Whether it’s due to injury, disease, or a sedentary lifestyle, most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Osteopathic treatment works on the underlying structural cause of pain to reduce symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

Back pain can arise due to multiple factors; poor lifting form, inflammation, loss of muscle tone,  pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle, scoliosis, poor posture, or even previous injuries. Hip, knee, or foot problems can also lead to postural shifts and referral pain into the lower back.

Sciatica Symptoms & Treatment

The sciatic nerve runs down the back of each leg from your lower back. When injuries or postural issues put pressure on the sciatic nerve,  it can result in intermittent or continual pain in your legs, hips, and glutes. The intensity of sciatica can range from a dull ache right up to debilitating pain.

Your osteopath will undertake a full examination to find the true source of your sciatic pain before formulating a treatment plan to address tightness and release built-up pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can often be resolved with proactive management and self-care.

Managing back pain

Many people with back pain avoid exercising in the fear that it will further aggravate their injury. However, too little activity can delay recovery or even make things worse. Regular exercise has been proven to support a reduction in back pain and even prevent reinjury.

Low-impact activities are a great way to ease into exercise following a significant back injury. Discuss your plans with a health professional to determine what type of exercise will best support your recovery.

Here are some ideas:

• Swimming or aqua jogging
• Exercising in water supports muscle tone and mobility without placing undue strain on your joints.
• Walking
• Start with a short walk and gradually build up to a greater distance. Choose comfortable shoes and walk on flat ground before graduating to steep or uneven surfaces.
• Yoga
• Yoga supports flexibility and strength - it’s also a great stress reliever. You can ask your yoga instructor for modified poses to avoid overextending vulnerable areas.
• T'ai chi
• T’ai Chi is a Chinese martial art that links meditation practice with slow, purposeful movements. These movements can improve balance and overall muscular control.
• Pilates
• Pilates incorporates exercises that are designed to strengthen the core muscles and ultimately stabilise the body. Good form is essential when it comes to pilates, so one-on-one or small group sessions are preferable.