Osteopath or Chiropractor?

[Crazyhouse123]

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!

Evidence-based only.

That’s physio.

Physio or qualified sports masseuse

Chiropractic is woo nonsense. Might as well heal yourself with reiki.

Osteopath not chiropractor.
Dietician not nutritionist.
Dentist not toothiologist.

H/t Dara O’Briain.

"Chiropractic is woo nonsense. Might as well heal yourself with reiki"

😂

Brilliant.

Refreshing thread. Usually MN is full of people recommending their chiro who 'works wonders'.

Physiotherapist

@bobbiester
Correct they’re not regulated by HCPC, they’re regulated by the GCC. It’s still statutory regulation.

Hi all thank you so so much for all your replies!

Unfortunately I am near neither Manchester or Cambs! But thank you.

Ok, so having read the replies, I have managed to get an appointment with my GP on Monday morning and I am going yo request a physio referral. I haven't ruled out an osteopath yet, depending on the time scales.

Thank you as well for the HSE links. Our office manager was a stickler for HSE and has already given me so much to help at work but I think the problem is more deep rooted...years of bad posture at a desk.

Thank you all!

NHS physio is hopeless in my opinion. They gave me sheets and excercises and hardly went hands on. Go private if you can

Having been to a physio, osteopath and chiropractor for back pain I would suggest seeing an osteopath. She could instantly see the issues where I had been experiencing pain. The physio did too but he didn’t feel I needed to go back after a couple of sessions and just recommended pilates to help. Chiropractor was a waste of money!

Hi thank you for you additional comments I will look into private physio if needed. My DS is going to physio at the moment for his joints so I do know the system is stretched.

OP I go to a sports physio for my various aches and pains. I've used a few over the last decade. A half hour session costs around £35 and it's some of the best money I ever spend. They're not reluctant to do actual manipulation/massage, as well as recommending exercises. NHS physios don't usually get their hands on you, in my experience!

Having used both osteopaths and chiropractors I don't think it matters too much which you see, as long as you see someone. GPs are are useless at that kind of thing, osteopaths and chiropractors are great at it and actually very similar in the way they work. Where I go, they even fill in for each other when one's on holiday. Ask for local recommendations, go for an initial consultation and see if you like the person.

Physio. Acquaintance now has long-term back problems due to seeing a chiropractor for a minor gym injury, and needed many months off work.

Osteopaths all the way