Back Pain is the Top Reason for Visiting an Osteopath

by Alexis Garnaut-Miller

The UK’s Royal College of General Practitioners recommends manipulations for acute and sub-acute back pain through Osteopathy.

Nearly all back pain is caused by the spine being compressed. When the spine is shortened it causes pressure on the spinal cord and the rest of the skeletal system. Osteopathic physicians treat a variety of pains in the office at a relatively inexpensive cost. The non-invasive therapy techniques are widely preferred over costly and often dangerous surgical procedures. The whole-body approach of Osteopathy is a holistic approach that is widely gaining in popularity all over the world.

Osteopathy focuses mainly on diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal problems. Though both Osteopaths and Chiropractors treat mainly by manipulation, they differ in the theory of why the pain exists. Osteopathic theory believes that manipulating the musculoskeletal system will allow for a more relaxed system. This improves lymphatic and blood circulation, which allows the body to heal naturally. Healing the symptoms is not enough. The mind body and soul can only be treated as a whole body when the relationship of the body function to the body structure is addressed.

Cranial Osteopathy is often added to general osteopathic treatments. This treatment deals with the craniosacral system of membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that extends from the skull to the tailbone. This system can be affected by gentle touch. The craniosacral system can be evaluated and enhanced by placing weights of 5 grams or less on the skin of a relaxed patient. Cranial Osteopathy can be extremely successful in complementing the natural process of the body's healing and can supplement treatments for whiplash, arthritis, back pain, autoimmune disorders, insomnia, migraines, and much more.

The first school of osteopathy was established in London in 1917. Since then, this statute regulated non-invasive treatment option has grown in popularity and success. In the UK, the General Osteopathic Council (GosC) regulates osteopaths by statue. They also maintain a Statutory Register of those who meet the standards and are allowed to practice. The register includes only practitioners that meet the highest safety standards and provide the highest competency. These providers must also prove that they are in good health and good character as well as provide professional indemnity insurance cover.  For patients, the GosC deals with concerns and complaints. If needed, the GosC can take actions against osteopaths who no longer meet their required standards.

Practitioners of osteopathic procedures spend four to five years learning their profession. In addition to clinical methods of basic manipulations and anatomy they are required to extensively cover physiology, pathology, and biomechanics. Osteopaths call themselves primary health care practitioners and do not think of their services as supplementary to other health care. A quarter of GP practices make osteopathy available to their patients. Osteopathis manipulation for treatment of acute and sub-acute back pain is recommended by the Royal College of General Practitioners. There is also evidence that other ailments such as arthritis, neuritis, rheumatic pain, some headaches, digestive disorders, and menstrual cramps may benefit from osteopathic treatments.

Osteopathic programs with both active treatments and rehabilitation strengthening exercises will have the most success. Realignment and strengthening the entire system will help to reduce strain on the spinal column. Multiple osteopathy sessions as part of a long-term treatment plan are greatly beneficial in allowing the vertebrae to move freely. In addition, some osteopaths enhance their holistic approach with recommended vitamin and mineral supplements that will help to naturally strengthen the body and mind.