Low Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most common medical complaints in the UK. In fact a significant proportion of the population will be affected by it in their lifetime.

Symptoms of Low Back Pain

Symptoms normally involve restricted and painful movement of the back or low back ache. However, you may be surprised to know that back problems can also cause symptoms in other areas of the body (known as referred pain) such as the hips, legs (called sciatica), thighs, groin and buttocks.

Causes of Low Back Pain

There can be many causes of Low Back Pain including heavy lifting; regular bending or slouching; poor posture; prolonged periods of sitting, driving or standing; repetitive use of muscles (often through sport); over stretching; twisting and more.

Sometimes these actions can cause areas of the spine to stiffen, leading to strain. These areas can then become a focus for increased stress and low back pain.

How can Osteopathy help?

Osteopathy is recognised by the NHS and NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) as an effective treatment for low back pain. Treatment is different for every patient but may include techniques such as different types of soft tissue massage and joint articulation to release tension, stretching of muscles to help relieve pain and mobilisation of your joints.

During your first consultation at Chesterfield Osteopaths, we will spend time really trying to understand your problem and putting together a low back pain treatment plan for you. We may also provide you with advice on low back exercises you can do at home (where appropriate) to reduce your lowback pain symptoms.