Back pain and/or sciatica is a very common complaint within musculoskeletal practice, and can cause huge difficulties with normal daily activities, let alone sport and exercise. What we do know is that fortunately back pain and sciatica can be effectively treated in most cases with the right diagnoses and corrective treatment.
One question we get asked a lot is 'who is the best professional to see for my back pack, an osteopath, chiropractor or a physiotherapist?' The simple answer to this question is all 3 professionals are trained and skilled at treating back pain, but it is not the profession, it is the clinicians methods of treatment and how this method works best for the individual with the back pain compliant.
There are many different methods and forms of treatment that can help with the effective treatment of your back pain, but knowing which options are available to you, and distinguishing between different professions can be somewhat confusing. One thing is for certain, the overall aim of any clinician is to reduce your back pain and promote and functional mobility as fast and safe as possible without the use of ongoing painkillers or surgical interventions.
Osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists are trained very similarly - osteopaths and chiropractors more so, and physio's slightly differently. Due to this, methods of treatment can slightly differ. Physiotherapists train at university level for 3 years, which tends to be very hospital based (NHS), and is focused very much on exercise and rehabilitation. Whereas, osteopaths and chiropractors train at university level for 4/5 years, which tends to be more focused on spinal/musculoskeletal dysfunction, and hands-on manual therapy (within private practice).
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AN OSTEOPATH, CHIROPRACTOR AND A PHYSIO?
Osteopath
Many people assume osteopathic treatment is related to bones and muscles, which is not far from true. But osteopaths specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and management of many musculoskeletal disorders - from back pain, arthritis, to joint injury. Osteopaths focus much of their attention on analysing the relationship between the structure of the body from a musculoskeletal perspective and the way it functions. Osteopaths will provide a clear working diagnosis, along with predisposing factors, and discuss a suitable treatment plan with you. Treatment is hands-on and involves skilled joint and spinal manipulation joints, in addition to soft tissues treatment and rehabilitation.
Chiropractor
Chiropractors are often associated with ‘cracking’ joints, but this is more skilled than people think. However, should only be used in the right context. This popping sound is known as a spinal manipulation, which chiropractors and osteopaths, base a much of their treatment on. Other than spinal manipulation, chiropractors do use a range of techniques in addition to spinal manipulation from mobilisation, massage and muscle release to improve mobility. There is a lot of cross over between osteopaths and chiropractors, with very similar training. However, osteopaths are often described as having a 'more gentle' apporcah.
Physiotherapist
Whereas chiropractors and osteopaths have more hands-on training and experience, thus dictating their treatment approach, the aim of physio based practice is to work on strength and rehabilitation, often through exercise based rehab. As mentioned above physios tend to be more present in the hospital setting, aiding strength post-surgery of patients. Physios use a combination of physical therapy, massage, stretches, to treat injuries.
All of the above being said, following further post-graduate training and experience, all of the professions tend to cross over greatly and adopt many difference forms of treatment for pain and dysfunction, specific to the individual. Back pain can be very complex but, all of the above professions have their place, with all having one aim in mind - to reduce pain and to restore function. Here at Dynamic Osteopaths in Solihull and Edgbaston Birmingham we fortunately have experience in all 3 areas above, along with specialist training in orthopaedics and regenerative medicine.
GET IN TOUCH TO FIND OUT MORE OR SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION
Don’t let back pain, joint damage, sports injuries or arthritis get in the way of allowing you to do what you want. Schedule a consultation at Dynamic Osteopaths today, and let us treat your injury, provide pain relief and get you back to your full and active lifestyle. We have clinics operating out of Solihull (Henley-In-Arden), Birmingham (Harborne/edgbaston) & Bromsgrove (Barnt Green).
Call us today 01564 330773