Chiropracter or physical therapy for neck and shoulder pain?

i'm having terrible neck, upper back and shoulder pain. who would help me better?

i know what physical therapists do but i don't know much about chiropracters. i heard once you go you have to always go. is that true?

what exactly do chiropracters do?

That is a good answer above. PTs and DCs do seek to do the same things...first, reduce your pain. Second, to restore normal joint position. It's just how we do it and the philosophies behind it are different.

Not all DCs keep you "coming back for life"...it depends on their approach.

One of the reasons I became a therapist is that I love to teach people things...one of the major differences between PT and DC is that there is much more emphasis on teaching the patient how they can help their own condition and how to help themselves if it should ever return. This is usually done by focusing on posture and exercise. Yet, some DCs incorperate this as well.

As a quick summary, a DC is likely to restore normal joint position by performing an adjustment, or manipulating the spine to do so. PT might use a manipulative technique if they are so trained, but we usually opt for exercise and movement to restore the joint to it's normal position since that is something you can do on your own.

If you consider going to a chiropractor, it might be good to ask them their philosophies on these matters.

Chiropractors will xray your spine. They will examine you, try to move your neck to determine where it hurts. They they will try to manipulate your spine to relieve whatever is pinched that is causing the pain.
The always keep you coming back depends on the chiropractor. Good ones will tell you about a course of treatment and release you when it is complete, you are better, or if you are not having the expected results from the treatment.
Physical therapists accomplish much the same goal but without actually popping your back.
When I injured my shoulder and had bad neck and shoulder pain, I saw both. Luckily I found a physical therapist who was respectful of chiropractic. They worked together.
You could also consider a massage therapist. Some of them are specially trained for your problem.
Myself, I did all three for awhile!!

Any clue as to why you have neck and shoulder pain?

PTs