If you’ve been searching for alternative treatments for back pain, you might have considered seeing a chiropractor. Chances are, you’ve never been aware of a doctor of osteopathy (D.O.). By knowing about what D.O’s do, you will make an decision whether chiropractic or osteopathic treatment is right for you.
Similarities
Both D.O.s and chiropractors have holistic ways to medicine; they try to treat the whole person and consider how different body systems are related. These medical professionals are distinguished by this from mainstream experts, which are often more focused on treated symptoms than causes.
D.O.s and chiropractors both use a hands-on approach to treatment and diagnosis. X-ray technology may be used by chiropractor to assist with tools and diagnosis to assist with manipulations, but overall, both types of professionals depend on touch.
Chiropractors
Chiropractors concentrate on optimizing neurological function. They focus on the spine and the nerves that exit from it.
Spinal imbalance could be the source of nerve impingement and back pain. Pain, tingling, numbness and weakness could be felt along the pathway of a nerve that’s compressed or irritated by a misplaced vertebra. Spinal adjustments are performed by chiropractors through adjustment techniques. Manipulation requires administering thrusts to joints in order to restore proper position. Chiropractors also use mobilization techniques to improve range of motion in joints. The end goal is always to free up nerves.
Chiropractors complete 4 years of post-graduate study and 2 to 4 years of undergraduate study. They’re not qualified to prescribe medication or perform surgery.
Osteopathic Doctors
D.O.s emphasizes the importance of blood circulation and the interconnectedness of systems and all body parts. They focus on the whole body, and are trained to identify how a problem in one area of the body may cause problems in other areas.
D.O.s uses an array of techniques to treat the numerous problems they might detect. They borrow manipulation techniques from the chiropractic field and myofascial techniques from the massage field, such as for instance deep pressure work. Osteopaths usually treat musculoskeletal pain conditions, but may also be able to relieve more, sinus problems, digestive dilemmas, menstrual pain, headaches, migraines and asthma.
D.O.s complete the four years of undergraduate study and four years of post-graduate study. A one-year internship is also completed by them. Osteopathic doctors are also required to complete 120 hours of continuing medical education every three years. They can prescribe medication and perform surgery.
Which Will Be Right For You?
Chiropractors are medical professionals, while osteopaths are general physicians like M.D.s but with a more holistic approach. With this in mind, deciding where you can select treatment is easier.
The expertise of the chiropractors, while a limiting factor, does have a positive side. It makes sense to seek treatment from the professional most knowledgeable in that area; if you know that you have a spinal misalignment matter that causes pain. More time is spent by chiropractors studying the spine than D.O.s.
However, if something else is causing your pain, or if an imbalance has resulted in dysfunction within other bodily systems, a D.O. would be better qualified to address these dilemmas than a chiropractor. If you have a range of musculoskeletal dilemmas, a D.O. will be best equipped to treat you.
Both chiropractors and doctors of osteopathy are valid, competent medical experts. Choosing who to see comes down to how extensive your situation is.