Last Updated on March 15, 2024

You might think that chiropractic and acupuncture treatments are the same, but there are subtle differences between them. Both are known as a solution for pain management as part of a physical rehabilitation program. If you are curious about chiropractic vs. acupuncture treatments, here is our ultimate guide. 13w

Are you looking for an experienced chiropractor or acupuncturist? Inner Gate Health & Wellness provides both of these services. Our multiple good reviews make us the best in the Portland area!

Table of Contents

What Is Chiropractic Treatment?

When some patients need help with pain relief, they turn to chiropractic treatments. These methods use a hands-on approach to examine, diagnose, and treat patients. One of the most common forms of chiropractic treatment is spinal manipulation. With this, pressure is applied to the spine to restore the mobility of the joints. All chiropractic practitioners are highly trained, with most completing about five years of coursework at an accredited college. The student must spend at least 4,200 hours of class time, lab work, and clinical studies in these programs.

Chiropractic Treatments Advantages

These treatments are an ideal option for patients experiencing back, neck, and joint pain. In many cases, those with neuromusculoskeletal problems can find relief through these treatment options. Many patients and medical professionals prefer these treatments because they are noninvasive and drug-free. These chiropractic treatments can help patients recover faster than other methods. Since there has been a focus on pain medication dependence, chiropractic treatments are a great alternative to those traditional pain relief options.

Disadvantages of Chiropractic Treatments

While there are plenty of benefits of chiropractic treatment, it does have a few disadvantages. After a treatment session, some patients have felt some soreness or aches in some areas of the body. However, many of these ailments dissipate after 24 hours. Despite these issues, chiropractic manipulation continues to have an excellent track record in its safety. Plus, many patients are happy to find an alternative to heavy pain medications. Unfortunately, some insurance companies do not pay for chiropractic treatments, which can be a barrier to those patients seeking pain relief. In addition to that, some adjustments must be completed over a series of visits, adding to the treatment costs.

What Is Acupuncture?

Some patients are a little nervous about the acupuncture procedure. Since it is considered complementary medicine, medical professionals might not suggest this treatment to their patients right away. Acupuncture involves using thin metallic needles to stimulate points on the body. When the needles are inserted into the skin, they can be manipulated by electrical stimuli or the practitioner’s hand. This treatment regulates the flow of vital energy in the body known as the “qi.” For thousands of years, Asian medicine practitioners have used these techniques.

Along with that, acupuncture is one of the basic treatment methods in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This type of pain relief is an excellent alternative for that experiencing neck, joint, and back pain. Some patients have even found relief for their headaches with acupuncture.

Advantages of Acupuncture

One of the biggest pros of acupuncture is that it is considered a safe treatment option. However, you always want to find someone who has experience in the field. In many cases, acupuncture can treat a variety of problems, from tennis elbow to carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition to that, acupuncture can improve the respiratory system, relieve insomnia, and reduce stress. Plus, these treatment options can give a sense of well-being to the patient.

When compared to other types of treatments, acupuncture is significantly cheaper. Despite the benefits, there is some controversy surrounding these treatments and their effectiveness. Many medical professionals still believe in acupuncture treatment, and there have been encouraging studies demonstrating the pain-relief abilities of this method. In most situations, patients who are recovering see faster results with their recovery. Acupuncture is known to reduce inflammation and increase circulation to help in the healing process. In many states, acupuncturists are required to pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam before starting to treat patients.

Acupuncture Disadvantages

Since acupuncture involves needles, many patients believe that the treatments will be painful. There is no doubt that a patient will feel some discomfort, but the feeling is more of a pressurized sensation than actual pain. With the right acupuncture practitioner, the patient should have a relaxed experience with this pain relief method. Acupuncture is a generally safe option when performed by a well-trained individual, There are fewer side effects than other pain relief treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medication or steroid injections. Like chiropractic treatment, acupuncture is often covered by insurance companies.

A person receiving an acupuncture needle in the knee

Chiropractic Acupuncture

Some patients can find a practitioner who offers both chiropractic and acupuncture services. There is a field known as chiropractic acupuncture that combines both of these practices. With these dual treatments, the patient sees both the chiropractor and the acupuncturist on the same visit. There is no need to schedule separate visits, making it a convenient option for patients. Plus, when these treatments are combined, it leads to a better pain management outcome for the individual. Most of these acupuncture practitioners are qualified chiropractors who are governed by the American Board of Chiropractic Acupuncture.

