Spinal Pain
Similar to back pain, spinal pain can occur at any point in the spine, from the top of the neck down to the lower back. Conditions that can cause spinal pain include a slipped disk, spondylosis, arthritis, spinal stenosis and ankylosing spondylitis to name a few. One of the functions of the spine is to provide a protective tunnel in which the spinal cord runs through. It is therefore especially important that the movements and mechanisms of the spine are working in total alignment to prevent nerve problems.
It is always important to have a full check-up and discussion with your GP to ensure your spinal pain is not caused by a serious illness or disease. Once this has been done your osteopath will be happy to provide a full subjective and objective assessment, taking into consideration your specific needs, preferences and capabilities. This information will be used to create an appropriate treatment package to be carried out at one of the three London Osteopathy clinics. Treatments are offered at bases in central London, Beckenham and Holborn.
According to information on the NHS website, there is some evidence to suggest manual therapies may lessen certain symptoms associated with some spinal conditions. An osteopath will be able to inform and advise you on the best treatment plan for your specific set of symptoms. By looking at the body as a whole your osteopath will focus on these manual therapies to attempt to get your body in a state of balance, identifying any potential issues which may be contributing towards your pain.
The NHS website reports that it is vital to keep active as spells of inactive can worsen symptoms, exercises such as Pilates could be useful to combat spinal pain. Pilates is available at the London Osteopath clinics, your suitability can be discussed with your osteopath clinician before attending a class, where you be guided through a series of gentle exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles.
Your osteopath will also offer advice and information on how to improve your posture, how to perform correct lifting and moving techniques, as well as create a range of gentle exercises to carry out at home to improve your symptoms and potentially prevent them from reoccurring.
Osteopathy for Arthritis
The goal of osteopathy treatment in relation to arthritis is to reduce any imbalances that may be contributing to the condition. Following a thorough assessment at one of the three London Osteopathy clinics, your treatment will be tailor-made to your individual requirements. This may include a variety of gentle movements, stretching, massage and manipulation of the affected joints.
These techniques aim to relieve muscle tension and pain whilst working to improve joint flexibility. Work may be done on surrounding joints to take the stress and strain off the affected area, ensuring that loading of the joints through activities such as walking is as equal as possible.
The increased blood and lymph supply to the treated area can optimise healing to the joint and surrounding tissues, following several session you may notice a reduction in pain and an overall improvement of function in your everyday activities. With the reduction in symptoms, many patients can increase general fitness through activity and lifestyle changes which can further improve health and therefore breaking the cycle of inactivity and pain avoidance.
Your osteopath will be able to provide home exercises and positive, friendly advice in regards to posture, balance and nutrition to enable you to self manage your condition confidently and effectively.
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