How an osteopath can help back pain
How an osteopath can help
Osteopathic practice is a safe and effective form of prevention, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of health problems, including back pain. Often back pain resolves quickly by itself but if it persists for more than a few days an osteopath may be able to help.
Osteopaths will often use gentle hands-on techniques to help resolve back pain, together with exercise and advice designed to promote and maintain the best environment for a healthy body.
Osteopathic treatment is based on the individual needs of the patient and will vary depending on age, fitness and diagnosis but often focuses on releasing tension, stretching muscles and improving mobility – all of which may help relieve pain. There is no need to consult a GP before visiting an osteopath, although you may wish to do so.
Early diagnosis and treatment can aid recovery and get you back to normal activities quickly. Around half of those who suffer an episode of back pain will have a recurrence of symptoms within a few years. Stress can increase the amount of pain you feel by magnifying the effect of tension and muscle spasms. An osteopath can give advice about methods to aid recovery and maintain a healthy back.
What to expect when you visit an osteopath
Back pain is not normally caused by anything serious, though it is natural to worry about symptoms and the cause. An osteopath will always complete a routine examination that checks for more serious diagnoses and will advise and discuss with you any further action that might be required.
After an initial examination, an osteopath will discuss treatment options and decide jointly with a patient, an appropriate and suitable treatment plan. This plan may involve several visits and, very occasionally, further tests and/or referrals to another appropriate health care professional. Treatment may begin at the first appointment. There may mild discomfort afterwards but in most cases, this will pass within 24 hours.
Osteopaths are highly trained professionals skilled in diagnosing health issues, including those that may require further investigation. The first visit to an osteopath will include questions about current symptoms and medical history. All information will be treated as confidential in accordance with the standards of practice set out by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), May 2018.
Here are some tips that will help you to care for your back:
Keeping active can help with most back pain and will keep backs healthy. Prolonged bed rest is usually not good for backs and delays recovery
When lifting and carrying always keep the item close to the body. Make sure to bend the knees and let the legs do the work. Try not to twist the back – turn with your feet
Take regular exercise (aim for 30 minutes every day). People who are physically fit generally experience less back pain and recover faster if they do get it
Pace yourself when undertaking any physical activity, especially when it is intensive or you are unaccustomed to it
