Osteopathy

[ozwinner]

Welcome back viewers.

Having suffered from a bad lower back for the last 3 weeks I have tryed various methods to get rid of the pain.

Chiropractic, didnt work even though I have used the same guy for the last 7 years.

Drugs from the Doc, eased the pain but the problem persisted.

On friday I tryed Osteopathy, I am a new man again, 3 weeks of pain and gone in one sesion of Osteopathy, I know the swelling from the back being out would have subsided over 3 weeks, but its bloody amazing.

Anyone else use Osteopathy?

Al :D

[Baz]

Dunno Al, is that a bit like physio?
Cheers
Barry

[Daddles]

Don't even know what it is Al. Could you explain a bit please?

And congrats on finding some help for the back - bastard of a problem.

Richard

[echnidna]

Welcome back viewers.

Al :D

My SWMBO wants to know if you were born in February Al?? :)

[Daddles]

My SWMBO wants to know if you were born in February Al?? :)

Born? Don't be silly :eek:

Richard

[johnc]

Before the thread gets totally hijacked, I started off with chiropractors, who I now reckon are taught how not to fix you so they can get you back week after damn week. They also just crunch with little effort to work on the muscles, and everything tends to work back and become a problem again.

These days when it's necessary I alternate between a physio and an osteopath depending who I can get into. They are both good and if one seems unable to fix it the other seems to get it right, apparently the technique is quite different but both seem to work on inflammation and muscles and usually two visits max gets everything back to normal again. I scored something that one seemed to think was RSI and the other didn't, but the osteopath was the one that sorted it out. It had only taken two years to get around to getting help and the loss of most of the power in one arm to do it, but after a few weeks with around three appointments everything was back to normal.

JohnC

[kiwigeo]

Al,

Welcome to the lower back pain club.

I have a 2 year history of lower back pain, I have had bad sciatica down one leg and at one stage had a disc popped out.

One option which has worked for me is Pilates exercises. I know its all the rage amongst Hollywood stars and there are some pretty dodgy looking Pilates outfits around but despite this it is beneficial for people with Lower Back Pain when done properly.

Find yourself a good physio and get a reccomendation from him/her as to a good Pilates outfit. I was lucky in that my physio also runs a Pilates group. What ever you dont just go and get a video and try and teach yourself the exercises..you could do more harm than good. After a few months of sessions with an instructor youll be able to do most of the mat exercises at home by yourself.

One thing Pilates exercises achieves is to strengthen the inner abdominal muscles which can give support to the lower back. Note that there are several layers of muscles in the abdomen and doing things like sit ups only serves to strengthen the outter layer which are useless in helping support the lower back.

Pilates classes can be a bit daunting for a bloke as theyre usually dominated by women but youll find that the women actually admire a bloke who is brave enough to admit hes got a problem and is making an effort to do something about it.

A useful book to get a hold of is "Treating your own Back" by Mckenzie(?). I have the book at home and will verify the details when I get back there in a few weeks.

Hope you get some relief.


Cheers Martin

[kiwigeo]

Al,

The book is "Treat Your Own back" and its by Robin Mckenzie.

Check out following site for details and more info on treating back pain:

http://www.spineinstitute.com.au/booklets/McKenzie/tyob.htm

Cheers Martin

[Grunt]

I've used a Osteopath. Worked a treat for me. I do yoga exercises to keep my back in shape. I've been doing a fair bit of bike riding over the last 6 weeks or so and I'm starting to get a bit of lower back pain. Back to the Osteopath for me.

[kiwigeo]

Grunt,


The bike riding might not be too good for the back if youre doing a lot of it...usually alot of vibration off a bike and youre usually not in a very good posture while riding same. Nursey SWMBO is adament that the best thing is good old fashioned walking and lots of it.

Ask your osteopath for advice on the bike riding.

