Chiropractor or Physical Therapist?
How they differ, what the evidence says, and how to choose for back and neck pain.
The short answer
Both can help back and neck pain, and for low back pain the evidence for spinal manipulation is roughly comparable to exercise therapy. What matters most is an accurate diagnosis and an active plan, not the title on the door. At McClean we combine hands-on care with measured, in-house rehab exercise, and we refer to physical therapists when that is the better fit.
How they differ
- Chiropractors diagnose spine and joint problems and use hands-on treatment such as adjustments and mobilization, often with exercise and soft-tissue work.
- Physical therapists focus on exercise, movement retraining and function, often after surgery or for strength and balance problems.
There is a lot of overlap, and good care in either office should include exercise you can do yourself.
How we work at McClean
We do not have a physical therapist on staff. Our doctors and team run active rehab in-house, including computerized spine stability testing and retraining, so your exercise is measured and progressed, not guessed. When a physical therapist is the better fit, for example after surgery or for problems outside the spine, we refer you to one.
We re-test you about every 4 weeks with the same measurements we took at the start. If you are not measurably better, we change the plan or refer you to the right specialist. We do not keep treating just to keep treating.
Which should I see first?
- Sudden back or neck pain, a pinched nerve, or pain after a car accident: a chiropractor who examines nerves and reads imaging is a good first stop.
- Rehab after surgery, balance problems, or general strengthening: a physical therapist is often the better fit.
- Red flags such as worsening weakness, bladder or bowel changes, fever or a history of cancer: see a medical doctor or go to the ER.
Common questions
Is a chiropractor or physical therapist better for back pain?
Neither is better for everyone. For low back pain the evidence for manipulation is roughly comparable to exercise therapy; an accurate diagnosis and an active plan matter more than the type of provider.
Do you have a physical therapist on staff?
No. Our team provides in-house rehab exercise, including computerized stability testing, and we refer to physical therapists when that is the better fit.
Can I see a chiropractor and a physical therapist at the same time?
Yes, and it can work well when both share findings and goals. We coordinate with your physical therapist when you have one.
Sources
- Rubinstein SM, et al. Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2019;364:l689.
Related
Questions about your situation? Call us.
McClean Chiropractic Spine Care Specialists · 385 N 500 W, Provo, UT 84601 · Directions