It’s the age-old question as to which practitioner one should reach out to, for lower back pain treatment. Do you see a Chiropractor or do you see a Physiotherapist?
Before you can be confident enough with your decision, you should first take a step back and gain as much information about the types of conditions they treat, and then cross reference your lower back pain with the services they offer.
What conditions to Chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors treat back pain, neck pain, sciatica, joint problems, sprains, strains, osteoarthritis, herniated discs and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
Can Chiropractors prescribe drugs or surgery?
Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or surgery but traditionally rely on a variety of manual therapies, including spinal manipulation and mobilisation, to improve function and help provide pain relief for patients. Besides helping to relieve pain, chiropractic care may also help to reduce inflammation.
What treatments do Chiropractors use?
While chiropractic adjustments of the joints are commonly associated with this profession, Chiropractors are not just limited to manipulation of the spine.
Many evidence-based chiropractic treatments that are part of modern chiropractic care, include but are not limited to the use of physiologic therapeutics like ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation, Cold laser, ESWT and traction, acupuncture, dry needling, the incorporation of home exercises, Nutrition and postural advice for self-management strategies.
Can a Chiropractor effectively treat lower back pain?
In short, the answer is a resounding “YES”. There are many reasons as highlighted, why a Chiropractor can help to not just effectively treat lower back pain, but may also help to locate the source of the lower back pain.
Chiropractors have at their disposal specialised treatment devices, which may be very effective in treating lower back pain, but also rely heavily on introducing exercise or diet based treatment methods to work in unison with their treatment device management plan. In doing so provides the patients a holistic approach to not just reducing lower back pain, but also helping to cure lower back pain, which may be achieved if invasive methods like surgery are not required.
What conditions to Physiotherapists treat?
Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals that assess, diagnose, treat, and work to prevent disease and disability through physical means.
Physiotherapists provide movement and function and work in partnership with their patients, assisting them to help overcome movement disorders, which may have been present from birth, acquired through accident or injury, or are the result of ageing or life-changing events.
Physiotherapy can help the patients recover from injury, reduce pain and stiffness, and increase mobility. A physiotherapist may also help you prevent further injury by listening to your needs and working with you to plan the most appropriate treatment for your condition, including setting goals and treatment outcomes.
What treatments do Physiotherapists use?
Physiotherapists are trained to assess the condition, diagnose the problem, and help you understand what’s wrong. Your treatment plan will take-into-account your lifestyle, activities, and general health.
The following are common treatment methods physiotherapists may use:
- Exercise programs to improve mobility and strengthen muscles
- Joint manipulation and mobilisation to reduce pain and stiffness
- Muscle re-education to improve control
- Airway clearance techniques and breathing exercises
- Soft tissue mobilisation (massage)
- Acupuncture
- Hydrotherapy
- Assistance with use of aids, splints, crutches, walking sticks and wheelchairs.
Can a Physiotherapist effectively treat lower back pain?
In short, the answer is also “YES”. However, as the treatments do differ between Chiropractors and Physiotherapists, you will certainly notice that Physiotherapy treatment plans may help to reduce lower back pain, if it may be associated with muscle or soft tissue damage.
There is one underlying message as to which practitioner may provide the most favourable results, when treating lower back pain, and that is that both Chiropractors & Physiotherapists, both seek to locating the source of the lower back pain, and they also use traditional remedies which patients can use in their own homes, like basic exercise or breathing exercises.
Do you see a Chiropractor or do you see a Physiotherapist for lower back pain?
Ultimately it really comes down to the type of lower back pain a patient is suffering from. However, it is wise to seek the services of a Treatment Centre that have Chiropractors & Physiotherapists working together. As a Chiropractor will be able to asses and treat certain areas, whilst a Physiotherapist will be able to apply their techniques, to collectively help treat the cause of the lower back pain, whilst providing pain relief to the affected areas in the lower back.
