Osteopathic Treatment of

Low Back Pain

Osteopaths are an excellent choice for the treatment of low back pain.

Treatments tend to include:
 

1) Soft Tissue Therapy: This includes techniques like massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy. Osteopaths use these methods to relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation in the tissues surrounding the spine and pelvis, which can contribute to low back pain.

 

2) Joint Mobilization and Manipulation: Osteopaths may use gentle techniques to improve the mobility and range of motion in your joints, particularly those in the spine and pelvis. This can help to alleviate stiffness and pain caused by joint dysfunction. 

 

3) Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Osteopaths will often prescribe specific stretches and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility, core stability, and posture. These exercises can help to prevent future episodes of low back pain and improve overall function.

 

4) Postural Assessment and Correction: Poor posture can put undue strain on your back muscles and joints. Osteopaths will assess your posture and provide guidance on how to improve it, which can significantly reduce low back pain.

 

5) Education and Self-Management: Osteopaths believe in empowering their patients. They will educate you on the causes of your low back pain and provide strategies for managing it at home. This may include recommendations for ergonomics, sleep positions, and pain management techniques.

 

Treatment plans will vary depending on the individual and the cause of their low back pain. Osteopathy offers a holistic approach, and the osteopath will consider your medical history, lifestyle factors, and the specific characteristics of your pain when creating a treatment plan.

Typically, osteopaths use physical treatment to help low back pain and other painful conditions. These treatments change the sensory input to the nervous system by changing muscle tone and joint movement. 

 

Osteopaths are therefore changing afferent input, even if they don't realise it yet.

Simon King is an expert in Afferentology, which uses many osteopathic techniques. The difference is that Afferentology is focused on muscle tone, rather than fascia and joints.

 

Simon has taught Afferentology to many osteopaths over the last 25 years to help them get quicker and more lasting results.