Back Pain Chiropractor or Massage

If you have back pain, you can self-medicate with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and cold compresses. But if the pain becomes too severe, you may be wondering what else can be done to find the pain relief you need. Two options include visiting a back pain chiropractor or massage therapist.

While chiropractors and massage therapists use their hands to treat patients, there’s a marked difference between a back pain chiropractor and a massage therapist. However, the therapies go hand in hand, as many chiropractors recommend chiropractic care in conjunction with massage therapy. Some chiropractic clinics also have a massage therapist for patients in need.

Back Pain Chiropractor or Massage

Similarities

When it comes to visiting a back pain chiropractor or massage therapist, there are several similarities and differences. As mentioned above, they both use their hands to help patients.

• Work on the body to promote a healthier alignment.
• Treatment plans have immediate effects.
• Non-surgical, drug-free alternatives for pain management.

Differences

Back pain chiropractors can perform medical diagnoses and order X-rays and/or blood tests to determine the cause of an individual’s back pain.

• Massage therapists can’t perform medical diagnoses or order diagnostic tests.
• Chiropractic can target diseases of the nervous and musculoskeletal system. Some common problems chiropractors can solve are joint pain, headaches, tendinitis, ear infections, and strains.
• Massage therapy has been shown to relieve pain and tension and is known to help with insomnia.

Benefits of Seeing a Back Pain Chiropractor

Back pain chiropractors perform direct manipulations on the joints and spine and require much more training than masseurs. Chiropractors must have a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in a chiropractic program. Although chiropractic and massage therapy have shared health benefits, chiropractors can treat some specific medical conditions. Massage can alleviate the symptoms of these health problems, but it does not address them directly.

Benefits of Visiting a Massage Therapist

A massage therapist focuses on soft tissue manipulation such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Massage therapy complements chiropractic and has many health benefits that enhance the healing process. Massage therapy can offer health benefits such as:

• Increased blood flow
• Improved immunity
• Reduced anxiety
• Improved skin condition

Massage Therapy and Chiropractic are better together

A balance between massage therapy and a chiropractor can ultimately help patients with chronic back pain. Massage therapy can help relax your muscles before or after a chiropractic adjustment. Also, an adjustment may take longer when the muscle tension of the patient is released. Chiropractors and massage therapists can work together to offer the best possible outcome for patients.

If you or a family member needs to see a back pain chiropractor or massage therapist, visit Performance Chiropractic + Physiotherapy clinic to schedule an appointment. During your visit, our professionals will determine the underlying cause of the back pain and offer you treatment tailored to your needs, including massage therapy.