Is chiropractic care or physical therapy better for back pain?

It depends on the cause of your pain. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment and nervous system function, while physical therapy emphasizes movement and muscle strengthening. Often, a combination of both is most effective.

Can I do chiropractic and physical therapy at the same time?

Yes, many patients benefit from combining both treatments. Chiropractic can improve joint mobility while physical therapy strengthens the muscles that support those joints.

Is chiropractic care safe for chronic back pain?

Yes, chiropractic care is a safe, drug-free option for managing and correcting the root causes of chronic back pain. It is especially effective when paired with corrective exercise and spinal decompression.

Do you serve areas outside Upper Darby?

Yes! We regularly treat patients from Havertown, Drexel Hill, Broomall, and Philadelphia.

Chiropractic vs. Physical Therapy: Which is Better for Back Pain? - Everybodys Chiropractic Center Delaware County

Chiropractic vs. Physical Therapy: Which is Better for Back Pain?

If you’re dealing with stubborn back pain, you’ve likely heard two common suggestions: see a chiropractor or go to physical therapy. But how do you know which is the right option for you?

At Everybody’s Chiropractic Center in Upper Darby, PA, we’ve helped thousands of patients from Havertown, Drexel Hill, Broomall, and West Philadelphia make sense of their options and get back to living pain-free. In this article, we break down the key differences between chiropractic care and physical therapy, so you can make the best choice for your body and your goals.

What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractors focus on the alignment of the spine and nervous system. Through gentle, hands-on spinal adjustments, we restore joint mobility, reduce nerve irritation, and help the body heal itself naturally. At our office, chiropractic care is part of a corrective care program that may include:

Spinal decompression
SoftWave tissue regeneration therapy
Corrective exercises
Postural and ergonomic coaching

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a movement-based approach focused on strengthening muscles, improving range of motion, and restoring function after injury. It often includes stretching, strengthening, manual therapy, and home exercises.

When to Choose Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care may be ideal if you:

Have joint restrictions, spinal misalignments, or subluxations
Experience pain radiating into the arms or legs
Have chronic postural issues or disc-related pain
Want non-invasive, drug-free solutions to manage and correct the root cause

When to Choose Physical Therapy

Physical therapy may be recommended if you:

Are recovering from surgery or a major injury
Need muscle strengthening and rehabilitation
Are referred post-operatively by your orthopedic doctor

Can You Do Both?

Absolutely. In fact, many of our patients benefit from combining both approaches. We often co-manage with physical therapists when patients need strengthening and stabilization alongside their spinal care.

Why Choose Everybody’s Chiropractic Center?

We offer more than just adjustments — we provide full corrective care tailored to your condition. Whether your back pain is new or chronic, our non-invasive therapies such as SoftWave and spinal decompression can accelerate healing without medications or surgery.

We serve patients from Upper Darby, Drexel Hill, Havertown, Broomall, and West Philadelphia and welcome all ages and conditions.

Still Not Sure Which One Is Right for You?

Let’s figure it out together. We offer a full consultation and exam to determine the root cause of your back pain and the best course of action — whether that’s chiropractic care, PT referral, or both.

Call us at 610-789-1800 or visit everybodyschiropractic.com to schedule your consultation today.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. No patient-healthcare relationship is created by reading this blog.