Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a very common problem which affects up to 80% of us at some point in our lives.  It is often triggered by a sprain or strain to the back muscles, ligaments, joints or discs due to poor sitting or standing posture, bending awkwardly or lifting incorrectly.  It is not usually linked to serious disease, but can be debilitating and emotionally distressing.

How can osteopathy help?

Lower back pain often resolves quickly by itself, but if it persists for more than a few days then osteopathy is a safe and effective form of treatment which can aid recovery and get you back to normal activities sooner.

Osteopathic treatment of the lower back is based on the individual needs of the patient and will vary depending on age, fitness and diagnosis, but often focuses on releasing tension, stretching muscles and improving mobility – all of which may help to relieve pain.  Your osteopath will also provide exercise and lifestyle advice to promote and maintain the best environment for a healthy back.

Note that the UK National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (Nice) which provides guidance for health services, recommends that manual therapy, such as that provided by osteopaths, be included as part of a package of care for the management of lower back pain and sciatica.

Common Myths regarding back pain

Myth #1: Rest is the key to recovery from back pain

Fact:  A short period of rest may help reduce very acute back pain, however in most instances extended periods of rest can be detrimental to back pain, leading to increased pain and delayed recovery.  In fact, it is now known that people who remain active are likely to recover quicker.  It is therefore recommended that you keep moving and continue with your normal activities as far as possible.

Myth #2: An MRI scan or other diagnostic test is needed to diagnose my back problem.

Fact: In most cases of back pain a successful treatment approach can be developed based on a thorough medical history and physical examination.  Only specific symptom patterns in a minority of cases indicate the need for an MRI scan or other sophisticated tests.  Typically, an MRI scan is used when patients are not responding to appropriate treatment.

Myth # 3: Severe back pain correlates to the level of back damage

Fact:  With acute pain, the level of pain correlates to the level of damage (e.g. if you touch a hot iron, you will immediately feel a great deal of pain).  However, with chronic pain (for longer than 6 weeks), the amount of pain does not typically correlate with the amount of damage.  In fact, back pain is rarely due to any serious disease and the long-term outlook is often good.