Should You See a Physiotherapist or Chiropractor for Your Back Pain?

Back pain is one of those things that sneaks up on you. One day, you’re fine, and the next, you’re wincing just trying to sit down.

In Western Australia, a lot of people deal with it—whether it’s from long hours at a desk, heavy lifting, or just life catching up with them.

When the pain doesn’t go away, the big question is: should you see a physiotherapist or a chiropractor?

Both help with back pain, but they take different approaches. Physiotherapists focus on movement, muscles, and rehab exercises to strengthen weak areas.

Chiropractors work more with spinal adjustments, aiming to fix alignment issues that might be causing pain. So which one is right for you? That depends on what’s causing your pain and what kind of treatment you’re comfortable with.

Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your back—and your everyday life.

Causes of Back Pain and When to Seek Help

Back pain doesn’t always come from one big injury. Sometimes, it builds up over time because of everyday habits.

Other times, it happens suddenly due to an accident or strain. Understanding the root cause can help you figure out the best way to treat it.

Common Causes of Back Pain

Poor posture – Slouching at your desk, looking down at your phone for hours, or sitting awkwardly in a chair can strain your spine. Over time, bad posture weakens your muscles and puts unnecessary pressure on your back.
Sedentary lifestyle – Sitting too much, whether at work or home, weakens your core and back muscles. When these muscles aren’t strong enough, your spine takes on more stress, leading to stiffness and pain.
Heavy lifting – Picking up something the wrong way, especially without engaging your core, can cause immediate or long-term back issues. Lifting with your back instead of your legs is a common mistake.
Aging – As you get older, the discs in your spine lose hydration and elasticity. This can lead to stiffness, reduced flexibility, and a higher chance of conditions like degenerative disc disease.
Sports injuries – Athletes, especially those in contact sports or high-impact activities, often deal with back pain from muscle strains, sprains, or even stress fractures.
Medical conditions – Herniated discs, arthritis, scoliosis, and sciatica are some conditions that can lead to chronic back pain. These require specialized treatment beyond basic rest and exercise.

Signs You Need Professional Treatment

Not all back pain means a trip to a specialist, but some symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. If you experience any of the following, it’s time to see a physiotherapist or chiropractor:

Pain lasting more than two weeks – If your back still hurts after two weeks, it’s a sign that something more than a simple strain is going on.
Pain that spreads down your legs – This could be a sign of nerve compression, especially if you feel tingling or numbness in your legs.
Weakness or difficulty moving – If you’re struggling to stand, walk, or lift things, your muscles or nerves might be affected.
Pain that worsens at night – Some types of back pain don’t ease up when you rest. If lying down makes it worse, there could be an underlying condition.
Loss of bladder or bowel control – This is rare but serious. It could indicate a condition like cauda equina syndrome, which needs urgent medical attention.

Ignoring persistent back pain can lead to bigger problems down the road.

Risks of Ignoring Back Pain

Some people try to “tough it out,” thinking the pain will eventually fade. Sometimes it does, but in many cases, ignoring back pain can lead to:

Chronic pain – What starts as mild discomfort can turn into long-term pain that affects your daily life.
Loss of mobility – The longer you wait, the harder it can be to move freely without pain.
Muscle imbalances – When you avoid using certain muscles because of pain, other muscles overcompensate, leading to even more strain and discomfort.
Worsening conditions – Issues like herniated discs or sciatica can get worse if left untreated, making recovery harder.

If your back pain keeps coming back or interferes with daily life, getting professional help sooner rather than later can prevent bigger problems.

Physiotherapist vs. Chiropractor: Key Differences

A physiotherapist focuses on movement, rehabilitation, and strengthening weak areas. They work on muscles, joints, and ligaments to improve flexibility, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries.

Treatments often include exercise programs, manual therapy, massage, and stretching techniques to help restore normal function. If your back pain is caused by poor posture, muscle imbalances, or an injury, a physiotherapist will guide you through the right movements to fix the issue over time.

A chiropractor works with the spine and nervous system. Their main focus is spinal alignment, which they believe affects overall health. They use spinal adjustments, joint manipulations, and hands-on techniques to relieve pressure on nerves and improve movement. Many people visit chiropractors when they have misaligned vertebrae, tension in the spine, or conditions like sciatica. The adjustments can provide quick relief, especially for stiffness or nerve-related pain.

