Cranial Osteopath for Back Pain
Back pain can be severe and debilitating, usually in acute episodes or ongoing dull, achy pain as part of a chronic pain condition. Cranial Osteopathy provides a gentle treatment option which can significantly help with recovery. This article will discuss why back pain could occur and how cranial osteopathy could help reduce your back pain.
Reasons for Lower Back Pain
The most common reasons which contribute to feeling LBP are prolonged sitting at your desk, lack of exercise, and lifting items incorrectly, which can cause injuries. These can cause an additional mechanical load onto your lower back and cause a strain on your muscles, ligaments and joints. In addition, typically, movements will make it worse, and resting will help ease your tensions. However Osteopath for lower back may not be the cause, typically osteopath for hip pain, osteopath for knee pain could be contributing towards your lower back tensions.
Treatments For Back Pain
Systematic review research suggests osteopathy is effective in reducing pain levels for chronic lower back pain patients. A recent randomised controlled trial evaluated the effects of cranial osteopathy on disability, pain intensity, quality of life, and mobility in patients with low back pain. Ten sessions resulted in a statistically greater improvement in pain intensity and haemoglobin oxygen saturation. Also, systolic blood pressure, serum potassium, and magnesium levels compared to 10 massage sessions in patients with chronic low back pain.
What Does Cranial Osteopathy Include?
Cranial osteopathy reduces stress and pain and promotes well-being. Cranial Osteopathy is a gentle hands-on treatment applied mainly to the tissues of the head; however, it can also be used on different parts of your body. Cranial Osteopathy works on the principles that gentle manipulation of your joints and tissues can reduce pain and promote overall physical well-being. Treatment can be relaxing and works with your body to activate the innate ability of the body to heal itself, to remove restrictions, and provide support to bring the tissues back into a state of balance.
Can I Benefit from This Treatment?
Yes, cranial osteopathy can help reduce back pain. We have helped many clients with back pain. Cranial Osteopathy has a gentle approach, but it can be powerful with positive effects. Although the name would suggest treating just your head, there are techniques to treat the whole body. It’s essential to address the entire body not just Osteopath for lower back as typically osteopath for hip pain, osteopath for knee pain and other structures could contribute to your lower back tensions.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Most patients experience a positive reduction in pain severity and intensity after 3 or 4 sessions. However it depends on the patients ability to heal, their vitality and barriers to recovery. This is why, in addition to hands-on treatment, we also give exercise, lifestyle and nutrition advice to give your body the best chance of recovery.
What is the Difference between Osteopathy and Cranial Osteopathy?
The treatment techniques, generally speaking, Cranial Osteopathy has a more gentle approach. Osteopathy can use joint articulations and spinal manipulations. However, both have the same narrative: we recognise the body’s ability to heal if restrictions are removed to promote healing. The challenge is identifying the limits by working with the patients, as these can be biological, psychological and social factors contributing to your symptoms. At Wellthy Clinic, we are trained in both treatment styles so that we can use one style or the other or both within a session, depending on the clients and the presentation.
Why is my Lower Back Worse in the Morning?
It is normal for your LBP to feel worse first thing in the morning; this is a normal inflammatory picture. Inflammation is your body’s response to injury or insult, and when you are sleeping, the body sees this as a good opportunity to heal. Therefore, you feel worse first thing in the morning as this process is still finishing, but after you get up, have breakfast and a shower, your symptoms should become a little easier. Typically, as you head in the right direction, the level of pain will reduce or you experience the symptoms for less time, which is a good sign. Of course, if there is no improvement with your symptoms, then see your Osteopath or GP.
How Do I Know if My Bed is Causing Back Pain?
It is essential to address your mattress and pillows as if they are old (more than 8 years old) and need changing this will not help. Typically, we suggest a relatively firm pillow which keeps your head in the midline (same line as your sternum) if you are lying on your side. Ideally, not a thin pillow that you head is sidebending on, or a huge pillow that your head is sidebending the other way. In addition, we prefer pocket sprung mattresses that are relatively firm and support your spinal curves whilst you sleep. Ideally, not really soft mattresses that your body sinks into, and gives no support. If you are still unsure, then get in contact with us.
How Do I Know if My Back Pain is Serious?
LBP can also result from other underlying conditions, such as your lower back. These could be from your kidneys, digestive system and reproductive system, to name a few. Typically, you will experience constant pain, and rest doesn’t necessarily help ease your tensions. In this case, seek advice from your GP.
How is Lower Back Pain Diagnosed?
It’s not necessary to see your GP to get an LBP diagnosis. Manual therapists (Osteopaths, physiotherapists, or chiropractors) can diagnose low back pain more specifically. They will take a full case history and perform a physical examination with testing. They will give you a diagnosis so you understand the cause of your pain and can proceed with treatment.
What Happens at Your First Osteopath Appointment?
During your first consultation, a full case history will be taken to understand you. Then, your presenting problem/s and current health situation will be discussed.
We will then assess your posture and ask you to perform some active movements. After that, we will assess your joint ranges of motion passively and maybe perform some other tests. Moreover, you will be given an explanation of what is happening. Then, we will discuss your treatment options and agree with you on the type of treatment most suitable for your symptoms.
Can Osteopathy Help a Bad Back?
Yes! Our Osteopaths specialise in treating clients with back pain. Whether it has just started and is really painful or whether you have experienced back pain for years, we suggest trying Cranial Osteopathy to help reduce your pain. We also offer Paediatric Osteopathy for babies, which could help with breastfeeding and cranial osteopathy issues in children.
Cranial Osteopath for Back Pain References
Castro-Sanchez et al (2016) Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine; 22(8): pp.650-7.
Dal Farra et al (2021) Effectiveness of osteopathic interventions in chronic non-specific low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Licciardone, J., S. Stoll, et al. (2003). “Osteopathic manipulative treatment for chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.” Spine 28(13): 1355-62.
Maniadakis N, Gray A (2000). The economic burden of back pain in the UK. Pain; 84:95-103.
NICE (2020) Back pain – low (without radiculopathy): How common is it?
Matthew Glithero
Matthew Glithero is an Structural (MOsT), Cranial & Paediatric Osteopath & Pilates instructor.