SHARES
“My back hurts a lot lately. I’ve been hearing stories from my friends who recover well after seeing an orthopaedic doctor or a chiropractor. However, I am afraid of surgery. At the same time, what they described as “popping” and “cracking” of their back really scares me. Who should I get help from?” Wei, 67, finds it hard to decide on what is best for her.
Orthopaedic Doctor & Chiropractor: What do they do?
Orthopaedic Doctors specialise in treating health problems related to the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendon and their surrounding structures like nerves and blood vessels). They are medical doctors who undergo full medical training for 5 years or more and further specialise in this discipline. With such great exposure, training and experience, they are able to do surgery and treat serious bone and muscle problem. The profession has its roots in correcting (orthos-, “straighten”) spine and bone deformity in children (paideia-, “rearing of children”). Then, during world war I, this discipline expands widely to treat war casualties with injuries like fracture, dislocation of joint, spinal injury etc.
Chiropractor are holistic healthcare practitioners who are skilful in maintaining the healthy position of the spine. The spine is like the highway in human body where everything flows. In fact, many bodily muscles, blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic system are closely related to our spine. Therefore, in chiropractic theory, a healthy spine position is important for health and well-being of a person.
This profession takes root in healing a myriad of health problems with hands (chiro-, “hand”; praktikos-, “do”). Although this discipline was once not accepted in mainstream science, more and more studies are confirming their effectiveness. Now, chiropractic practice is a well-recognised profession under alternative and complementary medicine. Proper training, certification and governing are in place to ensure safe and effective chiropractic service. But, chiropractors do not provide invasive treatment and surgery.
Photo by dh659521 from Flickr
When Should I See a Chiropractor or Orthopaedic Doctor?
Both are experts in treating health problems related to your bone and muscle. In fact, you’ll often get similar treatment and advice for muscle pain. For instance, advice such as bed rest, heat or cold packs, and painkillers. Also, they both are well trained to help find out the cause of your pain. They treat accordingly by correcting your posture and teaching you exercises to strengthen your core muscles.
Generally, chiropractors are good at relieving acute and chronic pain in your neck, back and lower back. However, if your pain is because of severe osteoarthritis, symptoms are likely to recur without surgery. Your chiropractor will also refer you to an orthopaedic doctor for treatment of more serious issues. Examples are, health problems like fracture, bone deformity, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, joint dislocation, torn ligaments and tendon, and problems involving the nerve (eg. nerve impingement, narrowing of spinal canal). These problems, when severe, will require more specialised input from a team of experts and may even require surgery.
What to Expect?
Although both of them may treat various health problem with similar approach, chiropractor uses a unique manual technique called spinal manipulation. This provides an almost immediate pain relief that can last for months to years with repeated sessions. During the session, your chiropractor will position you in such a way that he may deliver a low energy force accurately to loosen up the joints in your spine. You may hear a “pop” sound during such manoeuvre which is similar to popping your knuckles. These are just gas released from your joints during movement. You may find the popping sound reassuring. Yet, it does not signify effective treatment nor any danger. After the session, you may have muscle soreness that usually resolves in 3 days.
On the other hand, your orthopaedic doctor works closely with a team of rehabilitative experts. Your doctor usually prescribes the treatment and refer you to physiotherapist, occupational therapist and chiropractor. Likewise, physiotherapists use massage therapy, acupressure, exercise regime to strengthen your muscles, a combination of techniques to loosen your joints, and various equipment and braces to maintain good position and function of your body parts. Talk to your doctor about the rehabilitative care that you can expect to benefit from!
Photo by stacy.harris8576 from Flickr
Conclusion
Both chiropractor and orthopaedic doctor are experts in treating your musculoskeletal health problem. They work together to promote your health and well-being. Speak to your healthcare provider on various treatment options and alternatives to find the one best suited for your current health condition.
Find a Chiropractor or Orthopedic Surgeon in Malaysia, on GetDoc
Find a Chiropractor or Orthopedic Surgeon in Singapore, on GetDoc
References
- Kirkaldy-Willis WH. Orthopaedics and chiropractic, a close relationship. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2004 Jun;48(2):113-116.
- Watson C. Chiropractor vs orthopedist [Internet]. Hearst Newspapers. 2020. [Available from: https://work.chron.com/chiropractor-vs-orthopedist-15315.html; last updated on 2018 Aug 22; last accessed on 2019 Jan 11]
by Chang Xian
View all articles by Chang Xian.
