Quick Highlights

Chiropractic care and physical therapy can both be used for back pain, but they approach the problem differently. Chiropractic care uses hands-on treatment to improve joint motion, while physical therapy typically emphasizes exercises that build strength, flexibility, and movement. Which one makes sense depends on what’s contributing to your pain and what kind of care you need.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• • How chiropractic care and physical therapy differ.
  • When a chiropractor may be a good first choice for back pain.
  • When physical therapy may make more sense.
  • What research says about chiropractic vs. physical therapy for back pain.
  • How cost, referrals, and access can differ.
  • Where to find walk-in chiropractic care in the Southeast Valley.

What’s the Difference Between Chiropractic and Physical Therapy for Back Pain?

If you’re trying to decide between a chiropractor and a physical therapist for back pain, you’re not alone. It’s a question we hear from patients in our clinics, and the right choice depends on what’s contributing to your symptoms and what type of care you need. While chiropractic care and physical therapy overlap in some areas, the way they evaluate and treat back pain is different. 

How Chiropractors Treat Back Pain

Chiropractic care focuses directly on the health, alignment, and mechanics of the spine and surrounding joints. During an evaluation, a chiropractor assesses your spinal movement to pinpoint exactly which vertebrae are stuck or not moving the way they should. Through hands-on adjustments, they restore motion to restricted joints and take pressure off irritated nerves, which often brings noticeable relief in the very same visit while helping you move more comfortably. Chiropractors will then give stretches and exercises to do at home to stabilize the spine for ongoing health. Health habits, ergonomics, and posture will also be common discussions around treatment. Visits tend to be shorter, with emphasis on the adjustment in the clinic and exercises and stretches at home. 

How Physical Therapists Treat Back Pain

Physical therapy approaches back pain through guided exercise, strength, and functional movement. A physical therapist looks at mobility and muscle balance. Treatment focuses on targeted exercises to strengthen the core, stretches to improve flexibility, and movement training to support the spine. These are usually performed under supervision in the clinic, typically for around an hour per session.

Is Chiropractic or Physical Therapy More Effective for Back Pain?

A systematic review comparing chiropractic care to physical therapy and standard medical care found that both approaches deliver similar improvements in low back pain and mobility, with excellent safety profiles. However, a separate cost-effectiveness study noted a key difference: over six months, chiropractic patients averaged significantly lower costs and required fewer visits to achieve comparable relief. While both paths lead to recovery, chiropractic care often offers a faster, more cost-effective route to get there.

Chiropractic vs. Physical Therapy: Cost, Referrals, and Access 

In Arizona, you can generally see both a chiropractor and physical therapist without first getting a physician referral, although your insurance plan may have its own requirements for physical therapy coverage. 

• Chiropractic Care: No referral is needed. You can walk into a clinic today, get an exam, and, if appropriate, receive your first adjustment on the spot.
• Physical Therapy: Usually requires a primary care referral first, followed by an intake assessment and scheduled follow-ups. This process can delay your actual treatment by days or even weeks.

When back pain is interfering with your daily life, being able to get care immediately matters.

How Do You Know Which One Is Right for Your Back Pain? 

If you are sick of the pain or don’t have time for this new pain and you want hands-on treatment starting the same day, chiropractic care is a great first stop. If your pain is tied more to weakness, post-surgery, and you know that you would do better with exercises under supervision, then physical therapy’s exercise-based approach may be the better initial fit.  

Can You See a Chiropractor and Physical Therapist at the Same Time? 

Yes. Chiropractic care and physical therapy often complement each other, particularly when someone needs both hands-on care for joint motion and supervised exercise-based work for strength or movement. Many of our patients are seeing a chiropractor and a physical therapist at the same time. 

Not Sure Where to Start? Here’s What a Chiropractic Exam Can Tell You

If you’re not sure whether your back pain is related to restricted joint movement, muscle weakness, an injury, or something that needs a different type of care, a chiropractic exam can help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms. 

At The Joint Chiropractic, that exam happens on your first visit, with no referral and no appointment required. A licensed Doctor of Chiropractic takes your health history, examines your spine, and tells you whether an adjustment is appropriate.

Our doctors refer people out every day for those who would be a better fit at a physical therapy office or other type of specialist. We do not treat every kind of condition, and we do not get 100% of our patients back to 100%. However, we can help be a guide for every single patient by helping them understand what is wrong, what needs to change, and who else they may need to consult with. 85% of the time, our patients find the exact relief and results they are looking for with chiropractic at our offices.  

Our $29 new patient visit covers your consultation, spinal exam, and first adjustment. You can review your options ahead of time on the pricing page.

Walk into your nearest Southeast Valley clinic today: Power Ranch, Mesa Gateway, San Tan Village, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley-Gilbert 

If you’d like to know what a first visit involves from start to finish, take a look at our guide on what to expect at your first chiropractic visit.

What Southeast Valley Patients Say About Chiropractic Care for Back Pain 

“Fantastic Staff! Drs Nick, Dylan, and Miller are phenomenal. Super friendly, very professional, and great at what they do. I came in with really bad lower back pain and, within a few visits, was feeling back to normal again.” — Eve Hosford

“I was almost to the point of not being able to walk and suffering constant pain in my lower back. After just two months, Dr. Nick Lehnart and his staff at “The Joint” have gotten me to the point of being pain-free. I’m now going to the gym and walking about 5 miles a day. If you have back or neck pain, go and see Dr. Lehnert and his staff. You will not be disappointed! ” – Walter Douglas 

See what hundreds of patients near you say: Power Ranch, Mesa Gateway, Queen Creek, San Tan Village, and San Tan Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic and Physical Therapy for Back Pain 

Is chiropractic care or physical therapy better for back pain?

Research shows the two produce similar results for most low back pain. Chiropractic tends to offer faster access and a cost advantage, while physical therapy focuses more on long-term strength and movement retraining.

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?

No. Chiropractic care, especially walk-in care, typically doesn’t require a physician referral, so treatment can start the same day.

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

Yes. Many patients use both, starting with adjustments to restore joint motion and adding exercise-based therapy to build strength and prevent the pain from returning. For those people who are comfortable doing exercises and stretches at home, they may not need physical therapy.

Do I need an appointment at The Joint Chiropractic in the Southeast Valley?

No. All five Southeast Valley locations, including Power Ranch, Mesa Gateway, San Tan Village, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley-Gilbert, offer walk-in chiropractic care with no appointment and no insurance needed.

Still Not Sure Whether to Try Chiropractic or Physical Therapy? 

Still not sure whether you need chiropractic care, physical therapy, or both? Come see us. A chiropractic exam can help identify what’s contributing to your back pain and which type of care makes the most sense for your symptoms. 

At The Joint Chiropractic, our licensed doctors will assess your spine and give you a straightforward answer on whether an adjustment is the right starting point for your pain or if physical therapy is a better match for you.

See why local patients consistently rate us so highly on Google for convenient, effective back pain relief. Stop by any of our five Southeast Valley locations today with no appointment or insurance necessary!

Claim your $29 new patient offer today (includes consultation, exam, and initial adjustment).

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not provide medical or chiropractic diagnosis or treatment recommendations for any individual person. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for an examination, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan.

References

Bishop, P. B., et al. (2016). Effectiveness and economic evaluation of chiropractic care for the treatment of low back pain: A systematic review of pragmatic studies. PLOS ONE. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4972425/

Khodakarami, N. (2020). Treatment of patients with low back pain: A comparison of physical therapy and chiropractic manipulation. Healthcare, 8(1), 44. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151187/