Is a chiropractor or an osteopath the right fix for your aches and pains? Come to that, what sets chiropractors and osteopaths apart? How are they different?
Chiropractors and osteopaths might appear to do the same thing but there are some key differences between them.
So in this post, I’m going to discuss these differences… and help you figure out which one’s got your back – literally!
Whilst both professions focus on holistic health care and support the body’s innate ability to heal itself, chiropractors do this from the perspective of spinal and nervous system health.
They understand how to correct vertebral motion and good nervous system health underpin a healthy body. Thus, chiropractors look after your spine and its joints to help your nervous system stay balanced and healthy.
To do this, they use adjustments alongside specialised techniques and supportive therapies. This can include procedures like soft tissue therapy, kinesiology taping, and stretching.
What types of conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors can help with a range of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, notably:
Like chiropractors, osteopaths support your body’s natural ability to heal itself and treat it as an interconnected system. However, they focus on the physical manipulation of the broader musculoskeletal system, including tissues, muscles, and bones.
Here’s a closer look at the conditions osteopaths commonly treat:
Chiropractic or osteopathic care – which is the right choice for you?
Chiropractic and osteopathic care are both effective treatment options. They share a common goal – to help you get back to feeling your best – but do it in slightly different ways. Ultimately, therefore, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
A chiropractor will focus on treating your spine and associated muscles using quick, controlled thrusts (adjustments) to spinal joints.
Their aim is to a) help correct any mechanical spinal dysfunction you may have that is impacting your nervous system, and b) restore proper motion in these joints to help improve your overall health.
They may also include exercises, recommend lifestyle changes, or offer other holistic therapies to help support your overall neuromusculoskeletal health.
An osteopath will use a wider range of techniques, including stretching, gentle pressure, and mobilisation. Their focus is on treating various dysfunctional areas around your body in a whole body context, bearing in mind the interrelatedness of the body and its systems.
Currently, most clinical studies comparing chiropractic and osteopathy focus on specific treatments, patient outcomes, or philosophical differences rather than direct head-to-head comparisons.
Therefore, your decision will likely come down to your personal preferences, your health condition, and/or the recommendation of your GP or medical specialist.
Both chiropractors and osteopaths will start by developing a thorough understanding of you, your requirements and your medical history. They’ll conduct a thorough physical exam, discuss your medical history, and may also use diagnostic imaging tools.
However, their treatment approaches and plans can differ a lot in focus and methodologies.
A chiropractic treatment plan is often structured around a series of spinal adjustments. We may ask to see you regularly over the weeks as your symptoms improve.
The benefits also don’t stop when you leave your appointment. We might also suggest exercises along with lifestyle and ergonomic changes to support your spinal health and help you steer clear of any future problems.
Osteopaths usually offer a more varied treatment plan, combining hands-on techniques with advice on lifestyle, diet and exercise. Treatments might include soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilisation and craniosacral therapy.
Both chiropractors and osteopaths focus on the musculoskeletal system and use manual therapy. However, they differ in their approaches and treatment techniques.
Chiropractors are spinal specialists who focus on realignment to improve nervous system function and through that, improve your overall health and wellbeing. Osteopaths take a broader view, addressing the whole body and its systems.
If you’re struggling with chronic back or neck pain or think you might have a spinal misalignment, a chiropractor could be just what you need to get back on track.
