If you are suffering from a sore back or back pain, you are not alone. The majority of people will experience some form of back pain at some stage in their life, regardless of their age or lifestyle.
Although most cases are the result of poor function or movement, there can be a wide variety of causes and therefore different options for treatment and relief. An osteopath will be able to help you discover the cause and start your road to recovery with a range of pain relief treatments.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of holistic therapy for detecting, treating, and preventing health issues through massaging, stretching and moving a person’s joints and muscles. It is based on the principle that a person’s well-being depends on their bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue functioning together smoothly.
The use of physical manipulation, stretching and massage can increase joint mobility, relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, enhance the blood supply to tissues, and help the body to heal. Back pain is one of the main conditions for which people seek help from an osteopath.
Understanding Back Pain
Back pain tends to present in one of the two following forms:
- Acute back pain. This tends to come on suddenly and is commonly experienced with muscular strain or injury. It is likely to last a few days or weeks.
- Chronic back pain. This is often experienced with degenerative conditions involving the discs, bones, or joints and may go on for months.
There are various symptoms of back pain, and it can present itself in any number of ways.
- A sharp pinch or shooting sensation.
- A dull, constant ache that may radiate from a specific area.
- A sharp nerve pain that may occur in one area but can often radiate to the closest limb.
- A general sense that your upper body feels out of alignment.
- A feeling of weakness across the lower part of your back, like it might ‘give way’.
These symptoms are highly unlikely to be a sign of a more serious health condition. However, they are still uncomfortable and should be treated appropriately to ensure the problem is dealt with quickly and before it can worsen.
How Osteopathy can Treat Back Pain
Your osteopath will use manual techniques to reduce your back pain, relieve muscle tension and increase the movement in your joints.
A patient may visit an osteopath for the following back conditions:
- General aches and pains
- Joint pain
- Sciatica
- Pregnancy back pain
- Posture problems
- Muscular tension
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Sporting injuries and tensions
- Osteoarthritis
- Headaches and migraines
- Digestive problems
If you are suffering from lower back pain, it would be advisable to get manual therapy. This is a form of treatment where the practitioner uses skilled hand movements to manipulate and move your joints and soft tissues. It is a gentle hands-on technique that provides pain relief and prevents it from returning. This will also help treat sciatica, which is pain that spreads from your back down to your legs.
Book an Appointment Today
Key Osteopaths in Surrey are located in West Byfleet. With over 10 years of experience and qualifications from the British School of Osteopathy, our friendly team of osteopaths provide a range of treatments, including facial, cranial, headaches, dizziness, and posture.
If you would like to book an appointment, contact us today for more information. Our clients differ considerably in age, lifestyle and fitness level – everyone is welcome and we are confident in our ability to help you.