Both chiropractors and osteopaths can be consulted primarily for low back pain, muscle contractures or stiffness, but it is not easy to distinguish between the two. Discover the differences between a chiropractor and an osteopath.

Chiropractors and osteopaths have a different approach to practice

The practice of osteopaths

Osteopaths work on the body as a whole. They focus their efforts not only on the spine, but also on the joints, ligaments, muscles and even the skull. Finally, spinal manipulations only represent 10% of their activity. They most often use massage techniques, but they can also use less gentle techniques. Osteopaths actually take a holistic view of the body: a localized dysfunction cannot be treated only where the pain occurs, but can find its cause elsewhere in the body. The goal of osteopathy is to restore a good overall state of health to the patient, it is thus able to also treat sinusitis problems, ear infections, headaches, or even respiratory problems.

The practice of chiropractors

Conversely, chiropractors perform manipulations almost only at the level of the spine. They focus on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, and its ability to maintain or even restore good health and general well-being. The manipulations of chiropractors are precise and only target a small area, spinal manipulations represent 90% of their activity.¹. Because of this, they are considered to be specialists in the spine and often demonstrate very high precision. Chiropractic is mainly indicated for detecting subluxations of the spine, corrected by pressure and adjustments, but it is also effective in relieving certain chronic disorders such as dizziness, ringing in the ears, digestive, gynecological or urinary disorders.

However, despite these differences, nothing prevents practitioners from developing a particular approach and know-how, so a chiropractor and an osteopath can have similar approaches, and vice versa.

Chiropractors and osteopaths do not have the same training

The training of osteopaths

There are 75 osteopathic schools in France, and a multitude of different training courses. Training can be done full-time, part-time, or at university. In addition, there is no specific legislation governing the training of osteopaths: this can last from 3 to 6 years. On average, it is estimated that most good schools provide between 4 and 200 hours of training. Thus, one can have a very different experience from one osteopath to another, especially since some can also be masseurs-physiotherapists, doctors, or even from other regulated health professions. For all cervical manipulations, the osteopath needs a certificate issued by the patient’s doctor. In addition, he cannot take care of babies under 5 months old or use instruments.

Training chiropractors

There is only one school of chiropractors in France, the IFEC (Franco-European Institute of Chiropractic). It provides 5 hours of training spread over 500 years of internationally standardized studies. This standardized training guarantees an equal quality of service regardless of the chiropractor consulted. In Quebec, you have to do 6 years of studies after CEGEP at the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières, followed by 5 months of clinical practice, to obtain your undergraduate doctorate in chiropractic. The training is accredited by the Canadian Council on Chiropractic Education (CCEC)². Due to his training, the chiropractor can manipulate the cervicals without a doctor’s prescription and use instruments.

Finally, the two professions are not equally represented: in 1^er January 2014, there were 21 osteopaths against 095 chiropractors in France. Despite these differences, both chiropractors and osteopaths are professionals indicated to treat the most common back problems. Osteopath or chiropractor, the most important thing is ultimately the confidence we have in a professional.