often utilize non-biological implants to strengthen or repair bones. Non-biological implants are made of materials that are not meant to move or shift over time.

What To Expect From A Chiropractor Vs Orthopedic

Usually, patients will seek the services of a chiropractor due to back or neck issues. During your initial meeting with the chiropractor, you will be asked about pain, causes and symptoms. A chiropractic assessment will include checking your range of motion, strength and examination for possible spinal subluxations.

Once a chiropractor assesses your overall condition, a variety of treatments may be used. These treatments may include electrical stimulation, flexibility exercises, heat or ice and spinal/peripheral joint manipulations. A visit to the chiropractor is recommended whenever you have an acute spinal problem that is impacting your movements. Some chiropractors can even treat acute joint injuries, such as hip or shoulder pain.

Your first orthopedic appointment, meanwhile, will consist of a comprehensive medical history evaluation, diagnostic imaging and other physical tests.

What Are The Similarities Between Chiropractor And Orthopedic?

Both orthopedic physicians and chiropractors are highly-educated medical professionals. These healthcare professionals will see patients to relieve any discomfort caused by musculoskeletal issues.

Chiropractors and orthopedic physicians will see individuals who suffer from the following conditions:

• Scoliosis
• Whiplash
• Joint problems
• Back and neck pain
• Sciatica and leg pain
• Disc issues
• Osteoarthritis 
• Sports injuries
• Arm pain/numbness
• Pinched nerves
• And more

What Are The Differences Between Chiropractor And Orthopedic?

The obvious difference between chiropractors and orthopedic physicians is the motivation to treat symptoms the way they ultimately do. For instance, conventional chiropractic wisdom teaches that all body tissues are connected to one another. That means that any bodily tissue can trace back in some way to a misalignment, which can be treated by a chiropractor.

When a chiropractor properly aligns the spine, your body’s nervous system is able to heal the issues. This methodology is actually considered more of an alternative treatment compared to orthopedic doctors using traditional healing methods.

Orthopedic physicians use the latest medical technology and techniques to treat pain. These doctors will discern the specific nature of an issue with physical examinations, diagnostic equipment, then treating the issue. Put simply, chiropractors rely on non-surgical tools, while orthopedic doctors and surgeons will use diagnostic equipment and surgical techniques.

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 An Orthopedic New Patient Visit Cost?

According to MDsave, an orthopedic new visit costs a national average of $211. Prices will range from $148-$460 across the U.S. in 2022.

Chiropractor Vs Orthopedic: Conclusion

When experiencing pain, you need to make sure you are visiting a professional who can clearly outline a treatment plan. It’s recommended to visit an orthopedist for broken bones and torn muscles. Visit a chiropractic if you wish to undergo a more natural and non-invasive treatment.