How To Tell If You Need A Chiropractor Or Massage
Want to know how to tell if you need a chiropractor or massage?
It’s a common question for anyone dealing with back pain, tension, or constant stiffness. Both treatments can help you feel better, but they work in different ways and target different parts of the body.
Chiropractic care focuses on aligning your spine and joints to improve nerve communication and body function, while massage therapy targets the muscles to release tension and boost circulation.
The key to lasting relief is understanding what’s really causing your pain whether it’s a structural issue that needs chiropractic care or muscle tension that responds best to massage. This guide will help you recognize the signs, understand the difference, and choose the right approach for your body.
Understanding the Difference
It’s easy to confuse chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy because both involve hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve movement. But the main difference lies in what they target.
Chiropractic care focuses on the nervous system and the alignment of the spine. Charleston chiropractors look at how misalignments can interfere with nerve communication and overall body function. By performing precise spinal adjustments, they help restore normal movement, improve posture, and reduce pain that stems from nerve irritation or joint dysfunction.
Massage therapy, on the other hand, targets the soft tissues like:
Muscles
Tendons
Ligaments
A massage therapist uses techniques like kneading, stretching, and pressure to release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and promote relaxation.
In short:
Chiropractor = nerve system, structure and alignment
Massage therapist = muscles and tension
Both approaches can complement each other beautifully, especially when the source of pain involves both tight muscles and misaligned joints.
Signs You Might Need a Chiropractor
You might benefit from chiropractic care if your discomfort feels more structural or nerve-related than muscular. Common signs include:
Persistent neck or back pain that doesn’t resolve with rest or basic self-care.
Headaches or migraines that start in the neck, often linked to cervical spine mechanics.
Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling (arms, legs, buttocks) that may indicate nerve compression or sciatica.
Poor posture (rounded shoulders, forward head) stressing the spine and joints.
Limited mobility or stiffness that makes you feel “locked up.”
Chiropractic adjustments can restore alignment, improve nerve communication, and allow your body to function more efficiently.
A 2017 JAMA systematic review of 26 randomized clinical trials found that spinal manipulative therapy for acute (≤6 weeks) low back pain produced statistically significant, but modest, improvements in pain and function up to 6 weeks compared with controls.
If your pain keeps returning after massages or stretching, that’s another clue the issue may be deeper. It can be likely related to your spine or nervous system and chiropractic care might be the right next step.
Signs You Might Need a Massage
If your pain feels more like muscle tightness, soreness, or general tension, massage therapy may be the better option. You might benefit from massage if you notice:
Muscle soreness or stiffness after workouts or long hours of sitting
Tension headaches or shoulder tightness from stress
Trouble relaxing or sleeping due to muscle tightness
Short-term stiffness that improves after movement or heat
General fatigue or sluggish circulation
Massage helps loosen tight muscles, increase oxygen flow, and reduce stress-related tension. This is ideal for relieving soft-tissue discomfort, improving recovery, and calming the nervous system.
In AMTA’s national survey, 94% of respondents said massage can be effective in reducing pain, and 95% view massage as beneficial to overall wellness.
If your discomfort feels like muscle knots or general tightness, massage may be all you need.
When You Might Need Both
Sometimes, the best results come from combining chiropractic care and massage therapy.
Think of your body like a well-built machine: chiropractic care aligns the frame, while massage keeps the moving parts flexible and well-lubricated.
Chiropractic first will release muscular tension by clearing neurological stress.
Massage after helps bring blood flow to the aligned and relaxed muscles.
You might benefit from both if you experience: chronic neck/back pain, sports or repetitive strain injuries, postural imbalances from desk work, or recovery after an accident.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
Ask yourself:
Is the pain sharp or radiating? → Start with a chiropractor (possible nerve involvement).
Is the pain dull and muscle-sore? → Try a massage therapy (likely soft-tissue tension).
Does the pain keep coming back after short-term relief? → Consider chiropractic to address structure.
Feeling mostly stressed and tight? → Chiropractic will address the nervous system’s fight or flight stress response.
If you’re still unsure, book a chiropractic assessment. Chiropractors can evaluate joints, posture, and nerve function and refer you for massage when that’s the better fit.
What to Expect from Each Treatment in Charleston
Chiropractic visit: health history, spine/posture assessment, range-of-motion testing, and tailored adjustments (manual or instrument-assisted). Most people feel lighter or freer in movement afterward; some experience mild soreness that resolves quickly.
Massage session: a longer, relaxation-forward appointment using Swedish, deep-tissue, or trigger-point techniques to release knots and improve circulation. Expect a calmer nervous system and looser muscles post-session.
Both are safe, natural approaches when delivered by licensed professionals from Cypress Chiropractic & Wellness, and they often work best together for long-term results.
Conclusion
Knowing whether you need a chiropractor or a massage starts with understanding your pain.
If it’s deep, sharp, or radiating, a Charleston SC chiropractor can correct the underlying joint or nerve issue.
If it’s muscular or stress-related, a massage therapist in Charleston can release tension and restore ease.
Often, your body benefits from both – chiropractic for structure, massage for soft-tissue balance.
At Cypress Chiropractic & Wellness, we assess the whole person and tailor care to your goals whether that’s adjustments, massage therapy, or a smart combination of the two. Your body is talking; we’ll help you listen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do chiropractors get knots out?
Yes. Chiropractors can help relieve muscle knots by correcting spinal misalignments that contribute to muscle tension and restricted movement. Adjustments often reduce pressure on the surrounding muscles, allowing the knots to relax naturally.
What does it look like when a knot releases?
When a knot releases, the tight area softens, and you may feel warmth or a gentle tingling sensation. Range of motion improves, and the muscle feels looser or less tender to the touch.
What are the symptoms of toxic release after chiropractic adjustment?
Some people experience mild fatigue, headache, or muscle soreness as the body adjusts and releases built-up tension or metabolic waste. These symptoms are temporary and typically resolve within 24–48 hours.
How long between massage and chiropractor?
Most people benefit from scheduling massage and chiropractic treatments 24 to 48 hours apart. This allows the body time to recover and enhances the effects of both therapies.
Can I get a massage the same day as a chiropractor?
Yes, many clinics recommend it, especially if the massage happens before the adjustment. Massage helps loosen muscles, making chiropractic adjustments smoother and more effective.