When back pain strikes, finding relief is only part of the challenge. Another common question many patients face is deciding who to see for treatment. Should you visit a physical therapist or a chiropractor?

Because physical therapy and chiropractic care often overlap in their goals, choosing between the two can feel confusing. The good news is that these specialties are not competitors—they are complementary. Many patients experience the best results when both approaches are combined.

Let’s explore the key differences between physical therapists and chiropractors, and how Advance Physical Therapy integrates both to provide comprehensive back pain relief.

Understanding the Difference between a Physical Therapist and a Chiropractor

Before deciding which provider is right for you, it’s helpful to understand how each specialty approaches back pain treatment.

What a Chiropractor Does

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper spinal alignment so the body can heal and function more efficiently. When the spine is misaligned, it can interfere with both the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

Conditions such as bulging discs, joint dysfunction, and shoulder impingement can place excess pressure on nerves, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Chiropractors address these issues through precise spinal adjustments—controlled thrusts applied to specific areas of the spine.

These adjustments help:

• Reduce nerve pressure
• Decrease inflammation
• Improve spinal mobility
• Provide faster pain relief

Chiropractic care is especially effective for improving alignment and jumpstarting the healing process.

What a Physical Therapist Does

Physical therapists focus on restoring movement, strength, and overall function. Their primary goal is to help patients return to daily activities with less pain and greater confidence.

A physical therapist evaluates how your muscles, joints, and movement patterns work together. Based on this assessment, they design a personalized exercise and treatment program to:

• Strengthen weak muscles
• Improve flexibility
• Correct faulty movement patterns
• Prevent future injuries

Physical therapy is particularly beneficial for long-term recovery following injury, surgery, or chronic pain conditions.

Shared Goals, Different Approaches

While chiropractors and physical therapists use different techniques, they share the same core objectives:

• Reduce pain
• Restore function
• Improve mobility
• Help patients stay active and healthy

Chiropractic adjustments can improve spinal alignment and reduce nerve irritation, making it easier for patients to move comfortably. Physical therapy then builds on that foundation by strengthening muscles and improving movement, leading to longer-lasting results.

How to Know Which Back Pain Specialist You Need

Back pain—whether in the upper or lower back—can have many causes. Choosing between a physical therapist and a chiropractor depends on your symptoms, condition, and recovery goals.

When to See a Chiropractor

You may benefit from chiropractic care if your back pain is related to spinal misalignment or joint restrictions. Chiropractors provide targeted adjustments that relieve pressure on nerves, restore alignment, and improve overall mobility.

When to See a Physical Therapist

Physical therapy is ideal if your goal is to rebuild strength, improve flexibility, or recover from injury or surgery. A physical therapist will create a customized program to retrain movement patterns and support long-term healing.

When to Combine Both Treatments

For many patients, the most effective solution is a combination of chiropractic care and physical therapy. This integrated approach ensures proper spinal alignment while strengthening the muscles that support it—resulting in more durable pain relief and better overall function.

Comprehensive Back Pain Care at Advance Physical Therapy

At Advance Physical Therapy, we believe in treating the whole person—not just the symptoms. By combining physical therapy and chiropractic principles, we offer a holistic approach to back pain that supports both immediate relief and long-term recovery.

If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, our experienced team can guide you toward the best plan for your needs.