What's the difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor - which might be best for lower back problems?

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I am in a lot of pain with my lower back. I've been seeing a physio who was treating me for a problem with my hip, which she thought wasn't the original site of the problem (said it was my back). Sure enough, the hip has improved, although it still "spasms" but my lower back is now very bad - it's not been good since my second pregnancy. The bottom of my spine is really painful - with little relief in any position.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of which practitioner might be best. I'm still seeing the nhs physio once a week, but obviously she has a limited amount of time she can spend with me.

I spent hundreds on chiropracty to no effect but pilates really helped from the word go - if you have an injury you need 1 to 1 instruction from someone who specialises in injuries though.
Pregnancy started my problems too

Hi, I've had a lot of back problems and have seen both chiropractors and osteopaths. Feel that the chiropractor I am seeing at the moment is best. Treatment is quick and effective, and you DON'T have to be clicked or jerked if you don't like it (I don't but most people do). If you live anywhere near Islington N1, can recommend my practitioner. Otherwise here is some info about chiropractic Can also recommend cheap place for osteopathic treatment if you are able to get to Borough station. osteopathy info

I would also recommend pilates, although it's probably the world's most boring exercise.

I've had good experiences with physios for lower back problems - but they just said "go do Pilates". Which did the trick.

I thought chiropracters and osteopaths were basically the same.

Chiropractor really helped me. I was in pain constantly, with bad episodes every 4-6 weeks, and I'm now usually pain free for weeks at a time. Have also started Pilates in the last couple of months since my back has been stronger, which the chiro recommended.
Chiropractic philosophy is that physio may reinforce imbalances, if things aren't in the right place. So they think things need to be 'put right' before exercise begins. Good luck.

I want to do pilates - there is a class near me, but I think I need the 1 to 1 support at the moment because I'm worried about doing further danage to myself. Thanks for the info and links .

I had 3 x 20 minute sessions of 1:1 - cost £30 in total - so doesn't have to break the bank either! Chiro cost me £500 & didn't seem to help me

Also recommend a good sports massage therapist - this helped me a lot too

Do you get twinges down your leg as well? could be slight trapped nerve if so. I have suffered from them in the past and acupuncture really helped clear them up - very relaxing as well!

I've had horrendous problems with my lower spine and would thoroughly recommend a chiropractor. I see a McTimoney chiropractor - very gentle treatment. Dh has seen osteopath years ago, his type of treatment very different to mine, so can't comment on it really.

I've been to see GP on advice of chiropractor, to request x-ray/scan or whatever, and he informed me that there is nothing wrong with my back (he missed the broken coccyx and dislocated vertebra, oops!)

I now see my chiropractor every 3 months, which keeps things "in check" and I can usually tell when it is getting close to my appointment. I can have obviously have extra sessions in an emergency. I've been given gentle, stretching exercises to do each morning, most of which seem to be very similar to Pilates (which I've never done but would like to).