Back Pain
Back pain affects at least 80% of Australians at some time in their lives and 50% of those affected will have recurring back problems. It is the most common cause of absenteeism from work. Osteopaths consider themselves to be "back experts" and provide well over one million treatments to Australians each year.
In 1998/99, back complaints made up 30% of all work cover claims in NSW, higher than any other complaint.
Back pain has a lot of causes including obvious things like lifting strains, falls, sporting injuries and motor vehicle accidents as well as the less obvious like slipping without falling, missing a step and jarring yourself, bending and twisting at the same time, sitting in an awkward position for some time or sleeping in a bed that is too soft, too firm or too lumpy. It can occur temporarily during pregnancy or continue or come on after giving birth. It can be associated with such conditions as scoliosis and the decreased flexibility of the spine as we age. It can also be a secondary effect of problems in the hips, knees and feet
Osteopathy is a drug free form of manual medicine. It treats the body's musculoskeletal components (joints, muscles and spine) through gentle hands on techniques such as soft tissue stretching and massage, deep tactile pressure, and the mobilisation and manipulation of joints.
Osteopaths will do more than offer treatment. They will devise an ongoing management program to prevent recurrence, and, if necessary, advise on diet, exercise, posture and breathing to ensure long term relief.
OSTEOPATHS RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING 10 TIPS FOR BACK CARE:
In 1998/99, back complaints made up 30% of all work cover claims in NSW, higher than any other complaint.
Back pain has a lot of causes including obvious things like lifting strains, falls, sporting injuries and motor vehicle accidents as well as the less obvious like slipping without falling, missing a step and jarring yourself, bending and twisting at the same time, sitting in an awkward position for some time or sleeping in a bed that is too soft, too firm or too lumpy. It can occur temporarily during pregnancy or continue or come on after giving birth. It can be associated with such conditions as scoliosis and the decreased flexibility of the spine as we age. It can also be a secondary effect of problems in the hips, knees and feet
Osteopathy is a drug free form of manual medicine. It treats the body's musculoskeletal components (joints, muscles and spine) through gentle hands on techniques such as soft tissue stretching and massage, deep tactile pressure, and the mobilisation and manipulation of joints.
Osteopaths will do more than offer treatment. They will devise an ongoing management program to prevent recurrence, and, if necessary, advise on diet, exercise, posture and breathing to ensure long term relief.
OSTEOPATHS RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING 10 TIPS FOR BACK CARE:
- For back pain, see your osteopath - sooner rather than later.
- Take regular non traumatic exercise e.g. swimming, walking, cycling, yoga etc.
- Avoid "computer slump.". Sit tall and breathe with the diaphragm.
- During repetitive tasks take frequent breaks or vary your activity.
- Bend the knees when reaching down or lifting, and carry weight close to the body not at arms length. Our backs are forklifts, not cranes!
- Watch your child's posture. Carrying heavy school bags, especially on one shoulder, is a no-nol
- Avoid strain when lifting, particularly carrying small children and heavy shopping.
- Make sure you have a good quality and supportive mattress - your bed could be part of the problem.
- Do your best to make your workplace more ergonomically friendly.
