Osteopath or chiropractor

[willowman]

I am suffering a reccurance of lower back problems and am seeing a physio at the local health centre (cos it's free). Not having much effect though. I have seen an osteopath on previous occasions, who sorted out the problem.

This time I'm reluctant to go for osteopathy because of the discomfort and pain involved when they start cracking the bones and joints.

What is the difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor? Is a chiropractor more gentle? Somebody suggested a reiki healer, does anyone have any experience of these? What about acupuncture? Would this solve the obvious underlying probleelieve the pain? Any other suggestions will be most welcome, but I have a limited budget so don't really want to try something on the offchance it may work.

PS I run my own business and today I'm in agony, but can't not work. So thanks in advance for any contributions.

[emmay35]

I've been to both a chiropractor and osteopath and honestly couldn't tell you the difference, they both gave me a good cracking out! I have recently been to see a craniosacral therapist using the McTimoney method. It's a more gentle and manipulative form of balancing your body. You can get some info from www.mctimoney-chiropractic.org If you know what's causing your back pain some lifestyle changes may help at no extra cost. Good luck, I empathise!

[Litchick]

I LOVE my chiropractor! Twice in my life I have been in severe pain and each time she took care of it, drug free. I admit, each time took more than one adjustment (maybe a week or so each) but the pain was taken care of. While I respect and do visit doctors I like that the chiropractor really does something to fix the problem rather than just alleviate symptoms. I would also try the accupuncture and/or massage.

[Scarlett]

Chiropractor seems to be more about bones and skeleton and osteopath seems to be more concerned with muscles and soft tissue. The chiro. cracked me about and it made no difference to my back problem. The osteo. gave me a REALLY hard pummelling which just hurt cos it was so tender. That did no good to the innerds of my back either.

I have had physio which was just exercises (no good for pain already there) and I had some megapulse which can break up spasms in back- I think that helped a bit.

I have also had steroid injections which help for a few weeks and then wear off.

I have tried a TENS machine, which masks the pain but isn't a solution. I haven't tried acupuncture but I want to!

I think your best bet is to try and work out the CAUSE of your problem. Too many Doctors just prescribe painkillers. I insisted on scans etc and it turned out my "trapped nerve" was 3 slipped discs!

[anthomson]

I had lower back pain for years which was becoming an almost constant pain. Then I found a book called 'Treat you Own Back' by McKenzie. Basically just simple exercises but the really worked for me and I would advise folk to give them try before trying more drastic, more expensive, methods.

If you are interested in alternative theories I would suggest Bowen Technique, my friend practices it : ) It is a sort of gentle, non-intrusive massage therapy good for a number of medical compliants but particularly good for back problems, sports injuries etc.

http://www.babowen.info

[carriehewitt]

Willowman

A chiroprator is the best option, i started to see one over 12 months ago for migraines which i found out were linked to an area at the bottom of my back rather than my next which is what numerous doctors and specialists failed to diagnose and treat. Chiroprators are more about total body wellness and i highly recommend them rather than wasting time in pain.