Which Option Is Best for You?

When you need help with pain management, you need to decide which one is the best option for you. With advice from your physician and knowing your personal comfort levels, you will find a suitable method to help alleviate and manage pain. Your chiropractor or acupuncturist can discuss these treatments so that you choose the ideal choice for therapeutic care. Both chiropractic and acupuncture treatments are effective, but only you can decide which one is the best solution for your needs.

Are you looking for a noninvasive way to manage or relieve pain? Turn to the best Acupuncturist in Portland! Inner Gate Health & Wellness not only provides acupuncture, but also chiropractic, naturopathic, and massage therapy treatments.

Katherine V.

March 9, 2023.

While recovering from injuries sustained from a car accident, I have seen a few different acupuncturists as well as a chiropractor and masseuse at Inner Gate, and I have appreciated them all. The care I've received has been stellar - compassionate, personable, considerate, and soothing. Truly, Inner Gate practitioners have greatly helped me in my healing process. Thank you!

Abbie W.

July 26, 2022.

I have been seeing Nick Maxwell for Craniosacral massage for the last several months after a car accident left me with whiplash, nagging low back pain, a mild concussion, and stress and anxiety. He is an incredibly gifted healer that has helped me immensely! I have had a plethora of bodywork over the years, and I can undoubtedly say that his massages are the best. He has also helped with digestive issues/SIBO/nervous system recovery. I would never see anyone else again after finding him. I am much calmer, happier, and healing well thanks in big part to his care.

Elizabeth M.

February 10, 2022.

Well, I will start by saying that Nicholas Maxwell is my favorite massage therapist. I went to him after 1 year of shoulder pain. Before going to him, I was waiting for the pain to just go away; it didn't. He was the first person I sought any help from. I'm sorry to say, I didn't expect that much relief from a massage but after about 3 sessions I felt close to cured of 1 whole year of pain! He recommended a great physical therapist to solve my shoulder stiffness and pain. My pt said that Nick did a great job of loosening up the muscles for a quicker recovery. Nick seemed to wipe out all the surface pain and extraneous tenderness so that my pt could pinpoint my injury which turned out to be shoulder tendonitis. Now I see both of them concurrently. They both gave the same estimate for recovery, which was shorter than I thought it would be. I've had more that 50 massages in my lifetime (CA, NY, NV), Nick is the only massage therapist I have been to that leaves me feeling better for days and days after the actual massage. If I could describe what Nick's massages feel like, it would be like this: If the ocean waves had massaging hands, they would be Nick's. Before going to Nick, I am a chuck steak. After my massage, I am filet mignon. What can I say, Nick Is Awesome!!

Julian J.

November 4, 2021.

My physical therapist suggested acupuncture for my chronic knee injury in July 2021. I'm going to explain my story, but I want to say at the beginning that Emma Ellsworth at Inner Gate Health & Wellness saved me from a life of chronic pain. It's really difficult and frustrating to find good care anywhere these days, so trust me when I tell you that you can end your search now. Just call Inner Gate and ask for Emma. I always find it helpful to read health care reviews from folks who suffer from the same issues as me, so here's a bit about my medical history: My orthopedic physician diagnosed me with IT band syndrome in my right knee in January 2021. I began a course of physical therapy, but not only did the IT band syndrome not get better, I actually developed IT band syndrome in my left leg due to overcompensation. I pushed myself a little too hard and started noticing that even very light exercise would cause my symptoms to flare up (inflammation, pain, swelling, etc.). By May 2021, I could not walk more than 3 blocks at a time without my knees flaring up. Keep in mind that I'm an otherwise healthy person in my mid-30s. I then developed hamstring tendinopathy in both legs, I assume to disuse. Along with preexisting patellofemoral pain syndrome issues, suffice to say that my knees were totally busted, okay. After all that, my physical therapist and orthopedic physician basically threw their hands up and suggested either cortisone shots for the rest of my life, acupuncture, or prescription pain medication that I really shouldn't be taking due to family history of hypertension. In comes Emma. I'm a huge believer in modern Western medicine and everything, but Emma succeeded where two physical therapists, a physiatrist, my orthopedic physician, and my primary care doctor all failed. Emma succeeded not only because she did something they did not - acupuncture - but she succeeded because she was more effective and patient at taking time to find the actual root cause of my issues. She is super methodical about interviewing me at the beginning of every session, evaluating what worked / didn't work from last time, trying out new areas for acupuncture, and over the course of 4 weeks eventually found an acupuncture solution that reduced my pain. I remember when it happened - I had an acupuncture session one Friday in October, and two days later I was going for a walk and ended up walking like 3 times further than I had walked in the past 6 months. I stopped and was like, "Wow my legs don't hurt at all." The pain literally vanished, went from a 5-6/10 on the pain scale all day every day down to 0-1. The massive pain reduction has allowed me to resume my physical therapy exercises with less pain and start rebuilding my knee strength. I still go to acupuncture to deal with some knee meniscus issues and overall wellness / mental health issues. Honestly, I feel such a tremendous sense of wellness after every acupuncture session that I kind of don't ever want to stop going. Anyway, if you made it this far, thanks for reading and hopefully my story is helpful. Seriously, go see the folks at Inner Gate. You won't regret it!!

