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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Osteopath or Chiropractor?

40 replies

Crazyhouse123 · 31/01/2020 07:34

Hi sorry to jump into AIBU with this one but want to call at 9 so shameful posting here for traffic.

I have had for some time a lot of pain and tense muscles in my neck and shoulders. Bad posture at work has not helped, but it is now painful all the time and I am waking up in pain now too. Ibuprofen doesnt help and I am quite convinced this is not helping with the increased migraines and headaches I have been getting.

I have been doing some exercises my GP advised and also some additional ones found online.

But I am wondering if an osteopath or Chiropractor could help and, if so, which one? I have looked up the difference and believe an osteopath would be a better option but wanted to ask for some advise and experience!

Thank you!

OP posts:
hereiamagain84 · 31/01/2020 07:36

I would go osteopath or possibly a good msk therapist!

SomeHalfHumanCreatureThing · 31/01/2020 07:36

Has the GP not investigated the underlying cause?

I'd said physio over both, esp if there's neck involvement, until you know what the problem is

SomeHalfHumanCreatureThing · 31/01/2020 07:37

*say

Holdingtherope · 31/01/2020 07:39

oesto my one is a godsend. I actually hobble in and normally wAlk our fine. Sometimes takes two sessions. If you are in Manchester I’ll pm you but he has a waiting list which is so unfortunate

Doobigetta · 31/01/2020 07:41

Physiotherapy would help you more than either. Both osteo and chiro are considered complementary therapies rather than conventional.

confusednorthner · 31/01/2020 07:43

Osteopath, I only go once in a blue moon but he's a miracle worker!

PineappleDanish · 31/01/2020 07:47

Physio or osteopath at a push. Chiropractors are quacks.

beelzeboob · 31/01/2020 07:49

Chiropractors are not quacks they’re fully qualified registered health care professionals

Mushypeasandchipstogo · 31/01/2020 07:51

Another vote for physio.

sep30 · 31/01/2020 07:51

Try a McTimoney Chiropractor, much more gentle and you get a hour long session to start and follow ups are 30 minutes so you get a full body treatment each time, rather than a rushed session. Or cranial osteopath. Both just much more gentle and as effective for the body!

LucyAutumn · 31/01/2020 07:54

Osteopath definitely, they are amazing!

bobbiester · 31/01/2020 07:58

Chiropractors are not quacks they’re fully qualified registered health care professionals

In the UK, they are NOT registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) that registers health professionals such as Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists.

They are registered with their own independent body created by Chiropractors themselves.

Whatever you choose, please do not let them carry out a vigorous neck manipulation to supposedly "adjust" your neck joint. These can cause damage to blood vessels leading to a stroke.

nornironrock · 31/01/2020 08:24

Chiropractic is utter foo. It's akin to homeopathy, and should be banned. A quick bit of research will demonstrate that quite clearly.

Sounds like you need some actual physio.

Good luck!

Inforthelonghaul · 31/01/2020 08:29

Alison Edwards (Chiropractor) in Wyton, Cambs is an absolute miracle worker and so so gentle. I recommend her wholeheartedly she’s helped me a lot over the years.

stripeypillowcase · 31/01/2020 08:30

neither - see a physio

Loladisco · 31/01/2020 08:33

My osteopath has worked wonders with me, unlocking tensed up muscles and sorting my back out. I lay there during my first session thinking "what a load of rubbish" but oh my goodness. Would recommend an osteo 100% (although I was slightly put off that the appointment infront of me appeared to be a dog!)

TheSmallAssassin · 31/01/2020 08:55

Physio would be best. And get a DSE assessment at work www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/#

WeaselsKingHenry · 31/01/2020 08:58

Physio. Chiropractors are woo merchants.

TheSmallAssassin · 31/01/2020 08:59

There's a checklist here if you want to see if there's anything you can change yourself www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ck1.pdf

Aerielview · 31/01/2020 09:01

There's a stroke risk associated with chiropractic manipulation of the neck. Google it for more information. For this reason I choose osteopathy

Galwaygirl · 31/01/2020 09:03

I was at an osteopath yesterday for exactly what you describe, currently lying down with an ice pack post treatment, taken NSAID and Paracetamol, have tried physio but go back to osteopath always, sore for a few days then ok, mine is purely occupational

MatildaTheCat · 31/01/2020 09:27

Physio or rehab therapist.

And try Alexander Technique for a long lasting fix. Neck is nearly always a postural problem so you have to learn how to avoid getting the pain.

Gobbychops · 31/01/2020 09:30

Osteopath all the way, although physio may help as well.

Marahute · 31/01/2020 09:33

Find a good Osteopath, I love mine!
Avoid any McTimoney Chiropractors like the plague, that's utter bollocks. I saw one once by mistake, biggest waste of money in my life. Genuinely thought she was taking the piss during the appointment and still can't believe I paid her!