Some examples of back pain that we see regularly in the clinic include an ache across the lower back, sharp pains with sciatic type referral into the legs, stiffness between the shoulder blades, or tightness across the top of the shoulders and into the neck after sitting for long periods of time.
Osteopaths are trained to take a full history, assess how your back is moving, diagnose, refer for imaging if required, and treat.
A big part of what Osteopaths do is a hands-on approach and can include some massage, stretching, some gentle ‘unwinding’ techniques or some firmer muscle and joint articulation. There is no one formula so each treatment is different and tailored to the individual.
Osteopaths are also really good at finding and treating any contributing strain patterns coming from above or below the area. A strain pattern is where groups of connecting muscles and tissues get tight and affect how our bodies move. For example, sitting slouched for hours at a desk will likely cause shortening through the front of the hips, chest, diaphragm while your head tilts back to see straight causing tightness in front lower neck and back top of the neck. This is one example of how an Osteopath might differ to other treatment modalities.
Often there is some work to be done at home with some stretching and / or exercises, education and management of back pain is just important as the in-house manual therapy.
A few of tips from us to you if you’re suffering from back pain…
lying on a rolled-up towel down the spine between the shoulder blades with the arms relaxing out to the sides – lie here for 5 minutes at the end of the work day. It should feel like a gentle stretch opening through the front of the chest and shoulders (with no pain).
Regular stretching and strengthening of the glute muscles - they have a big role in supporting your lower spine
More regular general movement and breaks from sitting at the desk throughout the day to reduce the load on the muscles and joints
Use a sit-stand desk where possible
Book in to see your osteo if you need more specific help 😉
We look forward to meeting with you soon!