Which Back Pain Treatment Is Better: Chiropractic or Physiotherapy?

Chiropractic care and physiotherapy are well-known therapies for treating musculoskeletal-related problems like chronic back pain. Understanding the differences between them could help you choose the right treatment plan for managing your condition. The effectiveness of each treatment depends on the nature of the injury and the body’s ability to respond to each therapy. Take time to learn about the benefits and differences between chiropractic and physiotherapy; it’ll help make strong choices when consulting with health care providers.

Chiropractic care and physiotherapy share many qualities, and each has its own unique set of benefits. Both approaches aim to relieve nerve compression and muscle tension, to reduce pain, and to restore mobility without relying on medication or surgery. Choosing between chiropractic care and physiotherapy can be sometimes tricky.

Chiropractic Care for Back Pain

Chiropractic care focuses primarily on the specific alignment of vertebrae. It is based on the belief that the musculoskeletal structure of the body, and particularly the spine, has a direct impact on the function of the other body parts. About 4.5 million Canadians seek chiropractic care every year for back pain caused by accidents, sports injury, and muscle strain.

Chiropractic treatment involves the manipulation of the spine and its surrounding muscles to treat back pain and promote wellbeing. Proper alignment of the musculoskeletal structure enables the body to heal itself naturally. Spinal manipulation helps correct misalignments of restricted joints caused by tissue injury (due to a traumatic event, repetitive stress, incorrect posture, or other issues). Depending on the severity of the injury, chiropractic care may be combined with conventional medical treatments.

A licensed chiropractor will record your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may suggest laboratory tests or diagnostic imaging to determine the specific nature of the injury. One or more manual adjustments may be recommended to improve the range and quality of motion.

The chiropractor performs spinal manipulation by applying a controlled, sudden force to the joints to correct alignment and restore function. They may use massage, heat, or icing therapies to help relax the affected area before or during the adjustment. As tension in the pressure-filled joint is released, the patient may hear a popping or cracking sound. Releasing tension helps ease compressed blood vessels, increasing blood flow and delivery of nutrients to the injured area.

After one chiropractic session, patients often experience diminished (or no) pain, allowing them to move more freely. If patients feel uncomfortable within 24 hours of spinal manipulation, applying ice to the treated area helps reduce the symptoms. Treatment plans may also include nutritional counselling, postural and exercise instruction, and ergonomic movement training (sitting, standing, and walking properly). All this can maximize the treatment’s effectiveness and retrain muscles to avoid recurrence of an injury.

As with other therapies, chiropractic care comes with both benefits and some risks. It is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for acute lower back pain, which lasts for six weeks or less and often heals on its own.

Ways you can benefit from chiropractic care:

• Personalized Treatment – The philosophy behind chiropractic care is that each body is unique and requires customized treatment. The chiropractor evaluates the patient to determine how to adjust or manipulate their bodies to provide pain relief.

• Immediate Results – Many patients undergoing chiropractic treatment feel immediate or near-immediate relief from pain. By making necessary adjustments to the spinal joints, it eases the tension from the muscles and nerves and improving mobility, function, and coordination.

• Safe and Non-Invasive – Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment for back pain in which the risk of potential complications (like infections) is low. Additionally, many studies claim that its benefits for treating back pain outweigh any potential risks.

Chiropractic is not recommended for patients with osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, or a compressed spinal cord. Patients with a history of cancer may be required to obtain a medical clearance from their family physician before seeking spinal manipulation.

Regular chiropractic therapy can help treat acute and chronic back pain. Find an experienced chiropractor who is trained to the highest professional standard to handle different cases of back pain.

Physiotherapy for Back Pain

Physiotherapy is a broad term that involves various therapies that promote natural rehabilitation of the body’s strength and mobility. Physiotherapy uses a range of techniques (including ice and heat therapy, deep massage, ultrasound, and movement exercises) to manage pain and accelerate the healing process. It focuses primarily on the muscles and connective tissues around an injured area to enhance flexibility, mobility, and posture. Physiotherapy is structured around gradual gains and long-term resolution of conditions and provides patients with the instruction and opportunity to continue treatment independently.

The results of physiotherapy treatment are unique for every patient and type of injury. Timetables vary; depending on the problem, it may take one to two weeks before noticing significant improvement. No matter what the trauma may be, the patient must commit to the treatment plan and timeline to gain maximum benefit from therapy.

Ways you can benefit from physiotherapy:

• Rehabilitation and Recovery – Physiotherapy offers a personalized treatment approach to help patients rehabilitate and recover from injury or illness. Physiotherapists work and guide you through the treatment plan to help patients recover properly.

• Injury Prevention – Physiotherapy focuses on strengthening and rehabilitation, which helps make the body stronger and less likely prone to future injury. Physiotherapist conducts various examinations to pinpoint the causes and develop a care plan to prevent long-term health issues.

• Reduced Need for Invasive Treatments – Physiotherapy uses safe, nonsurgical methods to provide relief from acute and chronic back pain. Some physicians refer their patients to licensed physiotherapist before using any conventional medical treatment. A physiotherapist’s opinion can be helpful to the entire healthcare team in making more informed decisions about the needs of the patient, possibly reducing the need for surgery.

Chiropractic care and physiotherapy are both safe and effective treatments for back pain. Discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional for referral for appropriate therapy options. In some cases, incorporating both therapies can maximize benefits and provide both immediate relief and long-term gains.

At the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centres of Ontario, we have a team of professionals who provide comprehensive treatment plans to help you regain your quality of life. For a licensed chiropractor or physiotherapist in Ajax call (905) 686-9081.