Why see an osteopath for back pain?

17 June 2024 - Health Within Osteopathy

Low back pain (LBP) is something most people experience at some point in their lives. It’s one of the most common reasons people visit our clinic, with around 300,000 ACC claims for LBP in New Zealand every year. Osteopaths are well-equipped to treat many forms of back pain, and we are ACC registered, which means you can claim for treatment.

Causes of back pain

Back pain can arise from a variety of sources. As osteopaths, our job is to diagnose where the pain is coming from and ensure it doesn’t return. During our examination, we assess your injury, body movement, muscle tone, and flexibility. In some cases, we may recommend additional tests such as an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis.

Here are a few of the common causes of LBP:

Vertebral Compression or Fractures: The spine is made up of vertebrae (bones that support and protect the spinal cord). These can get compressed or fractured, especially in older adults, which can cause pain.
Degenerative Discs: The discs between the vertebrae act as cushions. Over time, they can degenerate or herniate, causing pain.
Facet Joints: These joints, located at the back of each vertebra, help with bending and twisting. They can become inflamed or arthritic, contributing to pain and stiffness.
Nerve Compression: The spinal cord is surrounded by nerves that exit between the vertebrae. If these nerves get compressed (due to bone spurs, disc bulges, or tight muscles), it can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs.

Additionally, muscles and ligaments around the spine provide stability and allow movement. Weakness, strain, or spasms in these tissues can also lead to lower back pain.

Chronic conditions affecting low back pain

In some cases, LBP may be linked to chronic conditions such as:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Spondylolisthesis
Ankylosing spondylitis

If you’ve been diagnosed with one of these conditions, or we suspect it after examination, we may need to conduct further tests like blood tests or x-rays. Unfortunately, some chronic conditions can’t be completely resolved, but osteopathic treatment can help you manage symptoms. A tailored plan with osteopathy, exercises, and postural advice can significantly improve your quality of life.

Lifting injuries

Lifting injuries are another common cause of LBP. Patients often come in after a lifting injury or when bending to pick something up, and they feel their back "go." Even activities like gardening or sneezing can trigger a lifting injury.

This type of injury typically causes localised pain in the lower back, making it painful to bend, sit, or roll over in bed. It can stem from disc pain, facet joint issues, or muscle strain. Sometimes, the injury can be more severe, causing pain down the legs, often referred to as sciatic pain (sciatica) or lumbar nerve root irritation.

Osteopathic treatment for back pain

Osteopaths use hands-on techniques to treat the structures involved in LBP, including joints, muscles, tendons, and nerves. For chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or scoliosis, we may develop a more detailed treatment plan combining osteopathic care with other therapies.

One of the core principles of osteopathy is the belief that the body is an integrated system. When you come in with LBP, we don’t just look at your lower spine. We also consider how other parts of your body, like your hips, pelvis, or even your feet, may be contributing to the issue.

For example, tightness in the hips or restricted movement in the thoracic spine can cause extra strain on your lower back, potentially leading to pain. By addressing these imbalances with hands-on treatment, we aim to relieve symptoms and prevent the pain from returning.

Osteopathic treatment not only eases local tension but also promotes better blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and overall mobility. By treating the body holistically, we help restore balance and improve long-term recovery.

Why choose osteopathy over other therapies?

Osteopathic treatment is highly effective and safe for managing back pain. Research shows that osteopathic care significantly reduces pain and improves function in both acute and chronic cases of LBP.

One advantage of osteopathy is that it often requires fewer treatments than physiotherapy or chiropractic care. According to ACC, osteopathic treatments for LBP generally require fewer sessions, leading to quicker relief and a more cost-effective solution for patients.

Additionally, osteopathy’s gentle and holistic approach minimises the risk of adverse effects. It’s a safe option for a wide range of patients, including those with varying pain levels.

Get back on your feet with osteopathy

Whether your back pain is from an injury, chronic condition, or poor posture, osteopathic treatment can provide relief. If you’re struggling with LBP, consider integrating osteopathy into your treatment plan for a holistic, efficient, and safe approach to managing pain.

Visit our clinic to experience the benefits of osteopathy and let our experienced osteopaths help you achieve a pain-free life.