Back pain
Back pain is one of the most common complaints out there. Almost half of the UK adult population will report back pain which lasts more than 24 hours at some point each year.
There are many reasons for this condition, but having a previous history of back pain, doing heavy or repetitive work, having poor posture, being overweight, stressed, anxious or depressed can all contribute to it and in some cases maintain it too.
At Worthing Osteopathic & Wellbeing Clinic, we understand the profound impact back pain can have, especially when suffered for a long period. It can impact hugely on your life at work, home and with relationships. It is estimated that around 8% of those with acute back pain will go on to develop chronic back pain. For this reason, it is advisable to start treatment early, to reduce pain, improve function and get your life back.
Understanding Back Pain and Its Causes
Back pain can stem from a variety of sources, each requiring a tailored approach to treatment:
- Muscle or Ligament Strain: Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments, leading to acute or chronic back pain.
- Bulging or Ruptured Discs: Discs act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. The soft material inside a disc can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve, resulting in pain.
- Arthritis and Facet Joint Issues: Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back and specifically the facet joints, which can lead to pain and stiffness in the spine. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
- Skeletal Irregularities: Conditions such as scoliosis, where the spine curves to the side, can cause back pain if the scoliosis is severe.
- Osteoporosis: This condition can lead to painful fractures in the vertebrae if the bones become porous and brittle.
- Poor Posture: Long-term poor posture can contribute significantly to back pain by creating undue stress and imbalance in the spinal structure.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: This is a condition where the intervertebral discs lose their cushioning ability; it’s a common cause of lower back pain, especially in older people.
- Spondylolisthesis: This occurs when one vertebra slips over the adjacent one, often causing lower back pain and neurological symptoms due to nerve compression.
- Spinal Stenosis: This narrowing of spaces in the spine can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine, causing back pain and often pain in the legs when walking.
Comprehensive Treatment Options
Our clinic uses a variety of hands-on techniques tailored to each individual’s needs, including:
- Massage and Joint Mobilisation: To reduce muscle spasm and improve movement.
- Stretching and Dry Needling: These techniques help relieve stiffness and improve flexibility in the muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons.
- Personalised Exercise Programs: Designed to strengthen the body, improve posture, and enhance ergonomics in daily activities.
- Lifestyle Advice: Including modifications to the workstation, advice on hot-cold treatments, and optimal sitting postures to prevent further injuries.
Osteopathic treatment is recommended by The National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) for the effective treatment and management for non-specific low back pain. If you have had symptoms for more than six weeks the NICE guidelines state that your GP can make you aware of osteopathy as one of the effective treatment options.
Addressing Specific Conditions :
Disc Issues and Sciatica
Sciatica and disc problems often interlink, with conditions such as piriformis syndrome, facet joint osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis contributing to sciatic pain. Our approach includes:
- Targeted Physical Therapy: To address the specific structures causing pain.
- Diagnostic Techniques: Including neurological and orthopaedic examinations to confirm diagnoses, complemented by imaging requests when necessary.
Referral and Coordination of Care: Ensuring that if osteopathic treatment alone isn’t enough, appropriate referrals are made to specialists for further management.
Beyond Pain Relief :
Focusing on Long-Term Health
We believe in treating more than just symptoms. Our goal is to address the underlying factors that contribute to back pain, ensuring long-term health benefits and preventing future episodes. Whether it’s improving your body mechanics, enhancing muscle balance, or adjusting lifestyle factors, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Each treatment plan at our clinic is developed with a deep understanding of the underlying causes of your back pain. We integrate diagnostic precision and evidence-based therapies to ensure the most effective care for each patient. This patient-centered approach helps not only in treating the symptoms but also in addressing the root cause to prevent recurrence.
Start Your Journey
to Back Pain Relief Today
By focusing on these specific conditions and their unique treatments, we ensure a holistic approach to back pain management, aiming to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve the quality of life for our patients. If you’re experiencing back pain, don’t wait for it to worsen. Contact Worthing Osteopathic & Wellbeing Clinic today to schedule a consultation.
We’re committed to helping you regain your health and return to the activities you love without pain. Join us at our clinic to start your path to recovery and rediscover your potential for a healthier, more active life.