If you are dealing with back or muscle pain, you may have difficulty choosing the healthcare provider that you should see. Many people have heard of chiropractors and osteopaths but may be confused by what they treat. Do you know the difference between the two? If you don’t, you aren’t alone. Here is what you need to know if you are choosing between an osteopath and a chiropractor.
Length of Visit
If you see a chiropractor, your visit may not take long. Chiropractors often perform adjustments and then the patient leaves after. With osteopaths, you have longer visits because the osteopath wants to take a broader approach. An osteopath may want to spend more time talking and may spread out the treatments for longer periods of time.
Osteopaths will manipulate the body’s healing system. This means that they may work on muscle, tissue and joints. Chiropractors are concerned with the vertebrae of your spine and generally do not focus on muscles or other areas of the body.
Types of Focus
Osteopaths and chiropractors have different focuses. A chiropractor has interest in the alignment of the spine. The point of chiropractic care is to relieve pain via pinched nerve prevention and a focus on the nervous system.
Osteopaths, on the other hand, have a different area of focus. Osteopaths are interested in the whole body and its structure.
Range of Disorders
The range of disorders that chiropractors and osteopaths treat is also different. Chiropractors will focus more on joint and muscle pain, where osteopaths deal with a range of different disorders.
Osteopaths may deal with arthritis, tennis elbow, digestive issues and headaches. They may also help a patient with his or her sleep cycle and any circulatory issues. When you visit a chiropractor, his or her concern is mostly on how the spine contributes to muscle and joint pain throughout the body.
The choice between an osteopath and a chiropractor may be difficult at first. After all, there is some overlap when it comes to the types of conditions and pain that they can treat. There is no wrong answer when it comes to choosing one over the other. This is a personal choice. If you mostly have back issues, then it may be smart to see a chiropractor. Set up a consultation with a chiropractor in Dundalk, MD today to find out if a chiropractic adjustment can help with your condition or pain.
Thanks to Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic for their insight into chiropractic care and osteopaths.
