A 2002 study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health stated that “Alternative health care was used by an estimated 42% of the U.S. population in 1997, and chiropractors accounted for 31% of the total estimated number of visits” (Coulter et al., 2002). Despite negative stigmas, high costs, and little scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of chiropractic care, people continue use it as a mode of treatment. Why are people drawn to chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is very expensive, costing between $30-200 per session depending on the quality and length of treatment and many other factors (Briones, 2017). Clinics realize that monetary cost is a concern, and so they might advertise as better than others due to their monthly plans, low rates, and in some cases the fact that they don’t require insurance. One clinic, the Joint Chiropractic, prides itself on all three of these highlights and even taps into more common concerns that people may have. ” This means fewer trips to the doctor, less time off work, and more money in your pocket where it belongs” (The Joint Chiropractic, 2019). While having low monetary costs, less trips to the doctor, and less time off work, and improved health all sound ideal and convenient, there are many risks to chiropractic care.
In terms of cost, chiropractors can charge more for their services if they have had more than the required 8 years of post-secondary education, trained others in administering care, or have more advanced tools and technology in house (Briones, 2017). With cheaper clinics, their practitioners may not be as educated and trained and they could likely be causing more damage to the patient’s overall health rather than benefiting them. A 2-5 minute “quick-fix” doesn’t always do the trick, either. More respected and usually more expensive clinics can offer a variety of options for care, such as radiography, diathermy, and thermography that focus on particular musculoskeletal issues with more time and detail than mere spinal manipulation, which might be what a patient needs.
“Saving up for or having fewer sessions with a more qualified, experienced practitioner would be much more worthwhile than receiving substandard care from a “discount” doctor” (Briones, 2017).
While convenience and affordability are important to consider in choosing a method of musculoskeletal adjustment or care, the reliability of a clinic and practicioner as well as the availaibilty of proper options for one’s needs are very important to consider. For some people, cheaper clinics with a 5 minute spinal adjustment might seem satisfactoy. If someone has a more severe condition, it’s likely they will need more specialized care and might feel satisfied with the quick chiropractic service but are not actually seeing an improvement in their overall health (placebo effect). This is significant because many people turn to alternative medicine or treatments with little to no scientific support for thier benefits. The convincing advertisements that claim cheap prices, extraordinary claims of overall improved health, and a quick fix catch many people in their webs. These patients could need more specialized or thorough treatment but instead are putting their money and the future of their health into a possibly less respected or scientifically backed service.
References
The Joint Corp. “The Cost of Chiropractic Care: Is It Worth It?” The Cost of Chiropractic Care: Is It Worth It?, 2019, http://www.thejoint.com/colorado/colorado-springs/colorado-springs-38002/193800-cost-chiropractic-care-is-it-worth-it.
Coulter, Ian D, et al. “Patients Using Chiropractors in North America: Who Are They, and Why Are They in Chiropractic Care?” Spine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Feb. 2002, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11805694.
Briones, Danielle. “Cost of Chiropractic Care – Treatment Costs.” DocShop, DocShop, 6 Sept. 2017, http://www.docshop.com/education/chiropractic/cost.
Data/Society/Decision-making Spring 2019 