Desperate, what's the difference between an Osteopath and Chiropractor?

[GB]

Listen to his words" relax, you won't feel a thing" :laugh:

[mark1150]

Listen to his words" relax, you won't feel a thing" :laugh:

I remember those words from the last time I asked my boss for a rise! hmy:

[Redmurty]

Mate, I have been to both over the years, Osteopaths are recognised by the medical professionals where as Chiros aren't. The theory behind the chiropractic treatment is each part of the spine is responsible for different areas and ailments of the body, plus some philosophy as well; mentioned in a previous post, they also frown on treating ailments with drugs if I recall correctly. The treatment is normally a gentle manipulation of the spine done up to 3 times a week until the problem is gone, then regular visits to keep the spine in check, so this can get expensive. I had a major problem in my upper spine sending an electric shock down my left arm rendering it useless (to many years of riding Ducatis!) I went to a Chiropractor in Norwich twice a week for six weeks and the problem was cured, whether it would have cleared on it's own I will never know but it has never comeback (but I've stopped riding sports bikes now) I also had a problem with my lower back when I worked in the building industry, and one morning when I woke up I could hardly walk and had to be carried into the car, my wife took me to an osteopath on an emergency appointment and after 30mins I walked out under my own steam virtually pain free, (but the treatment was quite painful when I think back)
Both treatments can work, the chiropractor I used to cure my upper spine moved away and I couldn't get on with his replacement, the osteopath I have now is good and see him only when I feel the need. If you find a practitioner you get on with and understands your needs it doesnt matter if its chiropractor or osteopath as long as it works. To be honest if I had the spare cash I would go once a month to keep my spine inline, but I havent so I just keep stretching my back and only ride adventure bikes

I would'nt say Osteo's are any more recognised by the medical profession than chiro's. They are looking at both working within the NHS. They are both licenced trained and insured. Chiro's train for 4 years Osteo's for 3. Chiro's come out as a Doctor which I personally think is why a lot of the NHS doc' dont like them, My Mrs treats quite a few Doc's.
But in any case find what works for you and use it. Heal soon cheers Spud

[MattW]

I was crippled with a recurrent lower back injury last year (displaced sacroiliac joint - where your spine meets your pelvis). The nhs were useless - just referred me to a physio with about a six month waiting list so I booked to see an osteopath. She did (eventually) sort my back out.

However as it's private practice and they want to extract maximum money out of you, it ended up as six sessions at £40 a pop. The first 5 sessions were faffing around with gentle massage and manipulation, prodding and measuring. On the sixth session I said that I wouldn't be coming again as it really wasn't getting any better and the costs were getting out of hand. Guess what - she folded me in half and twisted - there was a an impressive (although completely painless - or at least no 'extra' pain) crack and I got off the table just about pain free and able to walk upright for the first time in a month. It was a huge relief but I couldn't help but feel ripped off.

We both new that she could have done this in the first session had she been so inclined but then she wouldn't have had the extra £200 out of me. She then tried to book me in for regular monthly 'back health' sessions. I declined.

[Redmurty]

I was crippled with a recurrent lower back injury last year (displaced sacroiliac joint - where your spine meets your pelvis). The nhs were useless - just referred me to a physio with about a six month waiting list so I booked to see an osteopath. She did (eventually) sort my back out.

However as it's private practice and they want to extract maximum money out of you, it ended up as six sessions at £40 a pop. The first 5 sessions were faffing around with gentle massage and manipulation, prodding and measuring. On the sixth session I said that I wouldn't be coming again as it really wasn't getting any better and the costs were getting out of hand. Guess what - she folded me in half and twisted - there was a an impressive (although completely painless - or at least no 'extra' pain) crack and I got off the table just about pain free and able to walk upright for the first time in a month. It was a huge relief but I couldn't help but feel ripped off.

We both new that she could have done this in the first session had she been so inclined but then she wouldn't have had the extra £200 out of me. She then tried to book me in for regular monthly 'back health' sessions. I declined.

Unfortunatly there are people like that in all professions not just health care. cheers Spud

[MattW]

Unfortunately there are people like that in all professions not just health care. cheers Spud

Absolutely - wasn't my intention to tar all osteopath's with the same brush - just my misfortune to find one who's business ethics weren't quite as good as her professional skills.

I'd certainly see one again - just not that one

[GB]

I think its like most things, dentists, doctors, banks, bike dealers hmy: if you find some who works for you you are laughing.