Yoga is good....did you have any trouble finding a tight fitting leotard in your size :)

Cheers Martin

[echnidna]

Born? Don't be silly :eek:

Richard

In Al's own words
He's had back troubles for 7 years:(
But he's only 4 :eek:
And we all know Al dont tell fibs. :rolleyes:
So Al had to bin born on February 29th :D :D

[Gumby]

Same here Al, I used an Osteo for the first time a couple of years ago and he has sorted my back out brilliantly. They's the bee's knees as you would say. ;)

[Grunt]

Yoga is good....did you have any trouble finding a tight fitting leotard in your size



You should see me in my bike gear. Tight lycra. Pleasant dreams fellas.

I need to do some exercise, walking bores the crap out of me and running is bad for the knees. I like to ride. So riding it is.

My back problems aren't so bad. I get a little sore thats all. The yoga tends to sort it out. I've also been spending too much time on the couch the last few weeks.

[kiwigeo]

I cringe when I see school kids slouched almost horizontal for hours at a time while they surf the net.......combine that with the iPOD phenomena and were going to have a nation of deaf cripples in 20 years time.

[Daddles]

I need to do some exercise, walking bores the crap out of me ...

How can walking be boring when you've got two boxers to keep in hand? I would have thought 'exhausting' was more apt.

Richard

[Grunt]

We used to walk them all the time but sadly, one of them is suffering from arthritis and as much as she would like to walk all day the next day she wouldn't stand up. They get 20 minutes or so a day.

[echnidna]

Good to hear your backs ok Oz

[Wood Butcher]

I had the unfortunate experience of tearing two of my lower back muscles early in january. The physio said that even though the exercises I should be doing will help to strengthen my muscles there is no guarantee that it won't happen again. Could anyone give some more details on what an osteopath does. I still have mild to chronic back pain and would be interested in other options. Also Kiwigeo, what pilates system do you use? There are so many different types I wouldn't know where to start.

Thanks
Rowan

[Wongo]

First Al, brother congrats for finding the “Answer”.

I am only 35 but I have had back problem in the past 20 years. Tall, thin and too much basketball are the key ingredients to my back problem. I have tried many things to try to fix the problem. Physio, Chiropractic, Chinese acupuncture, expensive mattress, special pillow, chair, electronic massage device, CAT scans, X-ray ...... You name it.

Well I still haven’t found the answer yet. The only difference now is I am so much used to the pain. So it isn’t so bad like the first few years.

I really hope that your answer will be the answer for me too.

Cheers :(

[Grunt]

I swiped this from the internet somewhere. Sums it up.

The philosophy of Osteopathy is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. It places emphasis on the relationships between the body’s structure, framework and function, teaching the appreciation of the body’s ability to heal itself.


Osteopaths work with their hands to perform such treatment using a variety of techniques:



<LI class=MsoNormal>Massage and stretching techniques. <LI class=MsoNormal>Articulation techniques – passive joint mobilisation. <LI class=MsoNormal>Muscle energy techniques – releasing contracted muscles by working against resistance. <LI class=MsoNormal>Counterstrain techniques – counter stretching restricted joints and muscles whilst in position of comfort in order to achieve release. <LI class=MsoNormal>Functional techniques – gentle joint mobilisation. <LI class=MsoNormal>Manipulation
Visceral techniques – management of conditions affecting internal organs involving gentle and rhythmical stretching of the visceral areas.


The most common complaints for which patients consult Osteopaths include back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, pains in peripheral joints such as shoulders, knees and ankles, tendinitis and muscle strains, work-related and repetitive strain injuries, and sports-related injuries. Other conditions for which Osteopathy can play a significant role in reducing the severity of symptoms include asthma, gynaecological dysfunction, arthritic conditions and chronic fatigue.

When visiting an osteopath for the first time, a full case history will be taken as well as an examination. This generally requires the removing of some clothing and the performance of a simple series of movements. The Osteopath will use a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. Osteopathic treatments are tailored to the requirements of the individual patient, and techniques are selected which are appropriate to the patient’s needs. For some acute pain, one to two treatments may be all that is necessary. Chronic conditions may need ongoing maintenance averaging six to eight sessions.

