Whether you’re seeking pain relief or trying to respond to a particular back problem, acupuncture, and chiropractic care might be your best option. While a Denver chiropractor would be able to respond to the same issues as a Denver acupuncture, these professionals utilize different techniques to ensure you stay pain-free.
Continue reading to learn more about whether acupuncture or chiropractic care is the right decision for you.
What Is Acupuncture?
With roots in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture can potentially treat many ailments. However, it is primarily used for pain relief. This form of treatment often coincides with others and research is still needed to examine many of the treatment claims made by practitioners. Despite the research needed to explore the effects of acupuncture further, many doctors believe it is an excellent supplemental therapy.
Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine believing the body contains a flow of energy (qi pronounced “chee” according to the body’s pathways known as meridians. The theory suggests that once these meridians get interrupted, pain results in the nervous system. Acupuncture is thus thought to lessen this pain by improving the flow of these meridians.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture generally does not cause pain because the needles are hair-sized. Due to their incredibly thin structure, most people say needles are painless. Needles aren’t the only thing that affects meridians, either. Heat, pressure, friction, suction cups, and electromagnetic energy also free up energy within the body.
What Is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic treatments target the body’s musculoskeletal system and focus on the spine. Chiropractic theory states that when the skeletal system is out of alignment, pinched nerves and stiff muscles caused by misalignment result in pain. Chiropractic treatments and pain relief will include lifestyle analysis, physical adjustments, and long-term rehabilitation therapy.
It also includes specialized equipment that aids chiropractors in performing the adjustments safely and effectively. Patients often report a significant improvement in mobility and overall pain reduction. Patients often experience this after the first session but long-term recovery plans are typically necessary for full recoveries.
Is Acupuncture Better than Chiropractic?
Acupuncture’s supporting evidence is largely anecdotal and insubstantial. One person might feel significant improvement while others feel no effect.
Chiropractic treatment has more accredited research, with many studies revealing patients see significant results. Chiropractic care also features more thorough approaches to treatment. Acupuncturists might prescribe herbal remedies or supplements, but chiropractors can access prescriptions for pain relief and management.
Which Is Better for Me?
Chiropractic and acupuncture are both alternative sources to healthcare and you shouldn’t substitute a medical doctor’s opinion with a chiropractor’s. When it comes down to it, chiropractic care is typically the best option if the pain comes from the skeletal system or lifestyle choices.
It might also offer long-term rehabilitation and professional advice benefits. Acupuncture might be more suitable for people whose bodies are unable to take the high torque adjustments of chiropractic care. Acupuncture sessions can also have other uses, such as relaxation and detoxification.
To provide clarity, you might want to try both to determine which one suits your needs best. You should consider whether insurance covers your options as well.
