Back pain is an extremely common complaint, and can have a significant impact on quality of life. Many people who experience back pain find it difficult to know who to turn to for help. Should you see a GP, physiotherapist, chiropractor, or osteopath? Let’s break down your options to help you make the best choice.
Should You See a GP for Back Pain?
Your general practitioner (GP) is usually the first person people think of when they experience back pain. A GP can assess your symptoms, help to provide a general diagnosis, and prescribe medications such as pain killers or anti-inflammatories. They may also refer you for imaging (like X-rays or MRIs) if they suspect a serious underlying issue.
However, while GPs are great for ruling out serious medical conditions, they often don’t provide hands-on treatment or prescribe exercises for musculoskeletal conditions. This is where your allied health practitioners come in.
How Physiotherapy Helps with Back Pain
Physiotherapists specialise in movement and rehabilitation. They use exercise-based treatments, stretching, and strength training to improve mobility, correct posture, and alleviate pain.
Seeing a physiotherapist for back pain is a good option if:
You’ve had a recent injury and need rehabilitation.
You want to strengthen weak muscles contributing to your pain.
You need guidance on exercises to improve posture and movement.
While physiotherapy is effective, some people find the approach to be too exercise-focused, without enough hands-on treatment to help alleviate pain.
Can a Chiropractor Help Your Back Pain?
Chiropractors focus predominantly on spinal health, and are trained to diagnose and treat issues related to the spine and nervous system. Their primary treatment method is spinal adjustments (manipulation) to correct alignment and improve function.
Chiropractic care may help if:
Your pain is due to an issue with your spine.
You prefer a treatment that focuses on spinal health and nervous system function.
You don’t mind a treatment approach that may involve cracking or high-velocity adjustments.
However, chiropractic treatment tends to focus mainly on the spine and may not address muscle imbalances, soft tissue issues, or broader postural problems that contribute to back pain.
Why Osteopathy Might Be the Best Choice
Osteopathy is a holistic, hands-on approach that blends elements of both physiotherapy and chiropractic care. Osteopaths treat the entire musculoskeletal system, considering how muscles, bones, and joints work together.
An osteopath can help with:
Muscle tension and stiffness that contribute to back pain.
Postural imbalances that may be causing discomfort.
Joint mobility and flexibility to improve movement and reduce strain.
Soft tissue techniques and stretching to relieve pain.
Osteopaths combine manual therapy with rehabilitation exercises to provide a well-rounded treatment plan, addressing the root cause of your pain. Osteopaths are trained to assess, diagnose and treat various causes of back pain.
Majority of the time, back pain can be effectively managed with conservative treatment (hands-on treatment and rehabilitation). In the cases where further intervention is needed, your Osteopath can work directly with your GP to get you a referral to the appropriate specialist, or to get further imaging when required.
When to Seek Help for Back Pain
Most cases of back pain can be handled effectively with a suitable healthcare provider, but certain symptoms necessitate prompt medical care. You should seek immediate medical help if you encounter:
Severe back pain after an accident or fall.
Numbness or weakness in your legs.
Loss of bladder or bowel control.
Unexplained weight loss along with back pain.
These could be signs of a serious condition that needs urgent medical assessment.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Practitioner
When deciding who to see for back pain, consider your symptoms, preferences, and treatment goals. GPs, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and Osteopaths are all trained to assist with back pain, however, they all have a different approach and different treatment modalities.
Osteopathy offers a well-rounded approach that blends hands-on treatment with exercise rehabilitation and lifestyle advice, with a strong focus on patient education and empowerment. If you're struggling with back pain and looking for a natural, effective way to relieve discomfort, osteopathy may be the right choice for you.
Book an appointment with one of our experienced osteopaths today for a comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment plan!
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