Back Pain
Back pain is Osteopaths bread and butter and would be the most common condition a patient would seek treatment for. Some 70% to 80% of adults will suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives. Low back pain is the single most common cause of work absenteeism.
The most common causes of back pain:
Lumbar disc bulge, herniation or prolapse
Poor lifting technique
Postural decompensation
Previous injury to the back
Pregnancy
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Muscular spasm
Scoliosis
Thoracic kyphosis (hunchback)
Poor muscle tone with a sedentary lifestyle
Compensatory changes in the low back referring from the hip, knee and foot
Most back pain is the result of what is going on in the rest of the body and the pressure being built up around the area of concern. This will result in muscle and joint imbalances. Ongoing Osteopathic management and maintenance treatments are important to reduce pain, loosen the muscles and joints therefore allowing oxygen and nutrients to flow to the injured area to aid in the healing process.
Along with receiving Osteopathic treatment for back pain, the best management advice is to keep moving and exercise, as this helps speed up the healing process. Inactivity and rest will generally delay your return to a pain free life. Make sure you discuss with your Osteopath which would be the most appropriate exercise for your type of back pain before commencing.
