Physio or Chiro for Lower Back Pain: Which Is the Best Option?
Lower back pain is one of the most common health complaints, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether it's caused by sitting too long, a sports injury, or poor lifting technique, back pain can seriously impact your quality of life.
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing discomfort, you might be wondering—should I see a physiotherapist or a chiropractor for my lower back pain? Both professions can help, but they take slightly different approaches to treatment. In this blog, we’ll explain the differences and help you decide which option might be best for your needs.
Understanding Lower Back Pain: What Causes It?
Before choosing a treatment provider, it’s helpful to understand what’s causing your pain. Common causes of lower back pain include:
Muscle strains or sprains
Disc issues (such as herniation or bulging discs)
Joint stiffness or misalignment
Poor posture or ergonomics
Weak core or glute muscles
Repetitive strain or overuse
An accurate diagnosis is key to receiving the right treatment—whether that comes from a physio, chiro, or both. Luckily, Elite Health & Performance can offer both Physio and Chiro diagnosis.
What Does a Physiotherapist Do for Lower Back Pain?
Physiotherapists focus on how your body moves. They help reduce pain and improve strength, flexibility, and mobility through movement-based therapy.
Physiotherapy for lower back pain may include:
Manual therapy (joint mobilisation and massage)
Postural training and movement correction
Core and glute strengthening exercises
Stretching and flexibility programs
Education on injury prevention and body mechanics
Ideal for:
Muscle imbalances or weakness
Chronic lower back pain
Rehab after injury or surgery
Exercise-based recovery and prevention
What Does a Chiropractor Do for Lower Back Pain?
Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating problems related to the spine, joints, and nervous system. They use hands-on techniques to adjust spinal alignment, aiming to reduce pain and restore proper function.
Chiropractic care for lower back pain may include:
Spinal adjustments
Postural correction
Soft tissue therapy
Lifestyle and ergonomic advice
Ideal for:
Acute or sudden lower back pain
Joint stiffness or misalignment
Sciatica or nerve-related symptoms
People looking for drug-free pain relief
Chiropractor vs Physiotherapist: What’s the Difference?
Both professionals can effectively treat lower back pain—but they approach it from different angles.
| Chiropractor | Physiotherapist |
|---|---|
| Focuses on spinal alignment and nervous system function | Focuses on muscle strength, mobility, and biomechanics |
| Hands-on adjustments are the main form of treatment | Uses exercise, manual therapy, and education |
| Great for joint-related pain or misalignment | Great for muscle-related pain or weakness |
| Often provides quick relief for acute pain | Provides long-term solutions and rehab programs |
Can You See Both a Physio and a Chiro?
Yes—you can absolutely combine both approaches. In fact, many people get the best results by seeing both a chiropractor and a physiotherapist.
For example:
A chiropractor might provide spinal adjustments to reduce pain and improve joint function.
A physiotherapist then builds strength and flexibility to keep the pain from returning.
At Elite Health & Performance, our chiro and physio teams often work together to deliver a well-rounded and effective recovery plan.
How to Choose the Right Provider for Your Back Pain
Still not sure who to see first? Here’s a simple guide:
See a Chiropractor if:
Your pain feels joint-related or sharp
You want hands-on treatment and faster relief
You’ve experienced a sudden onset of pain
You feel stiff or restricted in your movements
See a Physiotherapist if:
Your pain is linked to muscle tightness or weakness
You want a plan based on exercises and movement
You're recovering from surgery or a long-term issue
You want to prevent future flare-ups through rehab
Still Unsure? Let Us Help You Decide
Every case of back pain is different, and the best treatment depends on your individual needs. At Elite Health & Performance, we take the time to properly assess what’s going on, whether that means spinal alignment, muscle imbalance, or both.
Get Expert Chiropractic Care at Elite Health & Performance
If you’re dealing with lower back pain and looking for a trusted, expert-led solution, Elite Health & Performance is here to help. Our experienced chiropractors provide personalised care tailored to your body, your pain, and your goals.
Get in touch with Elite Health & Performance today and take the first step toward a stronger, pain-free back!
