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.
Back pain, especially when suffered for a long period, 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.
Osteopathy can help alleviate back pain by the use of hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, stretching and dry needling. This can help to lessen spasm, improve movement and reduce pain and stiffness in muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. The osteopath will also give you advice to help lessen the symptoms and may prescribe exercises to perform to help both stretch and strengthen your body. They may advise on work station ergonomics, hot-cold treatments, sitting postures, supports and much more. Everything will be tailored to you and your individual needs.
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.
Disc treatment in Worthing. Is it a disc?
Lower back pain can often be caused by lumbar spine disc problems. Osteopaths are trained to carry out a neurological examination to ascertain what the problem is. This is the same examination that a physiotherapist, consultant or back surgeon would carry out to help them accurately diagnose your condition. Although we are not allowed to take X-rays or MRI scans, we can request them from your GP and sometime the reports can be very helpful. Having said this, we are normally fairly sure what the problem is by this stage and it is just to confirm our diagnosis.
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Treatment for sciatica
Sciatica is often caused by lumbar spine prolapsed discs. There are also other causes of sciatica, such as piriformis syndrome, osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine facet joints, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), lumbar spine disc degeneration, etc.
Osteopaths can help with most disc and sciatic pains. Through a case history and examination we are able to effectively find the pain causing structure and treat it. Osteopaths use a variety of stretching techniques and work on the muscles and joints directly. As we are aware of the spinal mechanics and the cause of your condition we are very careful not to use any techniques or advise any exercises that might aggravate your condition.
Having said this there are always herniated discs that do not respond to treatment and in this case we would refer you onto your GP or consultant so they can help you further.