Back Pain

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints that Osteopaths treat. Interestingly, nine out of ten people suffer from back pain at some stage of their life that incapacitates them for one week or more!

Common causes of lower back pain include:

Heavy lifting or poor lifting technique
Twisting or bending forward
Muscle weakness
Extensive standing, sitting and lying
Poor sleeping posture
Menstrual pain
Pregnancy
Insufficient flexibility
Injury
Dysfunction in the thorax (middle back), lower limbs and pelvis

More serious causes of lower back pain include:

Disc injury
Fracture
Infection
Tumour

No matter what the cause, Osteopaths, as primary health care practitioners, are well trained to perform comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic procedures to determine back pain which is uncomplicated and back pain that requires referral to your medical practitioner or specialist.

How can Osteopathy help?

Using a wide range of hands-on techniques, our Osteopaths can:

Enhance joint mobility
Decrease muscle tension/spasm, inflammation and nerve irritation
Improve blood supply and drainage to and from the spine and pelvis
Help prevent future episodes of back pain
Offer advice on posture, ergonomics, exercises and stretching
Provide guidance on diet and exercise programs
Communicate and plan treatment and management with your general practitioner
Refer you for radiological assessment when required, including X-ray, Ultrasound, CT or MRI

Tips for Back Care

Seek osteopathic advice regularly
Ensure good weight and balanced diet
Exercise daily and keep mobile
Ensure correct postures when standing, sitting and lying
Make sure to take regular breaks, vary your rhythm and stretch during repetitive tasks or heavy labour
Ensure correct lifting procedures
Keep well hydrated
Ensure good quality footwear
Eat sufficient protein to aid in tissue repair
Ensure you have a supportive mattress and pillow
Have regular osteopathic treatment during pregnancy and whilst breast feeding