Should I See a Physiotherapist or a Chiropractor for My Neck Pain?

If you’re experiencing neck pain, you might be wondering whether to see a physiotherapist or chiropractor. Both healthcare professionals offer effective treatments, and while their approaches differ, they share some common techniques that can help alleviate discomfort and improve your quality of life. In this blog, we’ll explore how physiotherapy and chiropractic care each address neck pain and discuss the treatments both types of practitioners use.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

The following issues are known to cause or aggravate neck pain:

• Muscle strain
• Poor posture
• Sudden neck movements
• Worn joints
• Herniated discs and nerve compression
• Whiplash injury
• Rheumatoid arthritis 

No matter the cause, both physiotherapists and chiropractors offer tailored treatments that can help manage and alleviate neck pain.

How Physiotherapy Can Help Treat Neck Pain

Physiotherapy takes a holistic approach to treating neck pain, focusing on improving function, strength, and flexibility while managing pain. Here are some of the key techniques used in physiotherapy:

• Stretches – Through stretching exercises recommended by the physiotherapist, patients can gain better flexibility and range of motion in the neck.
• IMS (dry needling)– Some physiotherapists offer Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), also known as dry needling, to address muscle tightness and trigger points that contribute to neck pain.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Treat Neck Pain

Chiropractors focus on overall body alignment to treat neck pain. Chiropractors work on the entire body, using a variety of techniques to address pain. Here are some methods employed by chiropractors:

• Spinal and joint manipulation – Spinal manipulation or adjustment consists of the application of controlled force to the affected area to restore the alignment of the joints in the neck. Through this method, a chiropractor can also help alleviate the patient’s pain.
• Joint Mobilization – Using gentle movements, the chiropractor will improve the patient’s neck joint mobility.

Common Approaches Used by Both Physiotherapists and Chiropractors

While physiotherapists and chiropractors have distinct approaches, there are several shared techniques they both use to treat neck pain effectively:

• Strengthening exercises –The physiotherapist or chiropractor will provide the patient with an exercise routine designed to enhance support, stability, and strength in the muscles of the neck.
• Soft tissue massage – Both physiotherapy and chiropractic may use massage techniques to reduce muscle tension and promote blood flow in the neck.
• Electrical stimulation & ultrasound – These modalities are commonly used by both physiotherapists and chiropractors to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate healing.
• Shockwave Therapy – Both physiotherapists and chiropractors may utilize shockwave therapy, a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in soft tissues and reduce pain associated with chronic neck conditions.
• Patient education – Educating patients on posture, movement habits, and self-care practices is essential in both physiotherapy and chiropractic care, helping prevent recurrence of neck pain.

How to Choose the Right Treatment for Your Neck Pain

While both physiotherapy and chiropractic care are commonly used to treat neck pain, the best method for you will depend on the cause of your condition. For instance, if your neck pain or discomfort results from poor posture, muscle strain or an injury, physiotherapy might be the best choice for you. If, however, your neck pain is being caused by issues your spinal alignment or a joint dysfunction, chiropractic care may provide better results.

Seeking Treatment for Neck Pain in the Lower Mainland

Are you currently suffering from neck pain? Patients can often find relief from their neck pain through either physiotherapy or chiropractic care. Serving patients in the Lower Mainland, Legacies Health Centre is here to find the best treatment plan for your neck pain. Contact us today to book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists or chiropractors.

Chiropractic Care is a hands-on, non-invasive, drug-free practice that diagnoses, treats and prevents a variety of neural and musculoskeletal conditions, with the main goal of optimizing body’s movements and joints’ mobility, through a combination of manual adjustments and soft tissue release.

Book online with Dr, Manreet Hans in Southpoint here.