At some point in life, almost everyone will suffer from back pain in some form. At its worst, back pain can be debilitating, and even at its best, it can significantly affect your day-to-day life. Deciding how to deal with this pain can be challenging — especially when having to choose between physiotherapy or chiropractic for back pain.
Both chiropractors and physiotherapists are experts in diagnosing, managing, and treating musculoskeletal issues, often with overlapping approaches. However, understanding the key differences between their methods can help you make an informed decision.
Physiotherapy vs. Chiropractic: Understanding the Key Differences
So, should you opt for physiotherapy or chiropractic for back pain? Which is best, and how do you determine who to contact to get help for your issue? The answer will depend entirely on your specific wants, needs, and preferences — as there are key differences between the two that need to be taken into account.
Chiropractors specialise in joint manipulation, often referred to as “adjustments.” This involves applying a high-velocity, low-amplitude force to an affected joint in order to induce movement, relieve pain, and restore function. Chiropractic care for back pain can also include soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, and other manual techniques.
Physiotherapists, on the other hand, focus their treatments primarily on exercise prescription, emphasising rehabilitation, strengthening, and overall functional improvement.
Chiropractic Care for Back Pain: What to Expect
Back pain is one of the most common ailments that chiropractors address. Often debilitating and persistent in nature, it can be caused by specific incidents like heavy lifting or develop gradually due to poor posture, repetitive strain, or work-related stress. Conditions like osteoarthritis, scoliosis, or wear-and-tear due to ageing can also be catalysts.
Chiropractic care typically involves two key phases:
- Symptom Relief: This phase focuses on reducing pain and discomfort through manual therapy techniques like chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue massage, and dry needling. The goal is to restore mobility, improve posture, and alleviate pain.
- Building Resilience: The second phase involves rehabilitation through a personalised exercise program. Chiropractors provide patients with self-management tools, such as home stretches, foam rolling techniques, and guidance on posture, helping prevent future injuries.
Is Chiropractic Good for Sciatica?
Chiropractic treatment for sciatica is one of the most effective methods for relieving this common condition. It occurs due to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, resulting in pain, tingling, or numbness radiating from the lower back down the leg.
For long-term relief, chiropractors may also recommend exercises like nerve flossing to stretch and mobilise the sciatic nerve. These exercises can significantly reduce irritation and improve flexibility.
Chiropractic Adjustment Techniques for Lower Back Pain
Chiropractic care is highly effective for managing lower back pain, which is one of the most frequent complaints in chiropractic clinics. Techniques like spinal manipulation and soft tissue therapy aim to reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and alleviate muscle tension.
Upper Back Pain and Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic upper back adjustments can treat pain by reducing muscle tension and enhancing joint movement, which improves posture. Upper back pain often radiates to the neck and shoulders, causing additional discomfort.
Chiropractors use soft tissue techniques like therapeutic massage, active release techniques, and targeted stretches to address these issues, ultimately supporting overall spinal health.
Long-Term Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers numerous long-term benefits for overall health that go beyond just pain relief. Regular adjustments can:
- Reduce the Risk of Future Injuries: Strengthening muscles and improving joint mobility can prevent recurring issues.
- Enhance Quality of Life: Improved mobility and reduced pain contribute to a better overall sense of well-being.
- Boost Physical and Mental Health: Chiropractic care can lower stress levels and enhance your body’s resilience.
By using a combination of spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and lifestyle recommendations, Bespoke Chiropractic adopts a holistic approach to managing musculoskeletal conditions
Is Chiropractic Right for Your Back Pain?
The main takeaway is that if you are suffering from back pain, chiropractic care can help guide you on your journey to a superior quality of life. Bespoke Chiropractic takes a holistic view when treating conditions like lower back pain, sciatica, and upper back discomfort, providing tailored plans that target the root causes of discomfort.
If you’re unsure whether chiropractic treatment is right for you, consider scheduling a consultation with a qualified chiropractor. They can assess your condition and recommend the most effective treatment options to address your needs.
