Trapped Nerve: Physio Vs Osteopath Vs Chiropractor ??

ComfortablyNum

Just wondering if anyone out there has had any experience or turned to said professions for help with a pinched nerve in their back?

I'm sure most people will have encountered physio at some point in their lives - but I've heard very mixed stories about the other two - particularly Chiropractors.

I've severely pinched a nerve in my mid (thoracic) back and despite X-Rays, MRI's, specialists and doctors all taking their turns with me - results etc. have all come back as normal and docs say one of two things, give it time to heal - or - you may be stuck with this for life. Not exactly the most encouraging diagnosis to hear. (Probably should mention damage was inflicted via a motorbike accident in the snow last November - so yeah, I've been stuck with this trapped nerve for more than 4 months. Trapped nerve is bad enough and restricts me a bit, but the bigger issue is it's causing havoc with my ear (distorted hearing, Tinnitus-type mixture of pulsing, humming and high-pitched noises in my ear 24/7 which is very distressing.)

Has anyone ever faced a similar issue and turned to something or someone different for a positive result? Or know of anyone who has?

Thanks.

N8

Not a great place to ask about chiropractors is this forum.

However chiropractic is very good and a valid system of care for musculoskeletal complaints especially when everyone else is telling you nothing is wrong with you (and the pain and ear problems are of course imaginary).

For a qualified chiropractor in your area probably best contacting the Chiropractic Association of Ireland www.chiropractic.ie

For more on the difference on Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and Chiropractors:

N8 wrote: »

it is probably best to compare all three; osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists.

Originally osteopathy was a theory of disease and method of cure founded on the assumption that deformation of some part of the skeleton and consequent interference with the adjacent nerves and blood-vessels are the cause of most diseases, i.e. the body's well-being is dependent on the blood supply to the rest of the body

Chiropractic originally was a theory of disease and method of cure founded upon preventing mechanical disorders of the spine, and their consequent interference with the nervous system, the organs, glands and blood vessels supplied, and on general health, i.e. the body's well-being is dependent on the nerve supply to the rest of the body

Both professions enjoyed much success in these roles until the push in the last century by medicopharmeuceutical industry and the rush by both professions to cash in on the bonanza created by health care reimbursement for musculoskeletal problems.

There used to be chiropractic hospitals and mental institutions were people were successfully treated with chiropractic alone. Osteopathy and chiropractic enjoyed great succes during the flu pandemic of 1917-1918 with massively lowered death rates recored with both groups of patients versus those treated medically.


Today little separates the two professions from physiotherapy in the marketplace created by musculoskeletal disorders except for the fact that physiotherapy follows a traditional allopathic medical approach and many physios work in a medical setting.

The primary treatment objective of both osteopathy and physiotherapy is to remove bodily aches and pain.

Whilst some chiropractors concentrate on this as their primary objective many (about 50%) of chiropractors continue to focus on the function of the spine past pain and instead on the function, co-ordination and tone and their impact on whole body function and health. This has led to confusion with clients just looking their pain treated whilst the chiropractor is focusing on function past pain.

Training in different. In the UK both osteopathy and chiropractic are 5 year bachelors and masters degree courses. I assume this is the case for physiotherapy but I am not sure. In Ireland there is no course for chiropractic. For osteopathy it is a part time course I believe over a number of years and I understand physiotherapy is a three or four year course.

Whilst all osteopaths and chiropractors are trained in manipulation (in the case of osteopathy) and adjustments (in the case of chiropractic), physiotherapists are in general not and if so to a lesser degree.

Chiropractors are trained to take and interpret x-rays whereas osteopaths are trained only in their interpretation. For this reason, x-ray analysis is more widespread in chiropractic practice. Physiotherapists are not trained in either as far as I know.

Apart from manipulation, osteopaths use other physiotherapy techniques such as stretching, pressure and mobilization. Osteopaths are also trained in cranial osteopathy or cranio-sacral therapy, which is seldom used by chiropractors. In comparison to chiropractors, osteopaths tend to place more emphasis on soft tissue/muscle work and articulation/mobilisation of joints.

Neither chiropractor nor osteopaths in general are trained in therapy machines to the same levels as physiotherapists.

In Ireland anyone can call themselves a chiropractor or osteopath (and have done so do make sure they are qualified and a member of a recognised professional body) but as far as I know to call yourself a physiotherapist you must legally now be qualified and registered as such.

Can’t think of any other differences. As to whose best that is a minefield and it depends as much as what is wrong with you as the type of practitioner, your personal choice and recommendations.

Originally Posted by rcs
What on average do they charge per visit?

Not sure about physiotherapists since I haven't used one for years now but the chiropractor I see regularly (most weeks) worked out a fee structure for me that worked out to be around €25per adjustment with all re-exams inc regular EMGs free. Usually it was €40 per adjustment and €50 for re-exams. The osteopath lady I see on an irregular basis charges €50 per sesson. They are both worth every penny.

Dr Galen

OP

This forum does not offer medical advice or serve as a place for posters to pose personal questions to the forum users.

That said I really hope that you get sorted, no matter who it is that actually does the sorting.

Cheers

DrG