Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide and can have a significant impact on their daily lives. While there are many types of chronic pain conditions, some are more common than others.
In this article, we’ll discuss the 10 most common chronic pain issues and when someone should see a chiropractor, physiotherapist, or osteopath for treatment.
Most Common Chronic Pain Conditions
- Low back pain: This is one of the most common types of chronic pain issues. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, injuries, and degenerative conditions. People with low back pain can benefit from chiropractic or physiotherapy, which can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and strengthen the muscles supporting the spine.
- Neck pain: Like low back pain, neck pain can be caused by poor posture, injuries, and degenerative conditions. Chiropractic and physiotherapy can help reduce pain and improve mobility in the neck.
- Headaches: Chronic headaches can be caused by tension, migraines, or other underlying health issues. Chiropractic, physiotherapy, and osteopathy can all be helpful for managing headaches, depending on the underlying cause.
- Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic pain condition that affects the entire body. Treatment may involve a combination of chiropractic, physiotherapy, and osteopathy to help manage symptoms, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
- Arthritis: This is a degenerative joint condition that causes chronic pain and stiffness. Osteopathy and physiotherapy can help manage pain and improve joint mobility.
- Sciatica: This is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, causing pain in the lower back and legs. Chiropractic and physiotherapy can help manage symptoms and improve mobility.
- Plantar fasciitis: This is a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. Treatment may involve a combination of chiropractic, physiotherapy, and orthotics to help reduce pain and improve foot function.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and wrists. Physiotherapy can help improve hand function and reduce pain.
- Frozen shoulder: This is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. Physiotherapy and osteopathy can help improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain.
- Scoliosis: This is a curvature of the spine that can cause chronic pain and other health issues. Chiropractic and physiotherapy can help manage symptoms and improve spinal alignment.
When to See a Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, or Osteopath
In general, people should consider seeing a chiropractor if their chronic pain issues are related to spinal misalignments or subluxations. Physiotherapy may be more appropriate for musculoskeletal issues such as joint pain, muscle strains, and injuries. Osteopathy can be beneficial for a range of chronic pain conditions, as it focuses on improving overall body function and mobility.
| Condition | Chiropractor | Physiotherapist | Osteopath |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low back pain | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neck pain | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headaches/migraines | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| Arthritis | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fibromyalgia | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sciatica | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shoulder pain | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Knee pain | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hip pain | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | ✓ | ✓ | – |
Note: This table is intended as a general guide only. The appropriate healthcare provider for any given condition may vary depending on the individual case and other factors, such as the severity of the condition and the patient’s medical history. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
It’s important to work with a qualified and licensed healthcare provider who can help determine the best course of treatment for your specific chronic pain issues. In some cases, a combination of chiropractic, physiotherapy, and osteopathy may be the most effective approach to managing chronic pain and improving overall quality of life.
Dr. Jenny Li is America trained chiropractor who specialises in sports injury, sports performance, and spinal health. She graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in United States, upon completion of the her post graduate program she practiced in Hong Kong and currently is practicing in Singapore.
