Osteopaths are best known for their effective treatment of back and neck pain.  Back pain is rarely the same from one person to the next and can range from an intense sharp stabbing pain to a constant dull nagging ache.  In your consultation we will try to figure out why you are getting your pain, explain what is happening, treat you and give you advice specific to your condition.

Recent UK NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) guidelines recommends that Osteopathy in conjunction with acupuncture and exercise is the best way to tackle lower back pain.  All our practitioners are registered Osteopaths and hold postgraduate qualifications in Western Acupuncture (Dry Needling).  We also all have extensive knowledge and experience in exercise prescription and are able to tailor exercises relevant to you.

In the initial consultation you will be asked about your pain, it’s onset, nature and frequency.  You will also be asked about what affects the pain.  This information helps give your Osteopath an idea of what is causing your pain.  A thorough examination enables us to make a diagnosis as well as ascertain any contributing factors which may be relevant in your case.  We recognise that everyone is different and what has caused your pain is specific only to you.  Treatment is tailored to you and advice is given relevant to your individual problem.

The spine is a ‘chain’ of bones(vertebrae) stacked on top of each other with strong discs between each.  There is a small hole made on either side between two vertebrae from which nerves exit from the spine.  Also between the vertebrae are small joints which enable the spine to have a certain mobility.  The spine is actually a very sturdy and stable structure and its bones, discs, ligaments, are large and strong.  On top of this it has a very good muscular support system which not only helps with movement and stability but also dampens and redirects forces stopping any individual structures being overloaded.   

So what happens to cause pain?  The good news is that in most instances low back pain and neck pain does not represent damage.  Pain is often secondary to dysfunction (things not working properly) rather than pathology.  For example, recent studies have shown that there is NO correlation between low back pain and radiological findings.  Of the people examined some had no history of low back pain yet had many disc bulges at various levels and others had long histories of pain or current pain yet no radiological abnormality.  Disc bulges are of clinical significance when there are findings that suggest there is pressure being put on nerves.  This would produce certain symptoms signs that can be tested for within your examination.  

Your Osteopath will assess your presentation based on the facts and will be able to make a decision as to whether treatment will benefit you or onward referral is required.  Some idea of prognosis will be given where possible.  If indicated you would be referred for further investigations or to a the relevant specialist.