From the 7th to the 11th of October, it is Backcare Awareness Week in the UK. This week long event is organised by BackCare, the charity for healthier backs – its aim is to not only raise awareness of the problems that can be caused by back pain, but also treatments and preventative methods.
Back pain
Back pain can be brought upon for a number of different reasons. In some cases, it can be caused by accident, by an awkward movement or by lifting, but some back pain can come on without a specific injury. For example, poor posture, stress, depression, poor lifestyle habits and being overweight can be factors in bringing on back pain.
One of the main messages put across by Backcare Awareness Week is to try to stand at work as opposed to sitting. In the UK, a large percentage of people work at a desk and spend long hours sitting down and this can have a very negative effect on posture. As poor posture can result in back pain (amongst other complaints), it is no big surprise that so many people spend time off sick from work due to back problems and other MSDs.
How can an Osteopath help?
Osteopathy is widely recognised by the NHS as an effective treatment for back pain and as a result many patients are referred to an osteopath by their GP, particularly for sub-acute and chronic lower back pain. As opposed to some other forms of medicine, an osteopath will always look at the body as a whole when treating specific pains; although pain manifests itself in the back, the source of the pain may actually come from elsewhere in the body.
Osteopaths can use a number of techniques to ease back pain, as well as preventing further back pain. Depending on the individual and their diagnosis, age and fitness, osteopathic treatment can vary, with techniques including gently massaging the soft tissues of the back, or gently manipulating the back in order to loosen the joints. In some cases, an osteopath may also treat other areas of the body, for example, back pain could stem from the neck or the hips.
As well as providing physical treatment, osteopaths also provide advice on lifestyle, posture and diet if they feel that there are aspects of a patient’s lifestyle that could be part of the reason that they suffer from back pain.
In order to prevent back pain, one of the most effective steps is exercise. Osteopaths can provide a programme of specific exercises that are designed to strengthen and loosen the back muscles, preventing disks from slipping or bunching together.
If you are suffering from or are prone to back pain, call Fiona Passey & partners today to arrange an appointment. Please feel free to contact our Halesowen practice on 0121 585 8555, or our Wombourne practice on 01902 894 894 and our team will be happy to help.
