Osteopathy is a system of 'hands-on' therapy, mostly concerned with the mobility of the body - ie; how well the body is moving. Osteopaths are most well known for treating low back pain, which is what 60% of our patients present with. Osteopathy treats the whole body, however, as often one area may be causing pain in another area, either through referred pain by a "trapped nerve" or by the person's body compensating for a problem elsewhere.
Low back pain can be caused by various injuries or other problems, ranging from simple mechanical back strain (like muscle spasms, pulled and strained joints from injury, trauma or lifting) to more serious conditions, like disc problems. Also trouble with your back does not just produce back pain. Often it may cause symptoms in other areas, radiating into the buttocks, groin, hips, and legs (commonly called sciatica). Sciatica is the common name for a 'trapped' sciatic nerve, this is the main nerve going down the back of the leg.
Problems in the spine and neck can also cause symptoms such as dizziness, tension headaches, pins and needles and many more. 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, some of which may require further investigation if necessary. Around 30,000 people currently consult osteopaths every working day. (Statistics from the General Osteopathic Council.)
NICE (the National Institute of Clinical Excellence) guidelines recommend manipulative therapies, including osteopathy, for the treatment of low back pain.
Occupational injuries account for many millions of working days lost each year in Britain. No matter whether your work is in the office or outside on the land you need to be able to cope with the individual demands made on your body by the style of work you do. Manual work inevitably carries the inherent risk of injury caused by heavy and often awkward lifting, overstretching, and periods of prolonged bending causing back and disc injuries, sciatica, and muscle strains.
In the office, desk workers are more prone to strain at the base of the neck and the shoulders from computer use and where frequent telephone use affects the neck and shoulders, so causing tension headaches. Use of the computer mouse may affect the wrist and hand, triggering symptoms there.
Those who drive for a living need to be aware of their driving position, as it affects not only their back, neck and shoulders but also can affect hips, knees and feet.
Osteopathy can also be safely used throughout pregnancy for general aches and pains or for sciatica associated with pregnancy. It is also safe to use on babies and children.