Mitchell P.

October 19, 2021.

Inner Gate Health & Wellness provides exceptional care! Their staff, specifically Emma Ellsworth, is skillful, compassionate, and effective at providing holistic healing services, including acupuncture. I highly recommend treatment with Inner Gate and Emma Ellsworth for symptoms including depression, anxiety, pelvic floor pain, back pain, and digestion issues.

Ruben S.

April 15, 2021.

This is a long overdue, rave review for Terry. I've been to many acupuncturists over the last decade and she is hands down the most helpful and accommodating. I came in with a very unsolvable problem (tinnitus) and had tried everything before coming to Terry. Terry has helped improve my symptoms with Tinnitus and a number of other issues. She's also extremely patient and takes time out of every session at the beginning to go over progress and how I'm feeling. She has a good understanding of my problems and is always ready with solutions to help. Acupuncture with Terry is one of the highlights of my week -- thank you for being so great!!

Dr. Kaley B.

November 28, 2020.

Very impressed! Great acupuncture, well organized front desk. Liz is fantastic, and I'm not a fan of needles. Finally got some relief from back and neck pain. Looking forward to a few more sessions!

Abbie W.

September 15, 2020.

I highly recommend Oliver Leonetti at Innergate Acupuncture! I have seen him for the last 12 years for various ailments - ranging from nagging sports injuries to digestive issues to insomnia/anxiety, and he always provides the highest level of care that truly lasts. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable and skilled, but he is super kind and caring and always take the time to truly listen. I always feel better after leaving my appointment. I honestly do not know what I would do without Oliver or Innergate Acupuncture! Also, I've seen several of the acupuncturists there, and they are all fantastic as well.

M W.

July 9, 2020.

I can't recommend these guys enough! I have a 10 yr old competitive skier who was having some knee pain & had never had acupuncture done before...not only did these guys gently ease him into the entire process - they also helped him get back on the ski hill after the first couple of treatments I was super impressed with their professionalism & how both Liz and Casey approached his injury - now my little guy looks forward to going to his acupuncture appointments! Yay! Thank you a zillion times over for taking such good care of my little guy.

Abby J.

January 9, 2020.

I used to think acupuncture was sort of hokey. Not total witchcraft, but definitely not the magic, cure-all that people said. Well, folks, a few months in and I can report that I'm a changed woman! Well, really, it only took one session. Terry took my whole health history into consideration and helped with everything. Anxiety, sleeplessness, colds, ankle injuries, back pain--you name it. I've come in with problems and always left improved. I'm sure all the acupuncturists are lovely, but I want to stress how awesome Terry is. She takes my concerns seriously without making me feel like I'm at a stuffy doctors office. She approaches her work with humor and friendliness and is spot on with her treatment. Terry has made me feel comfortable from the get-go and has made my weekly appointments something for me to look forward to. My friends all have heard me rave about her, so I'd say everyone I know should go see her, but then I may never be able to squeeze in my appointments again! Just kidding, of course. Also, big props to the front desk staff too. They have been super kind and helpful when guiding me through insurance issues or unexpected after work traffic. I'd highly recommend Inner Gate SE to anyone with any ailment!

Chiropractic vs Acupuncture: The Ultimate Guide