Osteopathic Treatment

[Dragonfly32]

Has anyone seen or know about Osteopathic manipulation treatment for pain?

[earthwitch]

Depends what the pain is. I have ankylosing spondylitis and there is no way I would let anyone manipulate my body as that could cause untold damage. I also wouldn't advice it if you have herniated discs or osteoporosis, as again, one wrong move could leave you paralysed. But for other conditions I guess it might help.

[Dragonfly32 in reply to earthwitch]

That's very true I had done just a little research on it, I have severe whiplash and facet syndrome I still can't get relief from the pain stiffness and muscle spasms. I've tried physical therapy chiropractic care pain mgmt injections and massage, I've taken different muscle relaxers and narcotics for the pain that only take the edge off then it comes right back. I feel discouraged it's been about 16 months now.😔

[edythe in reply to Dragonfly32]

I have been treated successfully by my osteopath for whiplash; His thesis was on this topic so I would definitely try and see if someone can recommend an osteopath with appropriate experience/qualifications.

[Dragonfly32 in reply to edythe]

Oh wow thank you! Can I ask how long it took you to begin feeling relief? What type of pain were you dealing with before the treatment?

[edythe in reply to Dragonfly32]

I had treatment beginning a couple of weeks after the car accident when I suffered from whiplash. I probably had about 3 sessions. I don't know what the prognosis would be once a longer time has elapsed. Osteopathy is a well-established means of treatment but there are different approaches and as I said before, see if you can find someone experienced. If your GP has no recommendations then you could try the register of osteopaths and look for someone in your area.

[Dragonfly32 in reply to earthwitch]

Thank you! I understand that! I don't have any hirniated discs they said I may have facet syndrome but I also have severe whip lash still after 16 months😔

[Sazntef in reply to Dragonfly32]

Unfortunately with severe whiplash the initial healing can take some time anyway. I know the back and neck clinic via spiers healthcare specialise in exercises to decrease pain and increase movement on a gradual basis. Hydrotherapy is also a big help in a low impact way to increase movement. I know a few people that also swear by acupuncture.

[donna19]

I have been having that for the last two yrs now its very good depending on where your problem is they say to rest after as it does flare for a while then settles down x

[Dragonfly32 in reply to donna19]

Thank you so much! I go this coming Wednesday I'm hoping they will have answers!

[donna19 in reply to Dragonfly32]

Ahh thats brilliant i do hope it helps you please let me know how u get on . X hope you are ok

[johnsmith]

Many people go to osteopaths for back pain conditions and are highly pleased with the results. Some people have found it does not work. Others have found it works for a while and then the pain returns.

The symptoms are the same in all of the above but the causes for the pain has varied from person to person.

I have had oesteopathic treatment. It worked, but failed to hold. The oestopath I saw was very good but I found the manipulation mentally a little unsettling for me.

I have chiropractic treatment on the NHS once every six weeks. The chiropractic treatment will not cure the problem I have, but it helps keep what I have under some form of control. To this treatment I have added treatment from an Alexander Teacher and engage in Mindfulness and meditation.

To get good pain control I need all the treatment regimes I engage in.

Hope I was able to give you an answer to your question.

[Dragonfly32 in reply to johnsmith]

Yes thank you so much! It does its been such a struggle. I'm just not understanding why my body is not getting better by any treatment. I go to the Dr on Wednesday, I think it's more muscular I never knew that something like this could be so painful and disabling. I hope you are feeling better!☺️

[Andie_sims1977]

I have been having sever lower back pain for the past year. I've had test after test and no one can diagnose the cause other than saying it's mechanical lower back pain, however I can't really say I understand what that means. All I know is that I'm really bad in the mornings and evenings and have often been unable to complete routine tasks which is highly frustrating. I went to see an Osteopath weekly for about 4 months. I found that the day after treatment the pain would increase but would then improve dramatically for 2 - 3 days. The downward spiral would then return until my next visit. Over time there was no real evidence of progression and I decided to stop the treatment as at £44 per session it was having a major impact on my already tight finances. I have now been on high doses of tramadol and morphine for a year which do nothing but take the edge off it. I've been for physio which also was useless as I was only given a list of exercises to complete that made the pain unbearable. I stuck with the exercises for several months thinking it would improve with time if I put the effort in. However, this was not the case and I believe it has made the problem worse. I am now at a bit of a loss where to go next as I feel that the professionals I have seen in the NHS have fobbed me off and made me think it's all in my head but I know it's not its real and often unbearable. I would not make this up especially as it is severally impacting on the activities I can perform with my beautiful kids. I want to run like mad, play, dance, be silly, be me but I can't. Sorry for the woe is me reply folks but I'm just pretty much at the end of my tether.

