Back Pain
A safe, gentle & effective approach to back pain
Who suffers from back pain?
Regardless of age or gender. 80% of the population will experience back pain. Although some people are more at risk due to a predisposing condition or occupation, lower back pain can strike anybody! It is the most common cause of absenteeism in the workplace.
What are some of the causes of back pain?
- Scoliosis
- Previous back injury
- Pregnancy
- Poor posture
What are some of the warning signs?
- Localised pain that can be low grade, dull and creeping, to sudden, sharp and stabbing.
- It can be constant or initiated during certain movements.
- Travelling pain deep into the buttocks and legs, such as sciatica.
- Morning stiffness.
Why choose an Osteopath?
An osteopath is a primary care practitioner with the appropriate skill and knowledge to assess your complaint. Osteopaths can assess structural changes that may lead to immobility and dysfunction, due to:
- Recurring injuries
- Poor posture and decreasing flexibility
- Muscular spasm
- Secondary effects of hip, knee and foot problems
Your Osteopath decides which is the most effective course of action as he relies principally on physical examination, including observation and highly developed palpatory skills to form a diagnosis. Your Osteopath recognises the importance of the skill and technology of modern medicine. This may lead to further investigation, which may include radiological, orthopaedic, or neurological assessment.
How does an Osteopath treat your condition?
Osteopathic treatment involves manual techniques, including soft tissue stretching and massage, combined with mobilisation and manipulation of the joints. The treatment is effective and conducted with the patient’s assistance.
By designing an appropriate course of treatments, your Osteopath will also provide an ongoing management program to prevent a recurrence of the problem. Because Osteopaths look at the ‘whole’ picture of human functioning, they also use a variety of techniques which acknowledges the many factors contributing to balance and health. To this end, Osteopaths provide advice on diet, exercise, posture and many other aspects of daily life.
This caring and comprehensive approach to care and treatment complement the body’s natural functions, helping you achieve the highest possible level of health and happiness.
10 top tips for back care:
- For back pain, better to see your osteopath sooner rather than later
- Take regular exercise – your osteopath can say what’s right for you
- Hours in one position can cause problems – avoid computer hump
- During repetitive tasks, vary your rhythm and take frequent breaks
- Adjust car seats and on long journeys take regular breaks to stretch
- Pace yourself with heavy work like gardening – don’t risk a disc!
- Watch children’s posture – they shouldn’t carry bags on one shoulder, or spend too long at a computer
without breaks
- During pregnancy, osteopathy can help your body adjust to
changes - Avoid strain when lifting, particularly small children and
shopping - Your bed could be part of the problem. Seek osteopathic
advice on choosing a new one.