Back pain

Back pain and how to relieve the back pain is what most of us think whenever an osteopath is mentioned in daily life. This is what we are trained to alleviate through clinical observation, examination and treatment. We diagnose the particular structure that is giving the pain. The pain may arise in the vertebrae (bone) itself, in the spine, or in a muscle or ligament, or in a joint. These pains may, for example, ultimately result in osteoporosis, repetitive strain injury (RSI) and nerve root irritation.

Joint pain

Joint pain may arise from within the joint itself through deterioration of the articular cartilage, for example Osteoarthritis (see below for further information on this condition) or from a nerve supplying the joint, for example nerve irritation.

Ligament and muscle strains

Muscle strains may arise through overuse of the muscles, for example, in extended activities, bad postures or sports. Repetitive strain injuries are now more common with widespread use of computers. Ligament strains or injuries often arise after an accident, for example, turning an ankle. The blood supply is relatively poor here and therefore healing will take longer.

Use of hydrotherapy, i.e. the applications of hot and cold water / compresses to the affected site, alongside osteopathic treatment can reduce the healing time.

Arthritis

Arthritis can be a very debilitating condition and osteopathy may offer a very welcome relief from painful symptoms. Arthritis is divided into two main types:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (or inflammatory arthritis)
2. Osteoarthritis (or degenerative arthritis)

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systemic, inflammatory disease which can affect several of the (usually) smaller joints of the body. Women may be affected greater than men in a 3:1 ratio. The course of the disease is variable with remissions and exacerbations. Rheumatoid Arthritis can be barely discernible with very mild signs and symptoms to progress to a severe and destructive disease. Many patients suffer fatigue, weight loss, weakness, and vague musculoskeletal discomfort.Diseased joints are often warm, swollen, and painful.Pain is usually worse in the morning, that is, after the inactivity of sleeping.

Typically, over the years, the disease may wax and wane, and essentially there is an inflammation of the synovial membrane. Using many gentle mobilising techniques, osteopaths can ease the pressure and give relief from the suffering and pain.

Osteoarthritis is essentially a degeneration of the articular cartilage of the joint. This is usually a slowly (but sometimes rapidly) progressive disorder, from middle age to late life, affecting the large weight-bearing joints of the body.

Patients suffer pain, deformity, limited movement, and loss of function. As the disease progresses the ends of the bones are subject to remodelling, giving formation of osteophytes and bone cysts. Often, in Osteoarthritis, the involved joints are enlarged and tender. There is a deep, achy joint pain that is initiated by activity, and is relieved by rest. Again, osteopathy can be used to treat Osteoarthritis by working on the surrounding tissues and joints.

Also, we work distant to the site of pain to relieve the pressure on the weight-bearing joints and to build up the resistance of the body.

Pregnancy

Osteopathy is seen by many as the treatment of choice for several conditions, and nowhere is this more the case than in pregnancy. Through the stages of pregnancy, mothers go through physical and physiological changes with resultant stretching of tissues and alterations to posture. Osteopaths can treat and relieve the discomfort that may occur through these significant changes.

Treatment is gentle and safe, and is normally given until the start of the third trimester.

Asthma

Many patients are surprised that osteopaths treat asthma. It may be that a patient suffering from low back pain has a history of asthmatic attacks. Soon after working on the low back, we can then attend to the rib-cage and the upper spine to relieve the asthma.

In the asthmatic patient the upper ribs are predominantly in use, at the expense of the lower ribs. The asthmatic patient breathes in, but then "gets locked" in inspiration, and therefore cannot breath out, or exhale properly. Osteopathic treatment would therefore try to address the respiratory function by working on the rib-cage generally and in particular the lower ribs to the upper ribs to balance the respiratory excursion. This has its attendant result on the underlying lungs to ease the condition. Also, the spinal column, particularly the upper part would be mobilised.

Sinusitis, headaches and migraine

Sinuses may become chronically obstructed, and before surgery is necessary, osteopathy may offer welcome relief. Treatments on the head and face, directly on the maxillae and on the mandible (jaw) will follow the drainage lines to release obstructions and improve the flow of fluids to the sinuses.

Digestive Disorders

There are many digestive complaints and one of the most common now is Irritable Bowel Syndrome.This condition may be treated with medication, both orthodox and complementary. However, osteopathy can certainly bring relief through treatment both locally to the stomach wall, and by accessing the spinal nerves at the appropriate position on the spinal column.

Jaw problems (TMJ)

After accidents, or an extended visit to the dentist, TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint problems can arise. By specific osteopathic techniques on and around the maxillae and mandible(jaw) these problems can be alleviated.