Osteopathy for Lower Back Pain
While figures may vary, it’s generally accepted that over 80 percent of the population in America will experience back pain at some point in their lives. If you’re reading this, you’re probably already experiencing back pain and understand just how debilitating it can be.
Lower back pain can be the result of a wide variety of issues including health conditions such as osteoarthritis, sitting for extended periods, poor posture or an injury. Treatments for pain also vary.
Below, we explore how seeing an osteopath for back pain can benefit you.
What is Osteopathy and Can It Be Used to Treat Bottom Back Pain?
Osteopathy is a branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system (i.e. the system that consists of the muscles and skeleton). This means that lower back pain is a condition that would fall into the domain of an osteopath.
However, unlike other branches of conventional medicine that focus on treating symptoms, osteopathy focuses on finding the root cause and restoring function for the whole body. This branch of medicine is based on the idea that the overall function of your musculoskeletal system has a big impact on your general health and wellbeing.
If you want to explore a treatment method that goes beyond the symptoms to treat the underlying cause of your back pain, you should consider seeing an osteopath for back pain. These healthcare professionals use manual therapy to manipulate and move joints and soft tissues to restore balance to your body. They apply a wide range of hands-on techniques to reduce pain as well as to prevent it from returning. The goal of these techniques is to release tension as well as to improve mobility.
What to Expect
If you’re interested in seeing a back pain osteopath, below are some things you can expect on your visit.
- Finding the problem
Osteopaths work towards identifying the root cause of the problem. At your first appointment, you can expect to answer questions about your health in general including any treatments that you may be on. You will also be subjected to a physical examination for your whole body. Your osteopath will use their hands to feel around your ligaments, joints and tissues.
- Treatment plan
When the healthcare professional has completed their examination and discussed your health and goals with you, they will determine the best treatment approach for your condition.
They will discuss their recommendations with you including the risks, benefits and costs. You should take the time to understand all that will be involved in the treatment prior to giving your consent.
Treatment Techniques
Osteopathy applies manual techniques to treat lower back pain in the spine. These techniques are aimed at increasing movement and relieving tension. They include:
- Soft tissue techniques where pressure is applied to the soft tissues in the lower back to reduce tension and relieve pain.
- Stretching to relieve stiffness
- Articulation to increase range of motion
- Manipulation where quicker thrusting is applied at specific points along the spine.
- After care
Soreness after an osteopathy treatment is normal. It can last for up to 2 days after treatment. Manual treatments are only a part of the treatment plan. It is important to follow all the recommendations of your healthcare professional for quicker recovery. This may include changes in diet and lifestyle.
Explore Osteopathy for Back Pain at 360 Osteopathy
Are you looking for a long term solution to back pain? Contact us at 360 Osteopathy to schedule an appointment for consultation with an experienced osteopath.
Learn about the benefits of our manual treatment services and how they can be applied to treat back pain. We’d be glad to help you along your journey to a pain-free life.
