What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain – particularly lower back pain – is probably the most common issue that we see and treat in patients.
Lower back pain refers to pain occurring in the area known as the lumbar region of the spine. Some people refer to this as “lumbago”, but this is more of a generalist term and has been largely replaced in recent years by more specific descriptions.
Symptoms vary from stiffness and aching to a sharp/severe pain, and it affects people of all ages and of all lifestyles. In fact, almost everyone will suffer from back pain at some point in their lifetime. Not surprisingly, for some people, chronic back pain can be highly debilitating and mentally draining.
The list of causes of back pain are many and varied but the most common are:
- Sciatica
- Joint Restrictions
- Disc Injuries (“slipped-disc”)
- Muscle Strains
We specialise in diagnosing and treating back pain using a range of advanced, modern treatments.
These include osteopathy, shockwave therapy, therapeutic massage, dry needling.
What Causes Joint Restrictions or Facet Locks?
Every vertebra in your back has a small joint called a facet. These joints are designed to allow your spine to move freely.
Unfortunately, a joint can sometimes “lock-up”, either because you’ve suffered an injury, or because you’ve not been moving at all!
In fact, the most common causes of lower back pain are poor posture and/or being seated for long periods, such as in a car or at a workstation.
That’s why if you are sitting down, we recommend taking regular breaks, to stand and stretch.
If one or more facets lock up their movement will be restricted, causing the muscles surrounding them to become tight and even spasm.
At Origin Health, we have a range of advanced treatments to unlock these joint/s and quickly relieve your pain. Our osteopathic treatment combines deep soft tissue massage and sometimes joint manipulation.
What Happens if You “Slip a Disc”?
To “slip” a disc is actually a misnomer!
Vertebrae are separated by discs, which are made from a gel-like substance. They cushion your spinal column along its length and help absorb shocks.
If excessive pressure put on a disc, through lifting and/or twisting, the disc can “bulge”. If the bulge increases the disc can tear, causing a herniated or prolapsed disc (the so-called “slipped” disc).
If this pushes on a nerve, the pain can increase markedly, and even travel down your leg (sciatica).
Osteopathic treatment includes deep soft tissue massage, articulation and stretches to take the pressure off the disc and/or the nerves, and joint manipulation may also be warranted.
Once the practitioner considers it is time to move towards onward recovery, then options such as exercise rehabilitation.
Severe disc injuries may need steroid injections, or even surgery.
Is My Back Pain a Strained Muscle?
A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when a muscle in your back is overstretched or torn.
This is usually caused by fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle.
Minor muscle strains can take anything from a few days to a couple of weeks to heal.
Prices:
Principal Osteopath:
Initial Consultation: £65
Follow-up Consultation: £60
Osteopath:
Initial Consultation: £55
Follow-up Consultation: £50