The choice between a physiotherapist and a chiropractor depends on the type of back pain you have. If the pain comes from muscle weakness, poor movement patterns, or injury recovery, physiotherapy might be a better option. If your pain feels joint-related, involves nerve compression, or improves after spinal adjustments, a chiropractor might help.

Both treatments can be effective, but the experience is different. Physiotherapy often requires active participation—you’ll be given exercises to do at home and will gradually build strength. Chiropractic care is more hands-on, with treatments focused on adjustments that bring immediate relief. Some people even combine both, depending on their condition.

How a Physiotherapist Can Help with Back Pain

Back pain can make even the simplest movements uncomfortable. Physiotherapists help by improving how your body moves and functions.

They don’t just focus on relieving pain—they work on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and fixing movement patterns so the pain doesn’t keep coming back.

Techniques Used by Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists use different techniques depending on the type and cause of back pain. Some of the most effective methods include:

Exercise therapy – Specific movements designed to strengthen weak muscles, improve posture, and restore flexibility. This includes core exercises, stretches, and mobility drills to prevent stiffness.
Manual therapy – Hands-on techniques like joint mobilization and deep tissue massage to relieve tension, improve circulation, and ease muscle tightness.
Dry needling – A technique that uses thin needles to release tight knots in muscles, helping to reduce pain and improve movement.
Electrotherapy – Methods like TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) or ultrasound therapy to reduce pain signals and promote healing in deep tissues.

Each of these techniques is chosen based on what’s causing the pain and how the person responds to treatment.

Conditions Physiotherapists Treat

Physiotherapists don’t just deal with one type of back pain. They help with a wide range of issues, including:

Muscle strains and sprains – Often caused by poor posture, sudden movements, or lifting something heavy the wrong way.
Post-surgery rehabilitation – After a back operation, physiotherapy helps rebuild strength, prevent stiffness, and speed up recovery.
Chronic lower back pain – Ongoing pain that doesn’t go away, often linked to weak muscles, nerve issues, or long-term wear and tear.
Sciatica – Pain that runs from the lower back down the leg, usually due to nerve compression.
Disc problems – Conditions like herniated discs or degenerative disc disease, where the cushioning between the spine’s bones is damaged.

Whether the pain comes from an injury, bad posture, or a long-term condition, physiotherapy focuses on getting the body moving correctly again.

Benefits of Physiotherapy for Back Pain

The goal of physiotherapy is restoring movement, building strength, and preventing future issues. Some key benefits include:

Reduces pain without medication – By addressing the root cause, physiotherapy helps relieve pain naturally.
Improves mobility and flexibility – Tight muscles and stiff joints limit movement. Therapy loosens them up, making everyday activities easier.
Prevents future injuries – Strengthening weak areas lowers the risk of straining the back again.
Speeds up recovery – Whether after an injury or surgery, the right treatment plan helps get you back to normal faster.
Personalized treatment plans – Exercises and techniques are tailored to the individual, ensuring the best results based on their specific condition.

Physiotherapy is an active approach. It requires commitment to exercises, posture corrections, and lifestyle changes to keep the back healthy long-term. Those willing to put in the effort often see major improvements in pain relief and mobility.

How a Chiropractor Can Help with Back Pain

Chiropractors focus on the spine, joints, and nervous system. They believe that spinal misalignment can cause pain and limit movement.

By adjusting the spine and other joints, they aim to relieve pressure on nerves, reduce stiffness, and improve mobility.

Many people go to chiropractors when their back pain feels like it’s coming from misalignment or nerve-related issues rather than muscle weakness.

Techniques Used by Chiropractors

Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to adjust the spine and relieve discomfort. These methods can help with stiffness, nerve pain, and posture-related problems.

Some of the most common techniques include:

Spinal adjustments – Quick, controlled movements applied to the spine to realign vertebrae and reduce pressure on nerves. This can relieve pain and improve flexibility.
Manipulation therapy – A combination of movements and pressure applied to joints and muscles to improve mobility and reduce stiffness.
Joint mobilization – Slow, repetitive movements to loosen stiff joints and restore natural movement. This is helpful for people who experience pain when twisting or bending.

Chiropractors often use a mix of these techniques depending on the severity and type of back pain.

