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What causes lower back pain?
Back pain, especially lower back pain is one of the main reasons that people come to see an osteopath. There are a large number of different causes of back pain. In the lower back these include herniated discs (aka “slipped discs”), over strained muscles, joint inflammation and ligament damage. Other causes such as cancer and infection are fortunately much less common.
What are the common symptoms of lower back pain?
Common back pain symptoms include a dull ache in the low back, buttocks and thigh which becomes a sharp pain on particular movements. If you have a “trapped nerve” – ie the nerve coming out of the spinal cord is being pressed or irritated by another structure, you may also experience symptoms in the legs such as pins and needles, numbness and skin hypersensitivity. If the injury is more serious, you may experience heavy or weak leg muscles. Click sciatica article for more details about leg symptoms caused by back injuries. If you are experiencing other symptoms such as feeling unwell, losing weight, disturbance of bowel or bladder function, you should talk to your GP as these could be signs of more serious pathologies.
How does osteopathic treatment help?
The NICE guidelines for low back pain, published in 2009 recommend osteopathic treatment as an effective way of relieving low back pain. Ben Posen (BOst) osteopath, treats lower back pain and injury, using a range of approaches including:
- Joint mobilisation - to promote greater range of movement in the back and free trapped nerves.
- Deep soft tissue massage - to reduce muscle spasms
- Postural guidance and safe exercises - to make your body stronger and more flexible, so that your symptoms don’t keep coming back.
Which products help?
Back supports & cold/hot therapy can complement osteopathic treatment by giving extra support and giving extra relief. Click products below for details.
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