Osteopathic treatment for back pain treatment in Christchurch

Do you suffer with back pain?
Does back pain stop you exercising?
Are you living in fear of your back giving out?
Are you worried about the cause of your back pain?
Have you sought help from a back care specialist?

Testimonials

"Debilitating Lower back pain. - My husband has been a patient for some time with neck and shoulder issues. Katherine's combined treatment of osteopathy and acupuncture has helped him enormously. When I developed a quite debilitating lower back problem recently the treatment has been very beneficial. We would both thoroughly recommend Katherine." A.Davies

“VERY HELPFUL AND FRIENDLY, AND SORTED MY BACK WELL. I first went to Katherine at Hands On Care with a grumbling lower back. I found her very helpful and easy to get on with, and her treatments, including manipulation, massage and acupuncture, worked well to sort my back. She was very happy to spend extra time with me after my appointments should have finished, especially when I was last of the day. And today she added me on as an extra appointment after her planned day was finished, when I was in quite a bit of discomfort with a new problem. I am very happy to recommend Hands On Care.” Alan H

“I was at first a bit cynical as I had previously been under a chiropractor for my back condition. I found the chiropractor hindered my condition so I stopped going. I had heard good reports about osteopaths so thought I would try it. I have had damaged discs which has left me with a disc bulge. I was also suffering from sciatica and was having trouble standing and sitting.
The treatment I received was amazing. By the end of the first session Katherine had managed to sort out my acute sciatica. She was very thorough and professional. I was in a lot of pain. Katherine was gentle but applied enough pressure to ease the pain. After 4 sessions the results were very positive.
Katherine was very knowledgeable. Her hands on approach and tips for how to manage my back were very helpful. I am now 90% better than I was and at times I am completely pain free. I would recommend this treatment for the excellent results that I received but also because I felt I was in very good hands and that Katherine was a very qualified and professional.
In the 4 years I have had a bad back I have never had such relief. I know I will never be completely cured but if and when I do have a flair up I know I can go back to Katherine and receive excellent treatment. I would like to say a big thank you to Katherine and wish her every success for the future.” S. Davies

“I was experiencing persistent low back pain especially on the left side making mobility exceptionally difficult. I had been given pain killers and anti-inflammatory tablets by my GP both of which I am allergic to so didn’t have any help from. Treatment was brilliant. Admittedly I had to have several treatments but Katherine is very good and effective with the way in which she manipulates the affected area. She is deceptively strong.
The benefits of treatments have been wonderful. I am now able to resume my tennis twice a week. My movement is so much easier and painless and so far the problem has not returned. I would definitely recommend Katherine to anyone who has any type of physical problem. She is excellent. I do hope that Katherine’s practice goes from strength to strength and would not hesitate to ask for her help again.” S.Wilson

Causes of low back pain / lumbar sacral pain

Low back pain can vary from a mild ache or discomfort to severe pain possibly including associated symptoms such as sciatica. There are many structures in the back that can be a source of pain such as the muscle, ligaments, joints and discs. If the nerves become involved this can lead to pain that travels into the legs such as sciatica.

Many people will experience some kind of back discomfort in their lives and in the vast majority of cases it is not serious. The majority of back pain is due to a muscle or ligament strain, or inflammation of the small joints at the back of the spine. This is often due to lifting something heavy, twisting in the wrong way or even spending prolonged periods of time in a certain position. This type of back pain is often referred to in conventional circles as as Non Specific Low Back pain.

There are other causes of back pain that can be given a more specific diagnosis, such as:

Herniated disc: A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the outer layer. The resultant inflammation can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain.
Degenerative Disc Disease: As we age, the discs in our spine can wear down and degenerate, causing pain. However pain in not inevitable with aging.
Spinal Sternosis: This occurs when the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Osteoarthritis: This is a common form of arthritis that affects the joints in the spine, causing pain and stiffness. People can show osteoarthritic changes however without pain.
Spondylolithesis: This is a condition in which one vertebra moves forward slightly on the one below. This can reduce space for the nerves, and spinal cord, potentially causing nerve pain.
Sciatica: This is a condition in which the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the leg is compressed or irritated. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs and feet.
Ankylosing spondylitis: this is an inflammatory type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing pain and stiffness.

Other factors that can contribute to low back pain include obesity, poor posture, pregnancy, stress and other lifestyle factors.

Conventional treatment for low back pain

Treatment for low back pain will depend on the underlying cause. In many cases, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications can help. However, if the pain is severe or persistent, it's important to see a healthcare provider to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines support the use of manual therapy alongside exercise for back pain with or without sciatica. You may be referred to physiotherapy and in some cases further imaging. In rare cases surgery may be required.

How we as osteopaths, at Hands on Care, will treat you for low back pain.

We are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of back pain. Osteopaths are classed as primary health care practitioners and Allied Health Professionals, this means we are recognised by the NHS. We will diagnose your back problem after taking a detailed case history and examining you. Depending on our findings, which we will explain to you, we will then develop a treatment plan. We are holistic therapists so the treatment plan will consider not just the hands on treatment, but exercise advice and lifestyle modifications. We use a range of techniques including: gentle or deep tissue massage, Dry Needling/ Acupuncture, sports taping, mobilisation/ articulation and stretching techniques to adjusting (clicking techniques). We will always consider our patients preferences and also their other underlying health conditions when planning any treatment.

Our Clinic is situated in the Wessex Health Network, very near to Christchurch train station. It is easily accessible from the surrounding areas of Bournemouth, Southbourne, Ringwood and the New Forest. If coming by car it has a car park to the rear of the building. It is also easily accessible by bus with a stop directly outside.

Our aim is not just to remove pain but to improve the health and quality of life for our patients. If you would like our help please click here to book. We are also always very happy to have chat with you on the phone prior to booking if you would like to see if we can help you with your problem. 01425 517017

Katherine Terry, Registered Osteopath, BSc (Hons) Ost