Chiropractor, osteopath or physio? Who is better equipped to deal with my problem?

It has always been a hot topic between both healthcare professionals and service users regarding who is best equipped to treat someone for neck and low back pain. I recently read an article that sets out to challenge this hot topic, and I feel this is something that needs debating. I will try and be as unbiased as I can, by being rhetorical with my blog, to allow you, the reader to formulate an informed choice.

Both healthcare professionals and service users will always have an element of bias towards their profession or a success story, when choosing who to see, you need to answer the following questions.

Firstly, what is the difference between the 3? Both chiropractors and osteopaths are classed as "alternative medicines". Physiotherapists are classed as a profession based on "evidence based practice" and scientific studies.

Do you understand the problem that is causing your pain?

Can your clinician explain what they feel is going wrong, why it is going wrong, how it may have happened? By asking you correct and appropriate questions, your clinician should be able to build an accurate history, like a detective pieces evidence together to aid in their assessment to provide you an accurate diagnosis.

You should be advised on the most up to date, current evidence based practice that we cannot prove that your "back is misaligned" or you have "poor posture" Is your clinician keeping up to date with their CPD (Continued Professional Development)? Are they giving you up to date treatment? No clinician can feel around your back or neck and tell you that it is slightly out of alignment, unless you have had a significant traumatic injury. Only imaging (CT, X-ray or MRI) can show any misalignment.

Can you not only understand your problem, but have you been empowered to own your problem and perform corrective techniques to resolve or manage your problem and not rely on regular follow ups by your chosen healthcare professional? If you are required to keep going to your clinician for "the same treatment again", do they have your best interests at heart? Your clinician should be following up their treatment by showing you corrective strengthening and stretching exercises for maximum carry-over. Those who have been treated by me can hopefully concur with this. I do not run my clinics by making my clients feel they require a series of follow up appointments to manage their problem. I always empower and educate my clients to ensure they can manage their condition with the least input from me. Do you have a long term gain from your treatment or is a quick fix or short term carry-over? Ask yourself this too. if you have been treated. How long does the treatment last? If you have been given corrective exercise, is it working? Are you able to perform it correctly, on your own? Are you effectively stuck in a spiral of treat, feel good, get into pain?.. There is no quick fix to a chronic problem. Corrective exercise can take time, but like a good diet, if you lose weight quick, you put it back on quickly. If it takes longer to correct, then it is doing you some good. Do you have a holistic plan in place to aid you in your lifestyle? Whilst your clinician may not have training in other areas of healthcare, for example: mental health or social care, does your clinician consider this in their treatment of you? Do they include and suggest referrals to other services too? Do they feel you need a referral to a podiatrist for orthotics in addition to your corrective exercises? Are you feeling low in mood? Has your clinician made suggestions about exercise, or speaking to someone professionally trained to deal with this? As you can see, I have tried to steer away from a biased opinion, to allow you to make that informed choice, but whoever you choose, make sure the healthcare professional is working for you.