By Dr. Boris Nektalov, DNM, DC, Chiropractor & Enzyme Nutrition Specialist · Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness, Forest Hills, Queens NY
Published: September 21, 2026 · Last reviewed: September 21, 2026
The short answer: Chiropractors and physical therapists both treat musculoskeletal pain without surgery, but their core tools differ. DCs focus on joint mechanics and spinal manipulation; DPTs focus on exercise, functional training, and rehab protocols. National guidelines include both manipulation and structured exercise for low back pain — so the right pick depends on your exam findings, not internet debates.
If you're comparing options in Forest Hills or greater Queens, this guide breaks down training, typical visit structure, and what the evidence actually says — including when combining both makes sense.
DC vs. DPT: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Core skill set | Spinal/extremity adjustment, mobilization, manual soft tissue care | Therapeutic exercise, gait training, neuromuscular re-education |
| Typical visit | Exam, hands-on treatment, home advice; may include in-office modalities | Supervised exercise progressions, manual therapy as adjunct |
| Common entry point | Back/neck pain, headaches from the neck, sciatica, sports strains | Post-surgical rehab, stroke recovery, ACL rehab, chronic weakness |
| Referral patterns | Direct access in most states for musculoskeletal complaints | Often referral-based; direct access varies by insurer and state |
| Medication / surgery | Conservative care; refers out for medical/surgical needs | Conservative rehab; refers out when medical management required |
What Clinical Guidelines Say About Back Pain
The American College of Physicians' 2017 guideline recommends non-pharmacologic treatments first for acute and chronic low back pain — including spinal manipulation, exercise, multidisciplinary rehab, and several other options before opioids. That framing matters: it's not chiropractic or physical therapy as a winner-take-all choice; both categories of care sit in the same conservative-first lane.
Comparative effectiveness research has reported similar average outcomes between manipulation-based care and usual medical care with exercise for many back-pain patients (Paige et al., JAMA Network Open, 2017). Chiropractic health services research — including work led by Christine Goertz, DC, PhD, and colleagues — continues to quantify cost, satisfaction, and integration with medical systems. For an overview of the evidence base for manipulation specifically, see is chiropractic evidence-based?
When Chiropractic Tends to Fit Best
Patients with clear joint restriction, segmental hypomobility, or neck-driven headaches often respond quickly when manipulation and mobilization restore motion. In our office, that may include spinal decompression, soft tissue work, and shockwave therapy for chronic tendon and muscle dysfunction — always after examination and imaging when indicated.
When Physical Therapy Tends to Fit Best
When deconditioning, post-operative protocols, or neurologic rehab dominate the plan, DPT-led exercise progressions are often the backbone of care. PT shines when the primary limiter is strength, endurance, balance, or sport-specific return-to-play criteria — not when a stuck spinal segment is the main driver of pain.
Local Decision Help
Still unsure which door to walk through first? Our Forest Hills-focused guide chiropractor or physical therapist walks through red flags, insurance practicalities, and combination plans — without treating either profession as interchangeable.
The Bottom Line
Chiropractic and physical therapy are complementary conservative options backed by guidelines for common back pain. Choose based on whether your exam points toward joint dysfunction, soft-tissue injury, weakness, or post-surgical rehab — and don't hesitate to combine approaches when each addresses a different part of the problem.
Book a comprehensive evaluation or schedule online. 108-50 71st Ave, Lower Level, Forest Hills, NY 11375 · (718) 275-9000
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between a chiropractor and a physical therapist?
Chiropractors (DCs) emphasize diagnosis and treatment of spinal and joint dysfunction, often using spinal manipulation, mobilization, and in-office manual therapies. Physical therapists (DPTs) emphasize exercise prescription, functional rehabilitation, and movement retraining — frequently after injury, surgery, or hospitalization. Both are conservative, non-surgical options for musculoskeletal pain.
Does research support chiropractic or physical therapy for low back pain?
Both are supported. The American College of Physicians recommends non-drug options — including spinal manipulation and exercise-based therapies — before medication for most low back pain. Head-to-head studies suggest similar average outcomes for many patients; the best choice often depends on whether joint restriction or deconditioning is the bigger limiter.
Can I see a chiropractor and a physical therapist at the same time?
Yes, when care is coordinated. Some patients use chiropractic to restore joint motion and PT to rebuild strength and endurance. Clear communication between providers reduces overlap and keeps the plan focused on function, not duplicate passive treatments.
Do chiropractors or physical therapists prescribe medication?
Neither DCs nor DPTs prescribe medications in the usual scope of practice in most U.S. settings. Medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants handle pharmacologic management when drugs are appropriate.
Which is better after a car accident in Queens — chiropractic or PT?
Whiplash and collision injuries often involve both joint dysfunction and soft-tissue injury. Many patients start with whichever provider they can access quickly, then add the other modality if stiffness or weakness persists. Early movement within safe limits generally beats prolonged bed rest.
Where can I compare providers in Forest Hills?
Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness offers evidence-informed chiropractic care, decompression, and rehab support. Read our local decision guide on choosing a chiropractor vs. physical therapist, or call (718) 275-9000.
This article is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider regarding your specific condition.