Chiropractor or Osteopath?

[DragonMummy1418]

Ok. I have spd (pregnancy related hip pain) and have heard people going to both of these.

But what is the difference and which is better for spd / pgp?

Thanks!

I had a GP who told me to see an osteopath. He advised against chiropractors, who he felt are too extreme in their treatment. The osteopaths I’ve seen have been very good.

I saw a chiropractor for 4 sessions when I was in excruciating pain with my second baby. I couldn’t walk or even sit properly. It changed my life. I had 3 more babies and not a single issue. I could’ve kissed him even after the 1st appointment.

none
see a physiotherapist.

Agree with PP, physio first, osteopath second.... chiropractor is a waste of time and money.

Mctimoney chiropractor stopped my back pain following a difficult birth - ended up having GA C section and consultant said "its a good job you were asleep and couldn't see how much we had to pull you about to get that baby out". Initially I went 3 times over 5 months and now, 21 years later still go back to see her once a year to get straightened up again. Its £45 that I happily spend x

I saw an oesopath and after 2 sessions had no more pain! Amazing!

My experience has been mostly with physios, as I have a long term back issue and worked with physically disabled people for decades. My opinion, for what it is worth, is that the character, skill , and depth of knowledge matters more than the form of training, or actual subdivision of such work. I've had an utterly useless physio work on my back, and have worked with one or two who were not impressive, but mostly they have been fantastic . I would say, though, that it can be best to see them as a source of info/ training in how to manage/ cure your condition, not as a " one stop" solution. So I'd say; book a session with someone, and see how you go. Good luck.

For SPD in last pregnancy physio was useless, basically told here's a support belt, good luck. Chiropractor meant I didn't need to wear the belt the bulk of the time and I could still do the school run

Osteopath. Look for a good one, listen to recommendations.

I had SPD, and after pregnancy I found an amazing osteopath. For about 6-8 weeks I saw her weekly. Then for about a year I would go for tune ups when my hips began to hurt every few months. She used to realign them. I haven't needed to see her for my hips for a good few years now.

I occasionally see her if I've cricked my neck or been carrying a really heavy backpack traveling (prob about once every 18 months).

She's good because she treats the entire body, because everything is connected. She's brilliant.

Where are you OP? Maybe someone could recommend one.

OP, you should do some googling about chiropractors. Then you should run away fast to a physiotherapist.

Chiros believe cracking your back in certain ways will cure anything. They advise against vaccinations because they believe they can cure your polio/tetanus/whatever by cracking your back. Seriously.

You probably shouldn’t read about the damage they’ve done to small children while you’re expecting.

You have my sympathy. I had spd too. Aaaawful.

This guy was recommended to me. He was excellent. www.fulhamosteopaths.co.uk/osteopathy/our_osteopaths/page/andrew.html
^ In London

Also saw David Turner here, also very good. He was the person who recommended Andrew Cotton to me actually, for a different problem (Andrew Cotton broke up some scar tissue from endometriosis for me before IVF)
www.gbosteopaths.co.uk/osteopaths.html
^ In Berkshire

I moved country so that's the only reason I don't see either now. I would recommend both though.

I second PPs who are recommending you see a physiotherapist.

Ask around to see if anyone knows a good one, or check the website for the Certified Society of Physiotherapists to find one local to you.

I saw an osteopath and after 2 sessions she fixed me.

Where abouts are you? I'm in Scotland and have been seeing an amazing Chiropracter. I have long term back issues, exacerbated by pregnancy. Have had quite a few rounds of physio over the years. Finally 3 months ago started seeing a chiropracter (who was recommended to me nearly 2 years ago but I was hesitant). It has helped me so, so much. I'm now not taking nearly as many painkillers, the adjustments she has made has meant that the physio exercises I have had in the past actually help a lot more now. I think often in the UK we treat symptoms not really the cause, or we treat a particular symptom whereas taking a wider view means overall and long term improvement. My husband was sceptical too but agreed that we needed to start paying someone to help with my back as me constantly in pain and being grumpy and limited as to what I can do was affecting us all. He's noticed a huge improvement too. Well worth the money.

My chiropractor helped me massively before, during and after pregnancy. Not all chiropractors are the same or have the same beliefs. My GP has always been supportive of me seeing a chiropractor, especially considering the literal life changing difference that has been made to my life.

It really isn't for everyone though

Neither. Physio. Preferably one who specialises in pre and post natal issues.

I've been seeing a chiropractor for various,spinal issues and what a difference it's made. I've seen a chiropractor twice in my life for two separate issues and it's been the best decision for both issues. I went to gp first the who suggested paracetamol and not much else. I was in so much pain & walked into the chiropractor on my way home. It was the best impulsive decision I've made in my life, I was almost in tears with pain.

I also have pregnancy related SPD, and am seeing a women's health physio every 2 weeks, which is really helping me manage it.

Have you spoken to your midwife? Mine referred me to the hospital physio team for an assessment, but unfortunately the waiting time for an actual appointment was 6 weeks. Osteopaths and chiropractors were never mentioned, so I would see what your existing HCPs say on this.

IMO chiropractors and their ilk are faith healers to be avoided.

Visit a physio then perhaps an osteopath. Be prepared to do the exercises they give you and keep doing them. Don't think a couple of visits and the job is done. Best piece of advice I was ever given was by a physio who said 'any good position becomes a bad one after 20 minutes'. Move and stretch and do your exercises.

Cranial osteopath- no cracking/manipulation involved but they are able to sort out SPD.

[outs self]

my osteopath said that osteopaths are like skiers and chiropracters are like snowboarders. They each get down the hill and are each convinced the other person is doing it wrong.

I vote osteopath myself because of the massage element. They are better at massage than a physio and you can request no bone-cracking. If there is inflammation, a physio can't help with that but osteopathic massage will help.

Anyway, the point of a good osteopath is that their job is to wean you off the osteopathy (save for checkups) and on to physio/pilates/moderate exercise.

A good osteopath will take a full medical history and ask to see the scans, etc for themself before they consider you "safe to treat".

Osteopathy doesn't usually get included on the NHS but most GPs know who the good osteopaths are and may even be prepared to tell you.....

Good physios also know who the good osteopaths are. I wasted precious time on a physio (they are not very good at manipulation which is what I needed) when my neurologist had specifically told me to go to an osteopath (big mistake). But now I'm better, it's physio I need.