Osteopaths- buldging discs.

[Bunce]

Hi Guys- does anyone find osteopaths effective for buldging discs. I'm just worried that it might be too rigorous and make my pain worse. Or is physio the first port of call? Thanks.

[sianr]

Hi there I've never tried an osteopath a good chiropractor ... yes mine is great , small steps doing exercise and building it up can help , I don't know if you've ever considered going to a gym with a good instructor who knows what they are doing , I work with my Physio & instructor and its taken 8 months to feel a lot better however everyone is different and we all do what helps us individually good luck

[Hidden]

I had chiropractic. He used a combination of manipulations to release the muscles before he manipulated the discs.

From my understanding of my own problem, my tiny muscles between the vertebrae were all in spasm, which was holding my spine rigid. On top if this I had several layers of compensation pain.

He worked by releasing the compensation pain, then the spinal muscles, then the area with the discs.

He also balanced my body, working on my legs and neck too.

Despite being extremely painful, I'm glad I did it. He also taught me how to protect my back doing everyday tasks.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I also meant to say, ask about the treatment, and how they can help long term, what types of exercise will help you, etc.

Everyone is different and everyone responds differently to these treatments. You may find that the osteopath can only do so much, then you find something else.

I've gained so much knowledge and insight doing the rounds of alternative therapists, they really understand pain and it's pathways, and all have been honest about how much they could help me.

If you are wary, you could ask to speak to someone they are treating with a similar problem.

[Bevvy]

It very much depends on who you see. I saw a chiropractor and she made me a lot worse. I saw an osteopath who was brilliant and helped loads. Currently seeing physio. First one no help, this time feel helping!

[Suem1960]

It depends on your age as well, if your 50 plus physios don't tend to recommend it as it can make back pain worse.

[MadRocker]

Hello from Canada

When I went to a osteopath his therapy was actually hands off more like energy exchange without there being any actual physical contact.

I call physiotherapy physioterrorists. Some are so rough its worse than the actual injury.

In both cases get informed. There are many forms of osteopaths and physiotherapists. Ask your friends, neighbors and even the dog on the street

Information is power. When we are hurting we feel powerless and this is the only way to regain our strength.

There are many therapies, I had a hip replacement go wrong and the physioterrorists ( and I saw 5 different ones based upon recommendations) just plain hurt me. I found a kinesiologist who made me almost well again. They work with injury and medical conditions but are trained more from the cause and effect side of things than lets just jab on your body.

Good luck on your journey

[Hidden]

I have used an Osteopath for the last 7 years and I have bulging discs. I have a treatment once a fortnight and it really does work for me. It is slightly painful but I always feel a lot looser afterwards.

Make sure that your Osteopath is registered. I agree that it is good to try to get personal recommendations.

Good luck.

[johnsmith]

You are going to have to network and ask around. Osteopaths or chiropractor which is better? This is the wrong question? You are dependent on the skill of the person. So you need to speak to people who have been treated by the practitioner you are planning on visiting.

Osteopaths or chiropractors are not the full story. Once you have part of the problem fixed you are going to need a regime to prevent the problem getting worse or re-occuring. Such as an Alexander Teacher or a yoga teacher who has an understanding of back problems.

Note: look at the NICE guidelines. If you are in the UK there is the possibility of osteopathic treatment on the NHS.

Hope this helps.

[Fibromepainless]

Hi , I have the same as you, went to osteopath he wouldn't touch my spine ,three bulging discs,about thirteen years ago, I have the same problem still, he said I needed an operation, I never had any operation , been to physiotherapy and it didn't help much , I sympathies with you truly ,its been so demanding, trying to hold a job became really difficult, oh so sore, pained useless and not being able to straighten.

On January this year I diagnosed with fibromyalgia, now I feel there is no hope at finding another job to suit me. 😱

[earthwitch]

Whoever you see, the last thing you want is aggressive manipulation - as that could cause irreparable damage if it pushes the disc further into the spinal cord. I personally would start with a physiotherapist. They are well versed in helping people dealing with back pain. One of the biggest things you can do for back pain is the right kind of exercises, and it does make sense to have someone show you how to do these properly, and watch that you have got it right. I have some particularly bad back problems that also cause neuropathic pain (spinal nerves getting compressed) and yet appropriate back exercises are one of the few things that keep the pain under control.