By The Numbers: How Safe Is Chiropractic

One way to assess the safety of chiropractic care and medical care is by examining the rates of malpractice claims and the cost of malpractice insurance for each profession. Malpractice insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for healthcare providers in case they are sued for medical malpractice. The cost of malpractice insurance is typically higher for professions that are considered to be at a higher risk of being sued.

According to a report by the National Practitioner Data Bank, chiropractors have a lower rate of malpractice claims than medical doctors. The report found that chiropractors had a malpractice claims rate of 1.53 claims per 100 chiropractors, compared to medical doctors who had a malpractice claims rate of 3.46 claims per 100 doctors. This suggests that chiropractic care may be safer than medical care in terms of the risk of malpractice claims.

In addition, the cost of malpractice insurance for chiropractors is generally lower than for medical doctors. As mentioned earlier, the average annual premium for chiropractic malpractice insurance ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 per year. In contrast, the cost of malpractice insurance for medical doctors can vary widely depending on the specialty, geographic location, and claims history, but can often range from tens of thousands of dollars to even over $100,000 per year.

Of course, malpractice claims and insurance costs are only one way to measure the safety of chiropractic care and medical care. Other factors such as patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and adverse events should also be considered. However, the lower rate of malpractice claims and the lower cost of malpractice insurance for chiropractors may provide some indication that chiropractic care is a safe and effective alternative to medical care for certain conditions.

It's also worth noting that chiropractic care and medical care can complement each other, and many patients may benefit from a combination of both. For example, a patient with low back pain may benefit from chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal alignment and mobility, as well as from medical interventions such as pain medication or physical therapy to manage pain and improve function.

In conclusion, while both chiropractic care and medical care have their benefits and risks, the lower rate of malpractice claims and the lower cost of malpractice insurance for chiropractors may suggest that chiropractic care is a safe and effective alternative to medical care for certain conditions. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for their specific needs.