Conditions Chiropractors Treat

Chiropractors focus on structural problems within the spine and nervous system. Some of the most common conditions they treat include:

Subluxations – When the spine is slightly misaligned, it can put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain and stiffness. Adjustments help realign the vertebrae.
Spinal misalignment – Poor posture, injuries, or even sleeping in the wrong position can shift the spine out of place. Chiropractic care helps restore proper alignment.
Nerve compression – Conditions like sciatica, where the sciatic nerve is pinched, can cause sharp pain that runs down the leg. Adjustments can help relieve this pressure.
Tension headaches and migraines – Some headaches stem from stiffness in the neck and upper back. Chiropractic care can help by improving spinal mobility and reducing muscle tension.

Chiropractors mainly focus on treating conditions related to the spine, joints, and nervous system rather than soft tissue injuries or muscle imbalances.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Back Pain

Chiropractic treatment provides pain relief for many people, especially those dealing with stiffness or misalignment. Some of the key benefits include:

Relieves tension in the spine and joints – Adjustments can reduce stiffness and improve flexibility, making movement easier.
Reduces pressure on nerves – When nerves are compressed due to misalignment, chiropractic care can help relieve the pain.
Improves posture – Many back pain issues come from poor posture. Chiropractors help correct spinal alignment, which supports better posture over time.
Provides a drug-free treatment option – Chiropractic care focuses on hands-on techniques instead of relying on painkillers or medications.
May help with headaches and neck pain – Adjustments can relieve tension in the upper spine, which may reduce headaches caused by tight muscles and nerve pressure.

Chiropractic care is typically a hands-on, passive approach, meaning the chiropractor does most of the work during the session.

Unlike physiotherapy, which involves active exercises and movement training, chiropractic care focuses more on spinal alignment and joint function.

Some people prefer chiropractic care for its immediate relief, while others combine it with physiotherapy for a more comprehensive approach.

Choosing Between a Physiotherapist and a Chiropractor

Deciding between a physiotherapist and a chiropractor comes down to what’s causing your back pain and how you prefer to be treated.

Both can help, but their methods are different. Physiotherapists focus on muscle function, movement, and rehabilitation, while chiropractors focus on spinal alignment and nerve-related pain.

Some people benefit from one approach, while others see results from a combination of both.

Factors to Consider

The right choice depends on several factors, including:

Type of back pain – Is it a muscle strain, postural issue, or nerve-related pain? Physiotherapists are great for rehab, strengthening, and improving movement, while chiropractors focus on spinal misalignments and nerve pressure relief.
Pain duration – Acute pain from a minor injury may heal with rest and targeted physiotherapy exercises. Chronic pain caused by ongoing spinal misalignment or nerve issues may respond better to chiropractic care.
Injury-related pain – Sports injuries, post-surgical recovery, or muscle imbalances often require a physiotherapy-based approach to restore mobility and prevent re-injury.
Treatment style preference – If you prefer structured exercises and gradual strengthening, physiotherapy might be the better fit. If you’re looking for hands-on adjustments that offer quick relief, chiropractic care could be a good option.
Severity of the condition – Mild stiffness and postural issues can often be corrected with either treatment. Severe cases, like herniated discs or sciatica, may require a specialist’s opinion before choosing the best path.

Who Should You See for Different Types of Back Pain?

Some conditions respond better to one type of treatment than the other. Here’s a general guide to help decide:

Physiotherapist:
- Muscle strains or sprains
- Post-surgery rehabilitation
- Chronic lower back pain
- Sciatica with weak muscles
- Postural problems causing back pain
- Recovery from sports or work-related injuries
Chiropractor:
- Stiffness or pain linked to spinal misalignment
- Sciatica caused by nerve compression
- Joint pain in the back, neck, or pelvis
- Tension headaches related to spine posture
- Acute back pain from sudden misalignment or improper movement

When a Combination of Both Might Help

For some people, combining physiotherapy and chiropractic care brings the best results. This can be useful when:

A chiropractor realigns the spine, and a physiotherapist follows up with exercises to maintain proper posture and movement.
Someone with chronic back pain needs both spinal adjustments and muscle strengthening to prevent the pain from returning.
A person with sciatica benefits from chiropractic care for nerve relief and physiotherapy to build core strength and prevent future flare-ups.