[Calceolaria in reply to Andie_sims1977]

Andy, mechanical back pain covers many things, like degenerated discs, facet joint problems, arthritis etc. What it doesn't mean is neurological issues, so what the are telling you is that your nerves from your spine are not damaged. This is good, but it doesn't take your mechanical pain away because your nerves are fit and well and saying Ouch! Ask the doc to explain what is on your MRI and from there, seek appropriate help, like massage or whatever. Some nerve block injections maybe?

[Andie_sims1977 in reply to Calceolaria]

Thanks I hoping for a referral to pain management clinic and the doc assures mental this will be helpful. Fingers crossed eh?!

[johnsmith in reply to Andie_sims1977]

You say: ."I went to see an Osteopath weekly for about 4 months. I found that the day after treatment the pain would increase but would then improve dramatically for 2 - 3 days. The downward spiral would then return until my next visit. ".

There are clues here about your condition. It suggests that it is a combination of posture and muscular which unfortunately the NHS has very little understanding of. The Osteopath temporary corrected the muscle spasms. Muscle spasms when released can be painful afterwards as all the unspasmed muscle waste products diffuse into surrounding tissue. The relief is temporary as the bad muscular habits put the spasms back as the bodies muscular system tries to compensate for posture problems.

NICE has recommendations for chiropractic and Osteopathic treatment. You have evidence to present to your GP that they work. You just need a discipline to will help you deal with the posture problem. An Alexander Teacher can help with this. Mindfulness and meditation can help with this.

A good description on posture can be found in this book:

"Meditation_A_Way_of_Awakening_-_Ajahn_Sucitto.pdf" which can be found here:

forestsanghapublications.or...

Hope this helps

[Andie_sims1977 in reply to johnsmith]

Thank you so much I will look into that. I know that my posture is an issue as I have an unusual curvature to the spine that has been present since I first started to walk!

[Dragonfly32 in reply to Andie_sims1977]

Andy,

I'm so sorry to hear this! I understand exactly where you are coming from. As I am in a very similar situation. 16 months in I have realized from my experience I took my medical needs into my own hands as know treatment yet has worked for me either. I think there comes a time where enough is enough I began researching and finding not only this forum but also other treatments that all the Dr I have seen never even spoke of. Never let anyone tell you it's in your head, our body's feel pain for a reason and is warning you through all its limitations it has on you. Don't give up and that is much easier said then done. It's really helped me to be able to relate to others on here, I feel sometimes part of the battle is when family and friends just don't get it, even the doctors who I have not been lucky with at all. Pain causes a lot more then just physical restraints but emotionally to especially over time with no relief. We are here for you!

Andrea

[Hidden]

I have been treated by an Osteopath on and off for 10 years. When my pain was not too bad, I would see him every 3 months just for maintainance. Unfortunately, I now see him every fortnight and this is alternated with visits to a sports massage therapist. It seems to be the only thing that stops my back & hips totally seizing up.

[Cullercoats_Mammy55]

Hello

I regularly see an osteopath for back pain, and they have also treated me for neck and shoulder problems. Different osteopaths have different methods, but if you find a practice near you I would ask if one of the osteopaths could give you a call, you could discuss what you want help with and hopefully they will be able to advise you whether they are able to help.

Good luck

GG x

[2ndchance]

There are many methods that doctors use. Without my regular visits the quality of my life would be drastically reduced because of pain.

I have gotten excellent results with cranio-sacral therapy. It reduces my pain and allows my body to move properly.

I got best permanent results doing those treatments AND physical therapy (specifically saltwater pool therapy) for strengthening and conditioning.

I continue to see my osteopath on a regular but less frequent basis.