Do I visit a gp, osteopath, physio or chiropractor??

[Inanu]

I have had pain in my upper back (I think trapezius muscle?!) and neck for about 6 weeks now, sometimes radiating down my arm so my wrist is also sore. It’s not terrible by any means and I’m incredibly busy at the moment juggling work and kids which is why I’ve been ignoring it but I think it’s getting to the point that I should see someone! Anyone with some expertise able to tell me who I should see? Getting a GP appointment is near impossible and I would be happy to pay to go private but only if I know they’re going to fix it but don’t know who to see!

Physio first as it sounds muscular or trapped nerve, either of which they should be able to help with. If they can’t help and think it’s skeletal then move on to osteopath. Don’t bother with chiropractors they’re all quacks, same as homeopaths.

Physio

I'd go to a sports/deep tissue massage therapist. I'd be prepared to bet that a tight muscle in your back is pressing on one of the nerves that goes down your arm. Ask for recommendations for massage therapists at your local running club. (Ex runner here). Serious runners are always nursing tight muscles and usually know a good therapist.

Our (useless) GP would just send us to A&E but we have an excellent Walk-in centre just 3 miles away who are much more responsive and will arrange bloods and x-rays etc Do you have such a facility you can go to? I agree with the anti-chiro sentiments many have expressed

Physio - can do some adjustments if needed but most importantly work out what the issue is properly and give exercises

I would love to, but I broke my back neck and pelvis and they can't operate😔 even a couple of days of relief means I've managed to come off fentanyl, baclofen and gabapentin🎉🎉🎉

Osteopath. I’ve used them for years. They’ve fixed everything except migraines for me.

I've had a similar problem for a few years went down Gp route they referred me physio which is honestly waste of time. Only thing that helps me is an osteopath I pay for

Osteopaths can be brilliant, but you need to find a good one. Some are rubbish. If you’re an a lot of pain right now, an osteopath should be able to ease the pain, even release it entirely. I often have back issues, with painful neck spasms and my osteopath always sorts it out, usually in one session. That combined with a deep sports massage is all I need unless it’s a tear or damage that needs physio and rehab to carefully rebuilt he muscle, however some physios are rubbish too!

i just reread your message. In your case, I think go and see an osteopath for immediate pain relief, then a good physio who might use infra-red or other treatments to help with inflammation and then slowly get you to use the muscle again. As it’s been painful for quite a while, I wouldn’t do sports massage just yet as you might aggravate the muscle if there’s a tear. You could ask your physio for advice on this, they might even offer massage in their clinic.

Most GPs now have self referral? Mine also has a physio in the surgery a few days a week. I would pursue physio via NHS but may take a few weeks. For immediate relief visit an osteopath. I have used (private) osteopaths to good effect for back / neck problems (usually related to car/ riding accidents). Physio good for limbs I find but don’t do manual manipulation so it’s on you to the exercises.

I found out my GP Practice included a physio. I messaged them and asked if I could see the Physio as I'd hurt my leg. I was seen within two days! Then had a follow up and was discharged. My GP had to agree but it was amazing. Worth investigating.

Physio

Go to a physio, a good one can do wonders. Mine used ultrasound and laser treas well as hands on. Also acupuncture which I was unsure if but works!!

A good osteopath should help.

Really? Are you sure you’re not just seeing crap ones? The Chiropractors I have seen over the years have got loads of qualifications and I have found them on the whole very good. Not all are hard crackers either, there are different styles.

I would challenge your Chiropractor perception. They need to be highly qualified, and I’ve found most of the ones I’ve seen to be very good too. Maybe you’ve seen rubbish ones?

It's a complete minefield.

I've had chronic upper back issues for years and every single specialist I've seen has said it's posture related.
I've seen a GP, musculoskeletal specialist, chiropractor, physio and osteopath.

My physio and osteopath were the best, but even then they poked around for a bit, gave me a few exercises and charged £50.
Here I am, still doing the exercises multiple times a day not feeling fixed at all. Maybe a bit looser, but that's it.

They're obviously just helping me manage the pain, trying to strengthen the muscles but sometimes I feel like it's just making them feel even more sore. My physio used to say my back muscles have become really sensitive. So what's the fix to that then?

Just seems nobody really has an answer and just wants to charge me £50 to tell me that, and say 'but keep stretching, it might get better'.

Highly qualified in bunkum. That's the problem.

You can study anything you like to PhD level - doesn't make it useful.

Our physio offers an ultrasound scan as part of your session, to help pinpoint the issue. Maybe look out for a physio who offers ultrasound?

Physio, I have a scoliosis and have visited all of them. The only one I regret was the chiro but I was young and foolish.

My osteopath is also qualified in sports massage. She’s amazing!!!

They have to have several years medical training before they specialise in chiropractic work. I don’t know who you are seeing….

I’ve been going to a chiropractor practice for years and they have been brilliant. The training is extensive and they are certainly not “woo” - whatever that means. You have to ensure they are properly accredited of course. I’m sure there are some who are not very good, but then there are plenty of cases of medical negligence too.

Why do they just do exactly the same thing whatever you go in for.

it’s always lie flat and they crack your back. Then lie on your side and they bring your leg over and crack your back. Then they crack your neck.

every single time regardless of what your ailment is. Hardly brain surgery

A chiropractor has medical training? hahahah there's one born every minute.

We do evidence-based medicine only in this house so physio for us.