Physical therapy or a chiropracter...?

I have pain in my back and I am wondering if I should seek Physical Therapy or a Chiropracter

It is a misconception that PTs only work on your muscles. Most PTs don't do manipulations but that does not mean they cannot help alignment. If you go to a Chiropractor for an adjustment it may help - if you are out of alignment. But if your pain is not caused by malalignment, would the adjustment help?

All that aside, you should see a physician (an orthopedic - not your primary care) to get a proper diagnosis first and then determine the proper treatment.

IMO - Go for physical therapy. I think they have more and better training. Chiropractors make me nervous - they call themselves "Doctor" but don't go to medical school.

see a chiropractor-they specialise in back problems-my fiance regularly sees one for his back probs

You need a cyropractor,a physical therapist is for longterm healing of severe pain.

DO NOT GO TO A CHIROPRACTOR JUST GO TO THERAPY TRUST ME I WENT TO A CHIRO AND MY PAIN IS WORSE FOR 4 YEARS NOW!!!!

First you should see an orthopedic physician, then he will probably order a MRI to see what kind of problem you have with your back. The problem with seeking care from a chiropractor is that it could potentially make a problem worse. Don't get me wrong i use chiropractors myself, but i know what I'm having adjusted before i go. As for physical therapy, they need to know what is to be rehabilitated...what if you have nerve damage? See a doctor.

Zippy's a little ignorant on this one... Chiropractors are held under much stricter regulation now days. In fact, Chiropractors are required to attend MORE classes than general practitioners... especially related to radiology.

HOWEVER... Just like everything else in life... there are good Chiropractors and bad ones. Interview your prospective DC and ask to speak to a couple of his/her patients.

IMO - The chiropractor will prove to be a quicker and longer lasting relief over the PT. In most ways, they really area bout the same thing though.

Good Luck!

i have gone to chiropractors since i was 4, for back pain. they put things back in place. a medical doctor prescribes medicines to dope you up so you don't feel the pain. physical therapy takes longer to feel better.

go for the physical therapy....chiropractors are a joke

What type of pain do you feel? Were you in an accident?
Did it happen from lifting or moving heavy objects?
What part of your back hurts?

Is it a shooting, stabbing, dull, or throbbing pain?
Is it constant or is it only occur in certain positions? Does anything relieve your pain? Do you take any meds? Does it radiate to others parts of your body, like to your
neck, shoulders, arms??

Personally, I'd see your doctor and get a referal to a Physical Therapist or Massage Therapist. Not a huge fan of chiropractors, but that's just me.

Spinal manipulation can relieve some types of back and neck pain and other conditions related to tightness and loss of mobility, such as tension headache or aching in muscles and joints.

PT techniques may be as effective as spinal manipulation in long-term relief of back pain! Massage may be as effective as cervical manipulation in relieving a tension headache.

I'm big on PREVENTION! I would encourage you to learn stretches to prevent further back pain in the future and PT can teach you those!

I'd also recommend gettin' advice about nutrition, exercise, ergonomics, relaxation techniques, body mechanics, home care (use hot/cold packs), massage, and other treatments (that you can do) that might help relieve or prevent pain.

HTH.
Take care and God bless.

I have done both. I found that the Chiropractor, was a lot cheaper, and that I could go to him every once in a while, and my headaches would go away. PT would always charge me an arm and a leg, and it never worked for very long.

People are very biased in their opinions on this. The PT people will tell you Chiropractors are useless, and they will hurt you.

The Chiropractor will tell you that you are our of alignment, and having a PT person work on your muscles won't do you any good.

In a perfect world, you would go to both of them. PT works on your muscles, while chiropractors work on your bones.

How many chiropracters does it take to change a lightbulb? One; but he has to keep trying and trying and trying. If the pain persists, see an MD.

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