When it comes to managing pain, improving mobility, or addressing musculoskeletal issues, you might find yourself wondering about the differences between chiropractors and osteopaths. Both professions focus on the body’s structure and function, but they have slightly different approaches and philosophies. Understanding these differences can help you decide which practitioner might be best suited to your needs.
What exactly do Chiropractors do?
Chiropractors are primarily focused on the spine and nervous system. Our main objective is to correct spinal misalignments, known as subluxations, which can interfere with the body’s ability to function optimally. Through spinal adjustments, chiropractors aim to restore proper alignment, reduce nerve interference, and enhance the body’s natural healing abilities. Chiropractic care usually involves hands-on adjustments, where the chiropractor uses careful, controlled force to move a joint or vertebra back into place. In addition to adjustments, chiropractors may offer guidance on exercises, posture, and lifestyle changes to support long-term spinal health. In this sense, Chiropractic is very “active” and seeks to address pain through a defined series of adjustments to reach a certain goal, be that to get out of pain or to improve posture, for example.
Chiropractic care is particularly well-known for addressing issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and sciatica. The treatment is typically focused on specific areas of discomfort, and chiropractors often take a targeted approach, working to alleviate pain and improve function in the spine and related areas. While chiropractic care is highly effective for many, it’s probably most beneficial for those with conditions directly related to spinal health.
What exactly do Osteopaths do?
Osteopaths, on the other hand, take a broader approach to the body. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body’s structure and function are closely interrelated, and that the body has a natural ability to heal itself when its systems are in balance – actually, this part of the same as Chiropractic! Osteopaths, however focus their treatment on the body as a whole including muscles, ligaments, and joints. They use a variety of hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat dysfunctions in the body, including stretching, massage, and manipulation of muscles and joints.
One key difference between osteopathy and chiropractic care is that osteopaths do tend to treat the body as a whole, whereas Chiropractors focus on correcting issues with the spine, which then allows the rest of the body to work better. Osteopathic treatment often involves a combination of techniques aimed at improving circulation, enhancing mobility, and promoting the body’s ability to heal itself.
Another major factor is the length of treatment – Osteopathic treatment appointment tend to be quite long, taking a slow and steady pace. Chiropractic adjustments, however, often take just 5 or 10 minutes, making them a great choice for people with a busy lifestyle.
To be fair, though the approaches are quite similar and both professionals are trying to achieve the same thing – helping your body to work better, and heal naturally.
Which should I choose?
So, how do you decide whether to see a chiropractor or an osteopath? To be honest, either approach is likely to benefit most people! This being said, if your primary concern is spinal health—such as if you’re dealing with back pain, neck stiffness, or issues like sciatica—chiropractic care might be the most direct and effective option. In addition, if you’re looking for a treatment which can allow you to be “in and out the door” in 10 minutes, chiropractic might be best.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more holistic approach that considers the entire body and how different systems interact, an osteopath might be a better choice.
Of course, in some cases, people find that a combination of chiropractic and osteopathic care works best for them, as each approach has its strengths. For instance, you might see a chiropractor for spinal adjustments while also visiting an osteopath for broader treatment that addresses other aspects of your health.
If you’d like to learn more about chiropractic, why not check out our New Patient Special here!
