Osteopathy and
chiropractic started out as distinct healing professions in the late 1800s in
the USA. Andrew Still, a physician and surgeon 'discovered' osteopathy in 1872
when he became dissatisfied with conventional medicine. He believed the bone
'osteon' was the starting point for pathological conditions. D.D Palmer was the
founder of chiropractic in 1895. Palmer may have been a student of Andrew Still
for a short time.
Palmer proposed that
spinal manipulation influenced the nervous system whereas osteopaths believed
that manipulation had an effect on the body’s circulation. Scientific
understanding of physiology was very limited at the time.
Chiropractors and
osteopaths treat mainly muscular and skeletal problems. Chiropractors often use
manipulation, particularly of the spine as part of their treatment. This is
sometimes referred to as an adjustment. To better understand what this is, you may like to read this post. Osteopaths may also manipulate their
patients but more frequently use mobilisation. Both professions use various
other soft tissue techniques as part of their treatment.
Chiropractic
and osteopathic manipulation and mobilisation are recommended by the National
Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of back pain.
I have observed osteopaths treating patients and can see a time when there are
much closer ties between the two professions. In the UK chiropractors are
regulated by the General Chiropractic Council and
osteopaths by the General Osteopathic Council. When
deciding whether to consult a chiropractor or an osteopath you may find it most
helpful to seek out a personal recommendation from family members or friends.
Hope this helps.
