When To See A Physiotherapist Or Chiropractor For Back Pain?

Back pain! That common affliction that affects most of us at some stage during our lives… Whether it’s because we spend too much time sitting down, or because we overdo things, or simply the wear and tear of everyday life, being able to manage back pain effectively is important for our quality of life.

Our back is after all the centre pin of our musculoskeletal system so when it ‘pulls the pin’ on us, the consequences can be brutal!

In this post, we consider your options and whether it is better to see a physio or chiropractor for back pain. What are the differences between these 2 healthcare professions, and what can they offer you for your back pain?

What Is The Difference Between A Physio And Chiropractor?

Although both professionals deal with the musculoskeletal system and all its quirks, there are some fundamental differences in approach and methodology between them. Understanding these will help you make a more informed decision about treatment for your back pain.

So first up – what does a physiotherapist do?

Physiotherapists focus on restoring function and movement to any part of your body that needs it. This includes the musculoskeletal system, as well as neurological and cardiovascular rehabilitation. They take a whole body approach that considers the total and then drills down to the parts that require rehabilitation.

They will generally prescribe exercise routines and manual therapy to help achieve this along with extensive patient education aimed at independent management of the condition and prevention of future injuries.

What does a chiropractor do?

A chiropractor is primarily focused on spinal health and its interrelationship with the nervous system and through that, the rest of the body. By restoring optimal nerve function which starts at the spinal cord, they aim to restore correct function to other systems controlled by the nervous system.

This allows the body to start healing itself.

Chiropractors specialise in spinal adjustment techniques that address spinal misalignments that may be affecting the nervous system. They also use a range of other supportive therapies such as exercise, lifestyle advice, postural education, soft tissue therapies, massage, myofascial release, and acupuncture.

What qualifications does a physiotherapist need in the UK?

Physios in the UK must complete a 3 – 4 year undergraduate degree in physiotherapy, and undergo extensive practical training in a range of healthcare settings. Upon qualification, they must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise.

What qualifications does a chiropractor need in the UK?

Chiros in the UK must do a 4 – 5 year degree in chiropractic to obtain an MChiro or MSc (Chiropractic). They must also complete extensive theoretical and practical training. To practise here, they must register with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).

What Conditions Do Physiotherapists Treat?

Physios treat musculoskeletal issues and are often involved in post-surgical rehabilitation.

• Musculoskeletal Injuries – related to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, such as sprains and strains.
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation – recovery and function restoration post surgery.
• Chronic Conditions – arthritis and chronic pain syndromes
• Sports Injuries

What Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat?

Chiropractors treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions including:

• Spinal Misalignments and Back Pain
• Neck Pain and Headaches – particularly those that stem from spinal issues, like cervicogenic headaches.
• Joint Issues – shoulder pain, hip pain, and knee pain that stem from biomechanical problems.
• Sports Injuries
• Sciatica – addresses the underlying spinal issues that contribute to the condition.

What Treatments Do Physiotherapists Use?

If you visit a physio for your back pain, you will probably receive:

• Exercise Therapy – customised exercise programs to improve your strength, flexibility, and endurance.
• Manual Therapy – mobilisation and manipulation therapies to restore joint movement and function to your spine.
• Electrotherapy – ultrasound and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) can reduce your pain and improve healing.
• Education and Advice – information and strategies to manage your back pain and prevent recurrence.

What Treatments Do Chiropractors Use?

A chiropractor will use:

• Spinal Manipulation – the cornerstone of chiropractic care; used to restore spinal alignment and improve nervous system function.
• Soft Tissue Techniques – myofascial release and massage, which help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation in your back.
• Rehabilitative Exercises – recommendations about specific exercises to strengthen supporting muscles in your back and prevent future issues.
• Lifestyle Advice – help and advice about your posture, ergonomics, and nutrition to support your overall health and wellbeing, and prevent further back pain.

Can A Physiotherapist Effectively Treat Back Pain?

A physiotherapist can effectively treat back pain, although their approach and methodologies will differ from a chiropractor.

They will assess your condition to determine the underlying cause of the pain and come up with a customised treatment plan specifically aimed at treating your back and surrounding structures.

It will include targeted exercises and rehabilitation education to restore function to your back and reduce the likelihood of ongoing back issues.

Can A Chiropractor Effectively Treat Back Pain?

Chiropractors can also effectively treat back pain; in fact, it’s one of the primary reasons people seek out chiropractic care. Again, their approach and methodology will differ from a physio’s.

Like the physio, the chiropractor will assess your condition at your initial appointment, identify the underlying cause of the back pain, and then come up with a customised plan to treat it.

The plan will include spinal adjustments to correct any misalignments that may be putting pressure on nerves and causing back pain.

It may also include advice about posture, along with exercises on how to improve that to help prevent further spinal issues. You may also receive lifestyle and ergonomic advice along with supportive therapies and a custom exercise routine to strengthen the muscles supporting your spine.

Conclusion – When To See A Physio Or Chiropractor For Back Pain?

Both physiotherapy and chiropractic care can be effective for back pain. But, generally, you should see a physio for your back pain if it is not necessarily related to issues with your spine per se. This would mean back pain that is related to:

• Muscle strain, ligament sprain, or stiffness,
• Recent surgery, and you require specialist rehabilitation,
•  A larger issue involving multiple conditions requiring comprehensive long-term rehabilitation.

Or you prefer an exercise and education-based approach that lets you self-manage the condition.

This is not to say a chiropractor can’t help with your back pain in these circumstances but a chiropractor views the body from the perspective of its relationship to the spine and nervous system. That being the case, you should definitely see a chiropractor if your back pain is related to:

• Spinal joint dysfunction or irritation in your spine,
• Spinal misalignments affecting your nervous system,
• Nerve dysfunction in your back,
• Arthritic changes in your spine and adjoining structures,

Or you prefer the hands-on approach of chiropractic care, focused on spinal adjustments, improved joint mobility, and pain relief.

Regardless, both professions are highly qualified and regulated in the UK so either way, you will receive safe and effective care.