Back pain is a prevalent issue affecting millions worldwide. It can range from a mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain, significantly impacting one’s quality of life. It is a completely normal part of life and pretty much everyone will experience it at one point of another.
Understanding the common causes of back pain is crucial in addressing and managing it effectively. Knowing who to ask for help is especially important in living a pain-free life. Manual therapies such as osteopathy, sports therapy, massage, manual lymphatic drainage, cupping, and acupuncture offer promising relief and prevention strategies.
Common Causes of Back Pain
1. Muscle or Ligament Strain – Overexertion, heavy lifting, or sudden awkward movements can strain the muscles and ligaments in the back, leading to pain and stiffness. This is arguably the most common presentation we see at WO and is the easiest to fix and prevent if you come in soon enough.
2. Herniated or Bulging Discs – The spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. When a disc bulges or ruptures, it can press on nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Fun fact: In some cases of back pain, these can also be found on MRI scans but not be causing back pain even though they are present.
3. Arthritis – Osteoarthritis is the most common type, but there are other forms of arthritis that may affect the back as well. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to spinal stenosis, where the space around the spinal cord narrows but thi is usually after years of development. The symptoms of osteoparthritis can usually be well managed with treatment and lifestyle changes.
4. Skeletal Irregularities – Conditions such as scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, can lead to back pain. Be aware that some practitioners will refer to natural spinal curves as a C-shape or S-shape scoliosis; as scary as this sounds it is often not clinically significant enough to be if major concern so if you’re worried as questions to clarify what degree this is contributing to your symptoms.
5. Osteoporosis – This condition causes bones to become brittle and porous, increasing the risk of fractures, including in the spine. More commonly seen in older patients, but can also affect people taking long-term steroid medication
6. “Poor” Posture – Chronic poor posture, whether sitting, standing, or lifting, can strain the spine and back muscles. When we talk about “poor” posture, we don’t mean there is a generic “ideal” posture, the issue lies with staying in the same posture for too long without getting up and moving around. Regular short breaks when working can really help combar this.
7. Sedentary Lifestyle – Lack of regular exercise can lead to weak muscles and poor spinal health, contributing to back pain.
Manual Therapies for Back Pain Relief
Osteopathy
Osteopathy focuses on the musculoskeletal system and aims to improve overall body function. Osteopaths use techniques like stretching, massaging, and manipulating the spine and joints to:
– Alleviate muscle tension.
– Improve joint mobility.
– Enhance blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
– Promote healing through improved biomechanics.
By addressing the structural and functional imbalances, osteopathy can relieve pain and prevent recurrence.
Sports Therapy
Sports therapy involves the assessment and treatment of injuries related to sports, exercise and general lifestyle. Tas is very knowledgable and we’re lucky to have her expertise because she works very similarly to Sam. Techniques used in sports therapy to manage back pain include:
– Specific rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
– Hands-on treatment to reduce pain and improve mobility.
– Advice on posture and ergonomics to prevent injury.
– Education on proper exercise techniques to avoid strain.
Sports therapists help individuals recover from aches, pain and injuries, and enhance their physical performance, thereby reducing the risk of future back issues.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body to relieve pain and tension. Benefits of massage for back pain include:
– Relaxation of tight muscles.
– Improved blood circulation.
– Reduction of stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate pain.
– Enhanced flexibility and range of motion.
Regular massage therapy can be a preventative measure, keeping muscles relaxed and less prone to strain.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
MLD is a gentle massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system, promoting the removal of toxins and excess fluids. For back pain, MLD can:
– Reduce inflammation and swelling.
– Promote healing of injured tissues.
– Enhance immune function.
MLD can be particularly beneficial for individuals with back pain caused by inflammation or edema.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This ancient practice is believed to:
– Improve blood flow to the affected area.
– Reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
– Encourage the removal of toxins.
Cupping can alleviate back pain by enhancing circulation and relieving muscle stiffness. At Wisbey Osteopathy Kirstie combines her cupping skills with massage for maximum benefits so please do ask at the beginning on an appointment with her if you’re interested in it.
Medical Acupuncture
Medical acupuncture, adapted from traditional Chinese medicine, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body and has been shown to:
– Relieve pain by stimulating the release of endorphins.
– Reduce inflammation.
– Improve blood circulation.
Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for chronic back pain, providing both immediate and long-term relief. Sam offers this as a stand alone treatment option or combined with osteopathy or massage, Kirstie offers this as a combine approach with massage and Tas is currently training to learn how to applying acupuncture. Again, if this is something you’re interested in please ask at the beginning of your appointment.
Back pain is a multifaceted issue that can arise from various causes. While conventional treatments often focus on medication and surgery, manual therapies offer a drug-free integrative approach to managing and preventing back pain. Osteopathy, sports therapy, massage, manual lymphatic drainage, cupping, and acupuncture each provide unique benefits, addressing different aspects of back pain and promoting overall well-being. Incorporating these therapies into a comprehensive treatment plan can lead to significant improvement in pain relief and quality of life as well as form a solid grounding in preventative care.
If you have any questions about how the team at Wisbey Osteopathy can help your back pain then please contact us on 07506 461919 or email us at info@wisbeyosteopathy.co.uk. If you’re ready to book then please head over to our online booking system to find a date and time that suits you best.
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