Many people confuse chiropractic care and osteopathy. Although both chiropractors and osteopaths use physical manipulations to treat pain and injuries, they are in totally different disciplines. While a chiropractor is solely focused on the spine, joints, and muscles, an osteopath is concerned with the rest of the body, which helps them treat other problems that may not be related to the spine or joints.

If you are suffering from muscular, ligament, joint or back pain, you may be confused about whether you should see a chiropractor or osteopath. Hopefully, this guide will clear up the confusion.

Chiropractic and osteopathy represent different physical therapy disciplines, but they have some similarities in what they offer. The primary difference between chiropractic and osteopathy is historic. Each profession has been established for over a century and started independently.

Another difference is that chiropractors are trained on taking and reading X-rays, which may be appropriate in treating critical problems such as trauma. On the other hand, osteopaths are not trained in radiology or radiography. Instead, they can request an x-ray or scans from an imaging center if they need further imaging during treatment.

What is chiropractic care?

A chiropractor is a highly trained professional in how the body works but focuses mainly on the spinal and muscular systems. Chiropractic care primarily involves pain relief and injury recovery. A chiropractor uses spine and joint adjustments to promote healing. They also incorporate massage and rehabilitative exercise to help a patient recover.

Some chiropractors specialize in corrective care chiropractic or treating specific musculoskeletal problems such as sports injuries. They may combine chiropractic with manipulation of the arms and the legs, exercises to increase spinal strength, physiotherapy, and nutrition to promote healing.

Chiropractors are primarily joint specific. The principle behind chiropractic is that if a joint is misaligned, it needs to be freed for better functioning. Chiropractors use manipulation to readjust joints to restore mobility, relieve pain and improve flexibility. Having a massage after chiropractor is also a great way to promote overall body healing and wellbeing.

What is osteopathy

An osteopath is also a highly trained professional in how the body works. However, osteopaths are not only focused on the muscular and spinal system but also interested in the rest of the body. An osteopath examines the patient’s entire body to find out the possible causes of the problem. Osteopathy involves physical manipulation, physical therapy, and massage.

The principle behind osteopathy is that deformation of some part of the musculoskeletal system and consequent interference of the adjacent blood vessels and nerves causes most diseases. Osteopaths, therefore, use a more holistic approach to treat problems. Osteopathy requires addressing the whole body during diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of an illness.

How will you know who to see if you are in pain?

The truth is, chiropractic and osteopathy have more similarities than differences. Good chiropractors and osteopaths have a wide range of treatment methods they use on their patients to promote healing. Your priority should be to get a professional who will listen to you, discuss the treatment options available for you and help you determine the best one for your needs. Both a chiropractor and an osteopath can give you excellent treatment.