What is the difference between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor?

Historically this is a political answer relating to the founder of Osteopathy, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, falling out with his student, D.D. Palmer, who then went on to be the founder of Chiropractic. Nowadays, the differences between the two are very little with many Osteopaths working like Chiropractors and vice versa. From an academic point of view, the training is almost identical now, being over five years and both healthcares are fully regulated in many countries.

Chiropractors most commonly concentrate on the spine and frequently use X-rays to diagnose and treat their patients. Chiropractors also often treat their patients by manipulating or adjusting the spine. Osteopaths however less frequently use X-rays as a diagnostic tool and restore function to a joint by extending the range of movement the joint can make using a wide range of techniques.