Both professions aim to help the body heal itself, but they use slightly different approaches to achieve this goal. Osteopaths focus on restoring normal function and stability to joints, while Chiropractors aim to correct Vertebral subluxations/fixations in the spine that cause nerve interference and ill health in the body. Some Chiropractors also work on other joints to promote healing. The main difference between the two lies in the specific techniques and methods they use to achieve their goals. Ultimately, what matters most to the patient is finding a practitioner with the right level of expertise and using the technique that suits them best.

In England, if you have a musculoskeletal complaint, your GP may refer you to a Physiotherapist as the first point of contact. While a Physiotherapist can prescribe exercises and help mobilize injured joints to improve the function of your musculoskeletal system, they are not trained to address nerve interference in your spine, which is essential for proper communication between your brain, muscles, and organs. This is where a Chiropractor comes in, as they are trained to adjust your spine and remove nerve interference, allowing for optimal function of your nervous system. Combining both Physiotherapy and Chiropractic care may be necessary depending on the injury, but it’s important to remember that without proper communication between your brain and body, exercises alone may not fully address the underlying issue and could lead to recurring pain. A Chiropractor is essential for addressing the root cause of the problem and ensuring long-term healing, as the absence of symptoms does not necessarily mean that an area has been fully healed.

Parents often wonder if taking their baby to a chiropractor is necessary. Although babies don’t have back pain, chiropractic care aims to improve spinal function to enhance brain processing and promote optimal development. The cramped quarters of the womb and strains of delivery can cause spinal and nervous system injuries in babies. Studies show that most babies have a spinal problem that could benefit from manual therapy, and longer labours increase the likelihood of these problems. Chiropractic care is safe for children and babies, and may even improve sleep and reduce crying.

Chiropractors undergo extensive education and training. They typically complete a 4 to 5 year degree program, which includes a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised clinical training, as well as coursework in subjects such as anatomy, neurology, orthopedics, nutrition, diagnosis, and clinical competence. Most chiropractic programs require prerequisites in biology, chemistry, physics, and biochemistry or an undergraduate equivalent degree. After meeting all requirements, a degree in chiropractic is granted, which varies depending on the country attended. In the United States, chiropractors graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree, while in the United Kingdom, they graduate with a Masters in Chiropractic degree.