Chiropractor or Doctor of Osteopathy? Which Is Right For You
If you have been searching for alternative treatments for back pain, you may have considered seeing a chiropractor.
Chances are, you have never heard of a Doctor of osteopathic Medicine (D.
O.
).
By learning about what D.
O.
s do, you can make an informed decision as to whether chiropractic or osteopathic care is right for you.
Similarities Both D.
O.
s and chiropractors have holistic approaches to medicine; they consider how different body systems are related and attempt to treat the whole person.
This distinguishes these medical professionals from mainstream practitioners, who are often more concerned with treated symptoms than causes.
D.
O.
s and chiropractors both use a hands-on approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Chiropractors may use X-ray technology to assist with diagnosis and tools to assist with manipulations, but overall, both types of professionals rely on touch.
Chiropractors Chiropractors specialize in optimizing neurological function.
They focus on the spine and the nerves that exit from it.
Spinal misalignment can be the source of back pain and nerve impingement.
Pain, tingling, numbness and weakness may be felt along the pathway of a nerve that is compressed or irritated by a misplaced vertebra.
Chiropractors perform spinal adjustments through manipulation techniques.
Manipulation involves administering thrusts to joints in order to restore proper position.
Chiropractors also use mobilization techniques to increase range of motion in joints.
The end goal is to free up nerves.
Chiropractors complete 2 to 4 years of undergraduate study and 4 years of post-graduate study.
They are not qualified to prescribe medication or perform surgery.
Osteopathic Physician D.
O.
s emphasize the importance of blood circulation and the interconnectedness of all body parts and systems.
They focus on the whole body, and are trained to detect how a problem in one part of the body could cause problems in other areas.
D.
O.
s employ an array of techniques to treat the many conditions they may detect.
They borrow manipulation techniques from the chiropractic field and myofascial techniques from the massage field, such as deep pressure work.
Osteopaths often treat musculoskeletal pain conditions, but may also be able to relieve asthma, sinus troubles, digestive problems, menstrual pain, headaches, migraines and more.
D.
O.
s complete four years of undergraduate study and four years of post-graduate study.
They also complete a one-year internship.
Osteopathic doctors are also required to complete 120 hours of continuing medical education every 3 years.
They can prescribe medication and perform surgery.
Which Is Right For You? Chiropractors are medical specialists, whereas osteopaths are general physicians like M.
D.
s but with a more holistic approach.
With that in mind, deciding where to go for treatment is easier.
The specialization of the chiropractor, while a limiting factor, does have a positive side.
If you know that you have a spinal misalignment issue that causes pain, it makes sense to seek care from the professional most knowledgeable in that area.
Chiropractors spend more time studying the spine than D.
O.
s.
However, if something else is causing your pain, or if a spinal misalignment has resulted in dysfunction within other bodily systems, a D.
O.
would be better qualified to address these problems than a chiropractor.
If you have a range of musculoskeletal problems, a D.
O.
would be best equipped to treat you.
Both chiropractors and doctors of osteopathic medicine are valid, competent medical professionals.
Deciding who to see comes down to how extensive your condition is.
Chances are, you have never heard of a Doctor of osteopathic Medicine (D.
O.
).
By learning about what D.
O.
s do, you can make an informed decision as to whether chiropractic or osteopathic care is right for you.
Similarities Both D.
O.
s and chiropractors have holistic approaches to medicine; they consider how different body systems are related and attempt to treat the whole person.
This distinguishes these medical professionals from mainstream practitioners, who are often more concerned with treated symptoms than causes.
D.
O.
s and chiropractors both use a hands-on approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Chiropractors may use X-ray technology to assist with diagnosis and tools to assist with manipulations, but overall, both types of professionals rely on touch.
Chiropractors Chiropractors specialize in optimizing neurological function.
They focus on the spine and the nerves that exit from it.
Spinal misalignment can be the source of back pain and nerve impingement.
Pain, tingling, numbness and weakness may be felt along the pathway of a nerve that is compressed or irritated by a misplaced vertebra.
Chiropractors perform spinal adjustments through manipulation techniques.
Manipulation involves administering thrusts to joints in order to restore proper position.
Chiropractors also use mobilization techniques to increase range of motion in joints.
The end goal is to free up nerves.
Chiropractors complete 2 to 4 years of undergraduate study and 4 years of post-graduate study.
They are not qualified to prescribe medication or perform surgery.
Osteopathic Physician D.
O.
s emphasize the importance of blood circulation and the interconnectedness of all body parts and systems.
They focus on the whole body, and are trained to detect how a problem in one part of the body could cause problems in other areas.
D.
O.
s employ an array of techniques to treat the many conditions they may detect.
They borrow manipulation techniques from the chiropractic field and myofascial techniques from the massage field, such as deep pressure work.
Osteopaths often treat musculoskeletal pain conditions, but may also be able to relieve asthma, sinus troubles, digestive problems, menstrual pain, headaches, migraines and more.
D.
O.
s complete four years of undergraduate study and four years of post-graduate study.
They also complete a one-year internship.
Osteopathic doctors are also required to complete 120 hours of continuing medical education every 3 years.
They can prescribe medication and perform surgery.
Which Is Right For You? Chiropractors are medical specialists, whereas osteopaths are general physicians like M.
D.
s but with a more holistic approach.
With that in mind, deciding where to go for treatment is easier.
The specialization of the chiropractor, while a limiting factor, does have a positive side.
If you know that you have a spinal misalignment issue that causes pain, it makes sense to seek care from the professional most knowledgeable in that area.
Chiropractors spend more time studying the spine than D.
O.
s.
However, if something else is causing your pain, or if a spinal misalignment has resulted in dysfunction within other bodily systems, a D.
O.
would be better qualified to address these problems than a chiropractor.
If you have a range of musculoskeletal problems, a D.
O.
would be best equipped to treat you.
Both chiropractors and doctors of osteopathic medicine are valid, competent medical professionals.
Deciding who to see comes down to how extensive your condition is.
