In Canada, back pain is one of the most common medical complaints, with over 90% of adults suffering from back pain at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, many people suffer unnecessarily for years because they are misdiagnosed or their condition worsens due to ineffective treatment methods.
Osteopaths study the relationship between the body’s structure and function. They use manual therapy to treat pain and other chronic conditions, such as back pain.
Back pain tends to present in one of two forms:
• Acute back pain – tends to come on suddenly and is commonly experienced with muscular strain or injury. This can happen if you lift a heavy object, especially if you use improper posture. Muscle spasms can also cause back pain. It’s likely to last a few days or weeks.
• Chronic back pain – often experienced with degenerative conditions involving the discs, bones, or joints and may go on for months. It can be caused by a number of problems that affect these structures, including:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Compression fractures
- Sciatica
Back pain can present in several ways:
- Intermittent flare-ups
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Muscle spasms
- A sharp pinch or shooting sensation comes on as you move into a certain position.
- A dull constant ache that may radiate in a particular area, or refer pain to other areas.
- A general sense that your upper body feels jammed up or out of alignment
What can trigger upper or lower back pain?
Periods of prolonged rest, inactivity, and sleeping position
Sudden falls or accidents such as whiplash
Poor posture particularly in a seated position and for long periods
Lifting improperly
Referred pain from neck and shoulder injury
Sporting activity that involves twisting, impact or repetition.
Repetitive movements
Contact Sports
Wearing overloaded backpack
Overuse
Our aim is to get you back to normality
