Do you suffer from back pain that won’t go away? Have you tried everything from painkillers to massages, yet nothing seems to work? Perhaps it’s time to consider osteopathy.
Back pain is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Various factors, including poor posture, muscle strain or injury, can cause it. While painkillers and massages may provide temporary relief, they often fail to address the root cause of the problem.
Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. It is based on the principle that the body can heal itself under the right conditions.
It involves manual manipulation of the body to improve its overall function and promote healing. Osteopathy effectively treats a wide range of conditions, including back pain.
If you are one of the millions who suffer from back pain, you may be looking for a solution that doesn’t involve medication or surgery. Osteopathy may be the answer you’ve been searching for.
The 2 types of back pain
Back pain typically manifests in one of two ways:
1. Acute back pain
It occurs suddenly and is commonly associated with muscular strain or injury. It will most likely last a few days or weeks.
2. Chronic back pain
This is common in degenerative conditions involving the discs, bones, or joints and can last for months.
Common causes of back pain
- Inadequate biomechanics.
- Poor posture, especially when seated for long periods.
- Medical conditions and spinal cord injuries.
- Neck and shoulder injury-related pain.
- Unexpected falls or accidents involving force or an obscure spine movement.
- Bending and lifting without adequately supporting the spine.
- Twisting, impact, or repetition are examples of sports activities.
- Prolonged periods of rest, inactivity and sleeping posture.
- Wear and tear can also result in chronic pain, particularly as we age.
Common symptoms of back pain
Back pain can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including:
- Sharp nerve pain that usually occurs in one location but can often radiate down the nearest limb.
- A dull (painful) constant ache that may radiate in one area or refer pain to another.
- A feeling of weakness or the fearing that your back will “give way” is common in the lower back.
- A sharp pinching or shooting sensation occurs when moving into a particular position.
- A general sensation that your upper body is clogged or out of alignment.
It is unusual for these symptoms to indicate a more serious health problem.
If you are experiencing other general health symptoms such as incontinence or numbness, or if your back pain has appeared unexpectedly following a forceful accident, you should immediately seek medical attention.
Osteopathy treatments for back pain
Your osteopath will employ manual techniques to alleviate your back pain. Osteopathy techniques seek to improve joint movement and ease muscle tension.
The following are the main techniques that your osteopath may employ.
1. Soft tissue massage
This is when your osteopath applies direct pressure to your back’s soft tissues. It aims to relieve pain and tension in your back.
2. Myofascial release therapy
This is a deep-tissue massage technique in which your osteopath aims to relieve muscle tension and tightness.
3. Joint manipulation
During manipulation, your osteopath will use a faster thrusting action with their hands at a specific point on your spine. When they do this, you might hear a “pop” sound.
4. Muscle energy technique
This is a technique in which your osteopath will ask you to push against them while applying force in return. This is meant to enhance the range of motion in the affected joint.
5. Counterstrain
This entails your osteopath gradually moving you into the position that causes you the least pain. They will hold you in this position for a short period while they monitor “tender points”, which are areas of your body causing you pain.
6. Lymphatic pump techniques
These techniques aim to improve the movement of lymph fluid throughout your body and clear any blockages. They are based on the idea that a buildup of lymph in your tissues can cause health issues.
Your osteopath may also advise you on how to improve your posture and what exercises you can do to relieve your back pain.
Final thoughts on back pain relief with osteopathy
Osteopathy is a drug-free, hands-on therapy that focuses on restoring and maintaining the integrity of the body’s structure. It uses gentle manual techniques to manipulate the spine, muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues. This can help to correct imbalances, improve mobility and reduce pain.
Osteopathy can be a game-changer for those suffering from chronic back pain.
Osteopathy offers long-term relief and a better quality of life by taking a holistic approach and treating the root cause of the pain rather than just the symptoms.
Don’t let back pain hold you back any longer. Consider giving osteopathy at Alpha Sports Medicine a try and start living pain-free!
