Back Pain: How Osteopathy Can Help Improve Movement and Function
Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems and can have a significant impact on everyday life. Whether it is felt in the lower back, upper back or around the middle of the spine, pain can affect sleep, work, exercise and even simple daily activities.
At Balance Osteopathy, we take the time to understand your symptoms, your lifestyle and how you move. Rather than focusing solely on the area that hurts, we assess how different parts of the body are working together and consider the factors that may be contributing to your discomfort.
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Treatment is then tailored to your individual needs, with the aim of improving comfortable movement and helping you return to the activities that are important to you.
What can cause back pain?
Back pain can develop for many different reasons, and in many cases there isn’t one identifiable cause.
It may occur following an injury, a change in activity or an increase in physical load. It can also develop gradually and be influenced by factors such as reduced activity, prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, stress or previous episodes of pain.
Some people experience a single episode that settles relatively quickly, while others have recurring or persistent symptoms.
Back pain may feel like:
- A dull ache or stiffness
- Muscle tightness
- Sharp or catching pain with certain movements
- Discomfort after sitting or standing for long periods
- Pain during bending, lifting or twisting
- Stiffness after waking or periods of inactivity
The way back pain presents can vary considerably between individuals, which is why an individual assessment is important.
Lower back pain
Lower back pain is particularly common and can interfere with many everyday activities. Especially if associated with sciatica, radiating pain down the leg.
Bending, lifting, sitting, walking and exercise can all become more difficult when your back is painful or stiff.
During an assessment, your osteopath may look at movement through the lower back as well as areas such as the hips, pelvis and upper back. They may also consider your strength, activity levels and the specific movements or activities that aggravate your symptoms.
This broader assessment can help identify factors that may be relevant to your presentation and guide an appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Upper and middle back pain
Pain isn’t limited to the lower back.
Upper and middle back discomfort can be associated with prolonged desk work, repetitive activity, changes in exercise or tension around the neck, shoulders and upper back.
Your osteopath may assess movement through the thoracic spine, neck and shoulders as well as considering your daily activities and working environment.
Treatment can then be directed towards improving comfortable movement and helping you manage the activities that may be contributing to your symptoms.
How can osteopathy help back pain?
Osteopathic care can involve hands-on treatment alongside exercise, movement advice and rehabilitation.
Depending on your individual presentation, hands-on treatment may be used to help improve mobility and reduce muscular or joint-related discomfort.
Your osteopath may also recommend exercises or practical strategies to help you gradually build your capacity for the activities that matter to you.
For example, this might involve:
- Improving spinal or hip mobility
- Developing strength and movement control
- Gradually increasing physical activity
- Modifying activities that currently aggravate symptoms
- Returning progressively to exercise or sport
- Developing strategies to manage recurring symptoms
The emphasis is on creating a treatment plan that is relevant to your lifestyle rather than simply treating the painful area.
Does posture cause back pain?
Posture is often blamed for back pain, but there isn’t necessarily one “perfect” posture that everyone needs to maintain.
Your body is designed to move, and spending long periods in any one position can sometimes contribute to discomfort.
Rather than trying to maintain a rigid posture throughout the day, it can be more useful to regularly change position and incorporate movement into your working day.
If your work involves prolonged sitting, simple strategies such as standing regularly, walking during breaks and changing your working position may help.
If you continue to experience pain despite making these changes, an individual assessment can help determine what other factors may be relevant.
Back pain and returning to exercise
It is common for people with back pain to reduce their physical activity because they are worried about making things worse.
While some activities may need to be modified temporarily, prolonged avoidance of movement is not necessarily the best approach.
For many people, gradually returning to appropriate physical activity can be an important part of recovery.
At Balance Osteopathy, rehabilitation can be tailored to your current capacity and progressed according to your symptoms and goals. This may be particularly useful if you want to return to gym training, running, sport or other physical activities.
When should you see an osteopath for back pain?
If back pain is interfering with your normal activities, work, sleep or exercise, an assessment may be appropriate.
It is also worth seeking professional advice if your symptoms are persistent, recurring or progressively affecting your ability to move.
Back pain can occasionally be associated with conditions that require medical assessment. If your symptoms suggest that further investigation or another form of healthcare is appropriate, your osteopath may recommend seeing your GP or another healthcare professional.
Back pain treatment in Melbourne
At Balance Osteopathy, we provide personalised osteopathic care for people experiencing back pain and movement-related problems in Melbourne.
Our clinic is conveniently located for people from South Melbourne, South Yarra and the St Kilda Road precinct.
Our approach combines assessment, hands-on treatment and practical rehabilitation strategies to help you understand your symptoms, improve movement and return to the activities you enjoy.
If back pain is limiting your day-to-day life, book an appointment with Balance Osteopathy to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.