Chiropractors relieve pain by manipulating the musculoskeletal system.
There are many pros and cons to consider when choosing between a physician and a chiropractor; each has advantages and disadvantages. Many people choose chiropractic treatment over traditional medicine for ailments like back problems.
Scope of Treatment
Chiropractic treatment is generally considered safe. Chiropractors work with the musculoskeletal system, especially the back and neck. Back, neck and joint pain are the most common ailments treated by chiropractors. Chiropractors cannot prescribe medicine.
Education
Chiropractors are legally entitled to use the title doctor, but they do not attend medical school, and technically they are not medical doctors. The chiropractic specialty focuses more on anatomy and physiology, and averages 300 more classroom hours than in traditional medicine.
Cost
Because of the difference in treatments offered, there is no way to do a true head-to-head comparison between chiropractic care and traditional medical treatment. Some health insurance plans offer only limited chiropractic coverage, if at all, which may mean more out-of-pocket costs by the patient.
Time Involved
A course of chiropractic treatment may involve frequent multiple sessions, sometimes as many as three to five times per week. Although sessions are usually short, sometimes as little as 15 minutes, the need for repeated visits is different than, possibly one visit to a physician to get a prescription for immediate pain relief.
Pain Relief
Chiropractic care is hands-on. The goal is to relieve pain by manipulating the body, especially the neck and back, to remove stress on muscles and joints. Some patients report discomfort and stiffness after a session. Because chiropractors cannot write prescriptions, they cannot provide patients with pain relievers or muscle relaxers like a physician can.
Tags: chiropractic treatment, musculoskeletal system, pain manipulating, relieve pain, relieve pain manipulating, traditional medicine