Osteopathy and Back Pain
Osteopathy and Lower Back Pain
One of the most common causes of time off work in the UK is lower back pain and it is one of the most common problems that osteopaths address.
Lower back pain refers to any pain felt in the lumbar spine (the lowest 5 vertebra before the spine meets the sacrum) and may be acute (rapid onset lasting less than three months) or chronic (persistent back pain lasting more than three months).
Causes of Lower Back Pain
Common causes of lower back pain may include:
- bending or lifting, pushing or pulling heavy objects incorrectly
- bad posture – standing, sitting and driving
- long periods of sitting or standing
- over stretching or overuse – especially in relation to sports
- repetitive movements
- being overweight
- weak core muscles
- bad mattress or pillow
- a fall
- poor ergonomics at work
Underlying Pathologies
Underlying pathologies may also cause lower back pain, including:
- disc bulge (slipped disc)
- disc degeneration
- inflammation putting pressure on the nerves
- arthritis
- osteoporosis
- scoliosis or congenital spinal abnormalities
- osteoporosis
Whilst the onset of lower back pain may be rapid and acute, the underlying cause of the pain may have been building for a while – and this is the area of lower back pain that osteopaths address.
Osteopathy - NHS Recognised Treatment for Lower Back Pain
The NHS and NICE recognize osteopathy as an effective treatment for lower back pain and GP’s will often refer patients to osteopaths for help.
How Osteopaths Treat Lower Back Pain
Osteopaths address lower back pain by taking a detailed history about the pain, including its onset, its progress, relieving and aggravating factors, and any other symptoms patients may be experiencing that may indicate a more serious underlying problem such as a prolapsed (slipped) disc. Neurological and physical examinations are undertaken of the whole body to identify the source of the pain and then an appropriate treatment and management plan is put in place.
Osteopathy treatment for lower back pain may include:
- reducing muscle spasm
- stretching the muscles and ligaments
- increasing mobility of the spine
- addressing compensations and adaptations the body may be making
- addressing postural problems that may be part of the pattern causing lower back pain
- How we’re Different - an Integrated Approach to Back Pain
- Our osteopaths at London Osteo use an integrated approach to treating lower back pain and sciatica, working closely with top physiotherapists, pilates instructors and massage therapists to better treat and manage the symptoms.
Holistic Lifestlye Advice
Osteopaths may also provide patients with lifestyle advice to help them to help themselves in the long term including postural advice, exercises and stretching techniques, diet considerations, lifting techniques and better work place ergonomics.
Easily Accessible Clinics Throughout London
London Osteo are proud to offer a range od clinics in a variety of easily accessible London locations.
