Many people view Chiropractic as an expensive luxury, but is it really? Chiropractic care continues to grow in popularity due to its natural approach to achieving wellness and prevention. Further scientific research reveals the true cost effectiveness of Chiropractic care for treating neuromusculoskeletal complaints such as neck pain, back pain, headaches and sciatica. In modern society more and more people are waking up to the prospect of spending the remainder of their lives taking prescription medications when there may in fact be a more cost-effective and less invasive option.What is the true cost of visiting your medical doctor? On average a visit to your local general practitioner ranges from $40 – $70 if your appointment is not covered by Medicare. Following your appointment it is highly likely that you will find yourself on the way to the pharmacy to purchase prescription medications that have been recommended for your problem. While some of these prescription medications are life saving and necessary, a large portion of them are potentially harmful and even addictive.
While pain medication may make you feel almost instantly improved they do not adequately address your complaint and therefore place you at a high risk of developing the same issue down the track. Long term use of such substances results in toxicity and dependence issues which can be extremely costly.
A Different Approach
If you’re suffering a musculoskeletal related problem my firm belief is that consulting with your family general practitioner is pointless. There are a variety of reasons for this, however typically general practitioners have a very poor understanding of these types of complaints. Musculoskeletal practitioners such as Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Osteopaths are a much better alternative and view your problem with the aim of achieving rehabilitation. Visits to such as practitioners usually range from:
- Chiropractor
- Initial Consultation & Treatment: $70 – $100
- Regular Appointment: $45 – $70
- Physiotherapist
- Initial Consultation & Treatment: $90 – $130
- Regular Appointment: $70 – $90
- Osteopath
- Initial Consultation & Treatment: $70 – $100
- Regular Appointment: $50 – $80
As you can see these fees compare extremely competitively to visiting a medical doctor.
The Cost Effectiveness Of Chiropractic Care
Recent studies have examined the true cost-effectiveness of Chiropractic care in comparison to other manual therapies and medical approaches. A 2012 journal publication demonstrated that spinal manipulation therapy (as delivered by Chiropractors) was more cost-effective for managing neck and lower back pain compared to typical care that would be received when visiting a medical doctor, Physiotherapist or exercise. An earlier investigation during 2007 showed that clients under the direction of Chiropractors received less hospital admissions and surgeries when compared to those under the direction of a family general practitioner.
Recent Comments