Osteopathy for back pain
Back pain is a common problem that can significantly interfere with daily life. Whether it is a nagging pain, stiffness or an acute shooting pain, back pain limits your movements and activities. Osteopathy can be an effective way to address these symptoms. In this text, we explain how osteopathy works for back pain, paying special attention to the three systems the osteopath works with: the musculoskeletal system, the internal organ system and the craniosacral system. We also discuss the importance of tissue mobility and refer to some studies that support the effectiveness of osteopathy for back pain.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a manual therapy that focuses on restoring the body’s natural mobility and balance. The osteopath uses his hands to detect and treat movement restrictions and tensions in various tissues. The basic idea is that the body is a whole in which all systems are interconnected. A disturbance in one system can cause symptoms in another.
The three systems
When treating back pain, the osteopath looks at three main systems:
- The musculoskeletal system
This includes bones, muscles, joints and connective tissue. Limitations in the mobility of these structures can lead to back pain. For example, tense muscles or stuck joints can restrict the natural movement of the back and cause pain. The osteopath detects these restrictions and treats them with specific techniques to restore mobility. - The internal organ system
Our internal organs are connected to the rest of the body through connective tissue and need a certain amount of mobility to function properly. Tension or reduced mobility of organs such as the intestines or kidneys can cause radiating pain to the back. The osteopath examines whether the organs can move properly and, if necessary, applies gentle techniques to improve mobility. - The craniosacral system
This system includes the skull, spine, sacrum and nervous system. Restrictions in the movement of the cranial bones or tension in the nervous system can contribute to back pain. The osteopath uses gentle techniques to restore mobility in this system and calm the nervous system.
The importance of mobility
A core principle of osteopathy is that all tissues in the body should be able to move freely. Reduced mobility can lead to tension, pain and loss of function. By restoring the mobility of muscles, joints, internal organs and other tissues, the osteopath supports the body’s self-healing ability. This can lead to a reduction in pain and improvement in overall function.
Scientific research
Although there has not yet been much extensive research on osteopathy, several studies have examined the effectiveness of osteopathy for back pain. Below are two of these so-called meta analyses:
- A study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association showed that osteopathic manipulative therapy was significantly more effective in reducing chronic low back pain compared with standard medical care. See article
- Another study found that patients who received osteopathic treatments were less likely to need painkillers and reported improved mobility. See Article
What to expect.
During a consultation, the osteopath will do a comprehensive intake to identify your symptoms and medical history. The body is then examined for movement limitations in the three aforementioned systems. Treatment consists of gentle manual techniques aimed at restoring mobility and balance. The number of sessions required varies from person to person and depends on the nature and duration of the complaints.
Conclusion
Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to treating back pain by paying attention to the musculoskeletal, internal organ system and craniosacral system. By restoring the mobility of tissues, the osteopath can contribute to pain reduction and improved functionality.
If you suffer from back pain and you are curious if osteopathy can do something for you, contact Sander Sprong Osteopathy. Or make an appointment directly in the online agenda.