Choosing between the two depends on your condition, treatment preferences, and long-term goals.

If you’re unsure, consulting both professionals can give you a better idea of what approach feels right for your body.

Costs and Availability in Western Australia

The cost of physiotherapy and chiropractic care in Western Australia varies depending on the clinic, location, and whether you have private health insurance.

On average, an initial physiotherapy consultation costs between $90 and $150, while follow-up sessions range from $75 to $120.

Chiropractic sessions tend to be slightly cheaper, with an initial visit typically costing $70 to $130, and follow-up adjustments between $50 and $90. Some practitioners offer bulk packages, which can reduce the per-session cost.

Medicare provides limited coverage for both physiotherapy and chiropractic care under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan. If eligible, you may receive up to five subsidized sessions per year with a referral from a GP. However, these subsidies don’t cover the full cost, so you’ll likely have to pay a gap fee.

Most private health funds in Australia offer rebates for both physiotherapy and chiropractic care under extras cover. The rebate amount depends on your policy, with some covering 30% to 70% of the cost per session. Checking with your insurer helps determine what’s covered and whether there’s a waiting period.

Availability of services depends on location. In Perth, finding a physiotherapist or chiropractor is easy, with many clinics in central and suburban areas.

Regional towns also have practitioners, but availability can be limited. Some patients in rural Western Australia may need to travel to larger towns for specialist care or rely on telehealth consultations for physiotherapy.

Wait times vary. Public physiotherapy services can have longer wait times, especially in hospitals and community clinics. Private clinics typically offer same-week appointments, but popular practitioners may have a one- to two-week waiting period. Chiropractic clinics usually have shorter wait times, with many offering same-day or next-day bookings.

Alternative and Complementary Treatments

Staying active is one of the best ways to manage back pain. Gentle exercises and stretches help keep the muscles flexible and strong, reducing stiffness and preventing further strain.

Simple movements like pelvic tilts, knee-to-chest stretches, and cat-cow stretches can ease tension in the lower back.

Strengthening exercises, especially for the core and glutes, provide better support for the spine and reduce stress on the lower back.

Posture plays a huge role in back health. Sitting for long hours in a bad position strains the spine, leading to pain over time. Making small ergonomic changes, like using a chair with good lumbar support, adjusting the computer screen to eye level, and keeping feet flat on the floor, helps maintain proper alignment. Standing desks, supportive footwear, and a firm mattress also make a difference.

Heat and cold therapy can provide quick relief. A heating pad or warm bath relaxes tight muscles, while an ice pack reduces swelling and numbs sharp pain. Switching between heat and cold can be effective for chronic pain flare-ups.

Acupuncture is another option for those looking for alternative treatment. This practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points to release muscle tension and improve circulation. Some people find relief through regular acupuncture sessions, especially for chronic pain.

Massage therapy helps loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow to sore areas. Deep tissue massage works well for knots and muscle stiffness, while myofascial release targets tension in connective tissues. Regular massages can help prevent back pain from coming back.

Daily habits also play a role in back pain management. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on the spine, while staying hydrated keeps the discs between the vertebrae well-cushioned.

Good sleep posture—like sleeping on the side with a pillow between the knees—reduces pressure on the lower back. Managing stress through meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises also helps, as tension often leads to tight muscles and discomfort.

Key Takeaway

Back pain can be frustrating, especially when it starts interfering with daily life. Some days, it’s a dull ache, and other times, it flares up so badly that simple movements feel impossible. Getting the right treatment makes all the difference, but it helps to know what works best for your body.

Physiotherapists focus on movement and muscle strength, helping to fix posture, flexibility, and injuries. Chiropractors focus on spinal alignment, relieving nerve pressure and improving joint mobility. Some people get great results from one approach, while others combine both for better relief.

Simple lifestyle changes also go a long way. Stretching, good posture, and making small adjustments to how you sit, stand, and sleep can prevent a lot of unnecessary pain.

If your back keeps acting up, getting professional help sooner rather than later can stop it from turning into a bigger issue.

The best way to figure out what you need is to talk to a specialist who can assess your situation and recommend the right approach. If you’re in Western Australia and need expert care, book a consultation at Mandurah Spine & Sport to start feeling better.