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Ever wondered what the difference between a chiropractor, physiotherapist and osteopath is? Me too.

Who cracks your back? Who helps your sports injuries? Who should you go to if you have a stiff neck?

It’s all too much, really. Except that it isn’t, because everything you need to know is laid out below. You’re welcome.

Chiropractors

According to the Chiropractors Association of Australia, chiropractors focus on the relationship between the spine, pelvis and our nervous system. The bones in our spine protect our spinal cord and nerves, and if these are damaged tissue and organs can become impaired.

So, if you’re experiencing back problems, a chiro appointment could be beneficial (although it’s commonly recommended you see a GP first for a referral). Generally, they will make adjustments to a patient’s spine, skull and pelvis.

In Australia, chiros are required to study at uni for five years, and are government-registered and government-regulated.

Osteopaths

‘What the hell is an osteo, then?’ I hear you ask.

Well, as Osteopathy Australia explains, they focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as one unit.

Using hands-on techniques, osteos attempt to figure out any dysfunctions in your body, and then stretch and massage them out of your soft tissues — like your muscles, tendons and ligaments, as well as your joints.

Osteopaths are university-trained and study subjects like anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques.

The Australian Medical Association considers both chiropractic and osteopathy to be complementary therapies. (Post continues after gallery.)

5 yoga poses that'll fix your dodgy back

Legs up wall

This pose has a multitude of benefits for your mind and body. If you suffer from arteritis, headaches, high blood pressure or insomnia, the legs up move can be therapeutic. It can also relieve lower back pain and tired or cramped legs, and ease the symptoms of PMS, menstrual cramps and menopause. Added benefit: itll give you an energy boost and help ease anxiety and stress.

Puppy pose

The Puppy pose (best name ever) does great things for your upper body. Itll expand your chest, improve flexibility in your spine, and relieve any tension in your upper arms, shoulders and neck. It also stretches out your abdominals, opens your hips and stretches your hamstring. In terms of wellbeing, doing the Puppy pose will calm your mind and relieve symptoms of chronic stress, tensions and insomnia.

Corpse pose

It sounds morbid, but the corpse pose is the ultimate relaxation pose and will rejuvenate your body and mind. It can physically relax you, help to lower blood pressure, and reduce the symptoms of headaches, fatigue and insomnia. The pose can also calm your brain and help to ease stress and mild depression.

Standing forward fold

This pose positions your head below your heart, so straight away the rush of blood to your head will give you a big boost of oxygen. This has some great results - it can help to ease feelings of nervousness, stress, anxiety, depressions and fatigue, and relieve symptoms of asthma, menopause, headaches and insomnia. Physically, it stretches your hips, hamstrings and calves, keeps your spine strong and flexible, and strengthens your thighs and knees.

Physiotherapists

The Australian Physiotherapy Association explains that physios assess, diagnose, treat and work to prevent disease and disability through physical means.

They work with a whole range of patients who have movement disorders, including people who are recovering from accidents, sports injuries, as well as people suffering from arthritis, depression and diabetes.

Physiotherapists are trained to assess your condition, diagnose the problem, and help you understand what’s wrong. In Australia they are required to have to have a Bachelor’s degree and a Masters or Professional Doctorate of Physiotherapy.

So there you have it.

Have you ever seen a physio, chiro or osteo? What was the reason?