Chiropractor or osteopath in Canary Wharf: which suits your back or neck
Four quick questions decide whether Harvey or one of two osteopaths suits your problem.
Chiropractors and osteopaths both use hands-on treatment with exercise for back, neck and joint pain, and for most back or neck problems the person and their approach matter more than the title, so at 30 South Colonnade in Canary Wharf you can see Harvey, a chiropractor, or one of two osteopaths.
The short answer
Difference between chiropractor and osteopath, explained
The two professions grew from separate traditions in the late nineteenth century, and today they largely overlap. Both take a history, examine how you move, treat with their hands and give exercises.
The difference is mostly one of emphasis. Many chiropractors make more use of quick adjustments to single joints. Many osteopaths spend more of a session on soft tissue work, stretching and slower joint movement.
Plenty of practitioners in each profession work the other way, which is why the first visit tells you more than the title.
Whichever you choose, the NHS advises checking the practitioner on their profession’s public register before you book. If you are leaning towards a chiropractor, here is what a chiropractic visit involves.
When you are ready, see the first visit steps.
Side by side in brief
- ChiropractorGCC register
- OsteopathGOsC register
- Often used more by chiropractorsQuick adjustments
- Often used more by osteopathsSoft tissue and stretching
- GP referralNot needed for either
Chiropractor or osteopath for lower back pain
For lower back pain that has built up over time, the NICE guideline favours neither profession. It names manual therapy, meaning spinal manipulation, mobilisation and soft tissue work, as something to consider alongside exercise.
Chiropractors and osteopaths both use all three techniques. Ask whether the practitioner explains what they find, gives you exercises and agrees a short written plan with a review point.
Chiropractors are more likely to use quick adjustments. Many osteopaths lean towards slower, soft tissue work. You can ask either for the approach you prefer.
Chiropractor or osteopath for neck pain
Both professions commonly see neck pain from poor posture or awkward sitting positions. Whoever you see, any quick technique on the neck should be explained and agreed with you first.
Slower mobilisation and soft tissue work are alternatives in both professions. Mild aches and stiffness after treatment are common with either and usually pass within a few days, and more serious side effects are rare.
Chiropractor or osteopath for sciatica
For sciatica, the same NICE advice applies as for low back pain, and it names no profession. Sciatica is pain, tingling or numbness travelling into the leg from an irritated sciatic nerve.
Manual therapy may be considered, always as part of a plan that includes exercise. Chiropractors and osteopaths both work this way, combining hands-on techniques with a rehabilitation exercise programme.
Trapped nerve
People often say trapped nerve for pain spreading into an arm or leg. Either profession should check the nerves with strength, reflex and sensation tests, and refer you to your GP if a check raises concern.
Numbness in both legs or a change in bladder or bowel control needs 999 straight away.
How chiropractors and osteopaths are regulated
Each profession has its own regulator, and you can look anyone up by name on its public register. The register shows their status and when they first registered.
How to check a chiropractor or osteopath
Search the register for their profession before you book.
- Chiropractor: look them up by name on the General Chiropractic Council register.
- Osteopath: look them up by name on the General Osteopathic Council register.
Which is safer, an osteopath or a chiropractor?
Neither an osteopath nor a chiropractor can fairly be called safer. The NHS gives the same list of reasons why either may not suit you, such as blood-thinning medicine or very weak bones or joints.
The list also covers a higher risk of bleeding or stroke and nerve conditions. Telling your practitioner about your health and medicines at the first visit matters more than which title they hold.
Seeing either at 30 South Colonnade
At UNTIL Canary Wharf you could see Harvey, a chiropractor, or Lolitaire or Hashim, both osteopaths. Each runs their own practice at the club.
Say what you would like help with on the first visit form, or ask for someone by name. You hear who you are matched with and their fee before you book.
FAQ
Chiropractor or osteopath
questions
Is an osteopath or a chiropractor better for back pain?
Neither profession comes out ahead across the board: NICE’s back pain guidance suggests considering manual therapy with exercise and names no profession. Choose the practitioner who explains clearly, gives exercises and agrees a short written plan. At 30 South Colonnade you could see a chiropractor or one of two osteopaths.
Do osteopaths crack your back like chiropractors?
Some do. Osteopaths can use quick joint techniques too, though many spend more of a session on soft tissue work and slower movement. Either profession should explain a technique and ask before using it. If you would prefer a gentler approach, say so at the start of your first visit.
Can I see an osteopath or a chiropractor on the NHS?
Rarely. The NHS lists both as complementary therapies and does not routinely offer either, so most people pay privately; NHS physiotherapy is the usual free route. You need no GP referral to book either privately, and you hear each practitioner’s published fee before you book.
How do I choose between a chiropractor and an osteopath?
Check the register first, then think about the approach you prefer: more quick adjustments, or more soft tissue work and stretching. Ask how long the first visit is and whether you get exercises and a written plan. You can ask for someone by name, or leave it open and get a suggestion.
Get Started
Tell us where it hurts,
and hear back within 24 hours
Chiropractor Canary Wharf • UNTIL Canary Wharf, Unit 7, 30 South Colonnade, London E14 5HX
Book a first visitYou hear who you will see and what they charge before anything is booked, and you pay the practitioner directly.