Chiropractic v Osteopathy

[forestertwo]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between chiropractic and osteopathic treatment.  If there is a difference is one more effective at treating neck pain than the other?  Thanks.

[Clanad]

From a chiropractic website...

Chiropractors focus mostly on spinal integrity, using x-rays of the spine to form a diagnosis: osteopaths use palpation (touch) of soft tissues (muscles, ligaments and tendons) and spinal positioning in conjunction with overall postural balance to form a diagnosis
Chiropractors work mainly on the spine; osteopaths work on the spine but also on the whole body, including peripheral joints
Chiropractors use more manipulative techniques; osteopaths may use manipulation in conjunction with soft tissue and mobilisation (stretching of joints) techniques.

[Otrere]

Chiropractors, diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are associated with the body�s muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, especially the spine. Chiropractors believe that interference with these systems impairs the body�s normal functions and lowers its resistance to disease. They also hold that spinal or vertebral dysfunction alters many important body functions by affecting the nervous system and that skeletal imbalance through joint or articular dysfunction, especially in the spine, can cause pain.

The chiropractic approach to healthcare is holistic, stressing the patient�s overall health and wellness. It recognizes that many factors affect health, including exercise, diet, rest, environment, and heredity. Chiropractors provide natural, drugless, nonsurgical health treatments and rely on the body�s inherent recuperative abilities. They also recommend changes in lifestyle�in eating, exercise, and sleeping habits, for example�to their patients. When appropriate, chiropractors consult with and refer patients to other health practitioners.


*****

Pinched it off another site - will have to post separately about osteopaths - sorry!!

[Otrere]

According to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), osteopathic medicine is a complete system of healthcare with a philosophy that combines the needs of the patient with the current practice of medicine. Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) practice a whole-person approach, which means they consider both the physical and mental needs of their patients.

This "holistic" approach to healthcare was actually developed by an American MD. Dr. Andrew Taylor Still feared that 19th-century medicine was doing more harm than good. Disgusted at the ineffectiveness of fellow practitioners during the Civil War, he decided to focus on the body's ability to heal itself and began to stress preventive medicine. He also identified the musculoskeletal system as a key element of health, stressing that muscles, nerves, bones, and organs are all interrelated. In 1892, Dr. Still founded the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri.

Manipulative Medicine
A key part of osteopathic medicine is a technique called OMT, or osteopathic manipulative treatment. OMT allows physicians to use their hands as a primary tool to diagnose and treat illness and injury. This form of manual medicine lets DOs examine the back and other parts of the body, such as joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, for pain and restriction during motion that could signal an injury or impaired function.

Although they sometimes focus on the back, these physicians are not chiropractors. OMT is a treatment very specific to how and where humans injure themselves and how that injury can manifest itself as symptoms.

[Chillum]

If you want some anecdotal evidence: When I first did my neck/shoulder area in, I initially (after a week or so) went to a Chiropractor. He did some x-rays, put a couple of wedges under my hips and left me for 15-20 mins., or so. He reckoned it would take about 6 weeks to get me back to normal. I then went to an osteo., she had a look, layed me down, jumped on me, and I floated out of the door. All pain completely gone within a couple of days. Once you get it under control, you should get into the habit of going to the osteo/chiro once every 4-6 months for a service.

[ann_h]

Went to an osteopath a few times, worked but only for a few weeks at a time. Quite traumatic manipulation though.

Then was recommended a MCTimoney chiropractor, not normal type of chiropractic.

They do whole body treatment with gentle manipulation, stimulating nerve/muscle to behave itself! It really worked for me, I would say I was 90% better after first triple session, and just go every couple of years if I've done something stupid, and twisted myself.

You should be able to find your local practitioner if you look any up in phone book or on the net, they all kind of know eachother.

[forestertwo]

Thanks everyone.  Just need to pluck up the courage now!!

[Scarlett]

Purely from my own experience, the chiropractor seemed more interested in bones, and tended to click them about. The osteopath seemed to be more interested in muscles, and focused more on hard massage. Not a technical answer, as you can see!!