The spine is home to a nework of nerves, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons that bear the strain of our body and send out messages of pain to the brain. Back pain can appear all along the spine from the neck area (cervical) to the upper back (thoracic) to the lower back (lumbar) to the tail bone area (pelvic). Pain in the back may even radiate out to extremeties such as hands and feet. Back pain can be caused from a huge range of activity including heavy lifting, sports injuries, accidents and falls, menstruation, pregnancy, bending or even sitting for long periods.
Osteopathic treatment involves hands-on examination and manipulation to locate the areas where range of movement is restricted and aims to open up those areas to restore the mechanics of the vertebrae, improve blood flow and drainage, relax the muscles around the spine. Depending on the individual’s pain and history, the treatment may involve such techniques as massage, gentle release techniques, joint manipulation or rhythmic passive joint mobilisation.