What Conditions Can Osteopathy Treat?

Below are some simple explanations of conditions that I commonly treat. This list is by no means exhaustive; I treat every part of the body, from head to toe.

If you have any questions regarding osteopathy and how it might help you, please contact me directly and I will be happy to advise you.

Back Pain

Back pain is extremely common. Up to 80% of adults suffer back pain at some point in their lives with around 35% suffering at any one time.

Research points to the fact that once you have suffered back pain you are likely to suffer again at some point. Despite the recurrent nature of back pain there are some simple strategies you can use to take care of yourself:

• Don’t panic. The vast majority of back pain is not due to an underlying pathology such as herniated discs or infection. Although back pain can be very painful the majority tends to ease in a relatively short period.
  
  
• Stay active. Movement tends to be helpful for back pain. At times this may be gentle and for short periods so no heroics are needed. Little and often is a good guide.
  
  
• Get some advice. A health professional can let you know what is going on and what you should expect. There are a number of approaches that are effective in reducing pain and improving function, including Osteopathy. Early pain relief is an important measure to prevent ongoing pain.

Osteopathy helps to reduce pain and speed recovery from injury. Identifying the tissues and / or processes at work enables us to take a logical and measured approach to your pain.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the major nerve that supplies the back of the thigh and the lower leg. Irritation of this nerve can occur via mechanical, inflammatory and immune processes in the lower back and leg. Compared to 'simple' back pain, sciatica is a relatively uncommon event. Treatment is aimed at reducing irritation and sensitivity in the nervous system and can include medication, manipulation, acupuncture and exercise.

Sciatica is characterized by pain in the leg extending below the knee. Alterations in sensation such as pins and needles and numbness can also occur. In more pronounced cases weakness of the lower limb may be present. Should you notice any change in your bladder function (passing water) or altered sensation in your saddle area you should consult a medical professional as soon as possible.

Sports Injury

There are a range of different reasons that injury can result from sporting activities, from trauma to poor biomechanics.

Early assessment and treatment are helpful in returning you to full function as quickly as possible. First aid, manipulation and exercise rehabilitation are some of the approaches I use to allow a full recovery and timely return to activity.

Trapped Nerves

Most back pain does not involve irritation and damage to the nervous system. Whilst it is common for back pain to extend into the limbs this is not usually due to irritation of a nerve such as the sciatic nerve.

Feeling 'stuck' or as if something is 'trapped' usually involves some form of muscular and / or joint related irritation rather than a trapped nerve. A thorough history and examination will identify the tissues and / or processes at work allowing appropriate and effective treatment.

Whiplash

Whiplash refers to a mechanism of injury that involves an acceleration-deceleration mechanism of energy transfer to the neck. Often this results from road traffic accidents and can lead to a variety of symptoms referred to as whiplash associated disorders (WAD).

These can include headache, arm pain, jaw pain and dizziness. These symptoms are common and need not be a cause for concern but if you are worried do get in touch. An active and early intervention, as practiced at back at work, improves the outcome of WAD.