Back Pain

Back pain can affect anyone at any age. It can be brought on by lifting, moving awkwardly or by an accident resulting in a sprain or a strain of the structures of the back such as the muscles, ligaments, joints or damage to the discs. Sometimes it can come on without any specific injury to your back. Osteoarthritis or wear and tear in the back can also be a reason. Also stress, depression, posture, being overweight, sedentary living and poor lifestyle habits can all be significant factors.

People can feel a range of symptoms such as stiffness, tenderness and mild to very severe pain. The pain can come on quite suddenly or over time, and be located anywhere in the spine from the top of the neck to the pelvis. Sometimes pressure from the back on the nerves can cause pain or pins and needles and numbness in the legs and arms. X-rays, scans and other tests are sometimes required to make a diagnosis. If osteopathy treatment cannot completely heal or discover the cause of the back pain, your osteopath may refer to your GP or a specialist for any additional investigation.