Physical therapy vs. physiatry? which is better for neck pains?

Different: A physiatrist is a medical doctor who takes a history, reviews your records, & examines you to identify the source of your pain & give a medical diagnosis. A physical therapist can evaluate your neck and design therapies (stretching, strengthening, manual therapy, heat, traction, electrical stimulation, joint mobilization). Best to get a diagnosis first, them customize therapy for the diagnosis.

Physiatry: Physiatry (physical medicine & rehabilitation) is a medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating patients with disabling illnesses and injuries that cause impaired function. A physiatrist (specialist in pm&r) may have a physical therapist working for him/her that treats patients with a physical therapy prescription. Goals of the physiatrist is to restore patient's function.

Both different.: The physiatrist is a medical doctor that outlines the medical and physical treatment plan for the physical therapist to carry out in most cases. Physiatrists are usually in charge of the physical rehabilatation department which requires a licensed medical doctor. I have a physiatrist in my family.