Why Do People Choose Alternative Treatments Over Traditional Medical Care?

In recent years, more people are turning to alternative treatments—like chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal remedies, and meditation—instead of or alongside traditional medical care. But why?

One major reason is dissatisfaction with conventional medicine. Patients often feel frustrated by long wait times, rushed appointments, and treatments that focus on symptoms rather than root causes. Alternative therapies, on the other hand, tend to offer a more holistic approach, addressing the mind, body, and spirit.

Another key factor is the desire for more control. Many alternative treatments encourage active participation through diet, lifestyle changes, and self-care, which can feel empowering. Additionally, natural remedies are often seen as safer or more “pure” than pharmaceuticals, especially for those wary of side effects or drug dependency.

Cultural beliefs and personal experiences also play a role. People may turn to traditional healing practices from their own heritage, or follow the advice of friends and family who’ve had success with alternative therapies. Chronic conditions like anxiety or pain, where conventional medicine offers limited relief, can further drive this shift.

The Hidden Toll of Medical Care: How Many People Die Every Year?

When we think of hospitals and medical professionals, we often associate them with healing and safety. However, a lesser-known and deeply concerning reality is that medical care itself can sometimes lead to patient harm—or even death. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people in the United States alone die due to complications related to medical treatment. This phenomenon is known as "iatrogenic" death, meaning harm caused inadvertently by a physician or medical treatment.

According to research published in the Journal of Patient Safety, an estimated 210,000 to 440,000 patients die each year in U.S. hospitals due to preventable medical errors. This staggering number would make medical errors the third leading cause of death in the country, following heart disease and cancer.

One major contributor to these deaths is medication errors. These include incorrect prescriptions, overdoses, harmful drug interactions, and administration mistakes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that at least 7,000 to 9,000 people die annually from medication errors. Other studies suggest the number could be significantly higher when factoring in underreporting and outpatient care settings.

Another troubling cause is unnecessary surgeries—operations performed without clear medical justification. These can occur due to misdiagnosis, financial incentives, or a lack of second opinions. A report from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 deaths per year are linked to unnecessary surgical procedures. Aside from the risk of death, these surgeries can result in long-term complications, pain, and reduced quality of life.

While most healthcare providers strive to uphold high standards, systemic issues such as rushed appointments, fragmented care, and overworked staff can increase the likelihood of errors. Transparency, better reporting systems, and patient empowerment are crucial steps toward reducing preventable harm.