Back Pain and Osteopathy

Trouble with your back does not simply produce pain in the back. Often it may cause symptoms in more remote areas such as the buttocks, groin, hips, and legs (commonly called sciatica). And problems in the spine and neck can also cause symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, clicking jaw, pins and needles.
Indeed research has shown that problems related to the back may affect over 60% of the UK’s population at some stage in their lives.
Osteopaths are trained professionals who are skilled in diagnosing problems, including those which may require further investigation if necessary. Osteopaths have treated thousands of patients successfully over the past one hundred years and continued success is demonstrated by reliable and practical results.
The osteopath will explain to you clearly what the problem is. If they can help they will explain what they can do to help and also offer advice on self-help treatments.
Please also see the Back Pain & Injuries page for more information.
Keeping a Healthy Spine and Joints
When young, the body can adapt easily to the stress and strain it is put under. As it grows older (over 25 yrs!) it begins to lose some of the elasticity which gives the flexibility to cope and adapt.
In particular this applies to the discs between the vertebrae and the joint cartilage. These require regular movement to ensure their maximum range and thereby increase local circulation and nutrition to the surrounding fluids and tissues.
10 top tips for back care
1. Keep moving and stretching
2. Take regular exercise
3. Take frequent breaks between repetitive tasks and vary the rhythm
4. Change position – avoid ‘computer hump’
5. Pace yourself when the work is heavy eg. gardening
6. Adjust car seats, and on long journeys, have breaks and stretch
7. Watch children’s posture – don’t let them carry bags on one shoulder
8. Avoid strain when lifting especially when shopping and with small children
9. Is your bed the right bed or is it getting old?
10. Seek osteopathic advice earlier rather than later

News & Advice

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SAFE IN OUR HANDS CERTIFICATION MARK
The Certification Mark ‘Safe in our hands’ shows that osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council. The title ‘Osteopath’ is protected by law in the UK. The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) was set up under The Osteopaths Act 1993 and is one of the 13 UK health and social care statutory regulators. The regulators are set up to protect the public so that whenever a member of the public visits a health or social care professional, they can be sure they meet the required standards.

How to avoid injury:

In case of injury:

change position or activity at least every hour
take regular exercise that you enjoy
during repetitive tasks. vary rhythm and take frequent breaks
on long journeys adjust car seats and take regular breaks to stretch and move around for a short time
pace yourself with heavy work and take care when lifting
watch your children’s posture - they shouldn’t spend too long at a computer or carry bags on one shoulder
during pregnancy, osteopathy can help your body to adjust to the changes taking place