[Wood Butcher]

Thanks Grunt:D

[RufflyRustic]

I've found a good back massage to work wonders, as well as regular Pilates sessions.

cheers
RR

[Gra]

I know the feeling, I am only 35, but having had a really bad suden attack of siatica, so bad I couldnt walk. in three days I ended up in casualty (its amazing how quickly a person writhing in pain on the floor with a todler running around and a pregnant wife gets treated). It got so bad I had to use a stick to walk to the toilet at home and any futher I had to use one of those disabled scooters. Having a wife who works with joint replacements, she got me in to see a neurosurgeon(its not what you know sometimes). He looked me over and I was in hospital within weeks, one MRI later it was decided that a steriodal epidural (Basically a steriod injection in the spine) with pain releavers. a week and a half later I still cant drive due to the pain releif drug I am on, but I can walk without using a stick, I went shopping on thursday with only the stick as a back up. the doc is telling me I sould be back to normal in a couple of weeks.

My only suggestion is try everything and see what works for you. My father had a stroke two years ago, her is also suffering motorsyclist knees, and so cant walk very well. he has found water aerobics is helping him.

[Daddles]

I've found a good back massage to work wonders, as well as regular Pilates sessions.

cheers
RR

Trouble is RR, you aren't likely to come down from Qld to give me one :( And I'm not letting Christopha do it :eek:

Richard

[ozwinner]

Dr Als observations.

Chiro.
No loosening up of the muscles or joint prior to adjustment.
Often violent adjustment involved, on an already sore part of the back.
In and out of the practice within 10 to 15 minutes.
Multiple visits to fix the same problem.

Osteo.
Nice warm relaxing oily massage prior to adjustment.
Gentle manipulation of body to stretch muscles.
Adjustment smooth and controlled.
Full 30 minute session.
Problem lessened or eased concideralby in one visit.

I have used both as you know, but I am now a fan of Osteo after only one visit.

Chiro has been good for me in the past.

Al :)

[Clinton1]

Al - where did you go?

[echnidna]

Trouble is RR, you aren't likely to come down from Qld to give me one :( And I'm not letting Christopha do it :eek:

Richard

If yer change yer mind and let Christopha do it dont forget to do it live on webcam to entertain all of us :D :D

[Grunt]

Al - where did you go?

In the toilet, we hope.

[kiwigeo]

I had the unfortunate experience of tearing two of my lower back muscles early in january. The physio said that even though the exercises I should be doing will help to strengthen my muscles there is no guarantee that it won't happen again. Could anyone give some more details on what an osteopath does. I still have mild to chronic back pain and would be interested in other options. Also Kiwigeo, what pilates system do you use? There are so many different types I wouldn't know where to start.

Thanks
Rowan

Rowan, I go to a Pilates Pro-Active outfit in Stirling, Adelaide. There are lots of styles of Pilates some good some dodgey. Just be sure that the instructors are properly trained and ideally trained physiotherapists as well. Ask your phyiso for advice on this one. As pointed out already dont try and teach yourself Pilates from a video or book as you might end up making the problem worse.

When I get home from current job I'll enquire with my instructor and try and obtain some contacts in your area.......if you send me a PM as a reminder then I wont forget.

Cheers

Martin

[Schtoo]

Dr Als observations.

Chiro.
No loosening up of the muscles or joint prior to adjustment.
Often violent adjustment involved, on an already sore part of the back.
In and out of the practice within 10 to 15 minutes.
Multiple visits to fix the same problem.

Osteo.
Nice warm relaxing oily massage prior to adjustment.
Gentle manipulation of body to stretch muscles.
Adjustment smooth and controlled.
Full 30 minute session.
Problem lessened or eased concideralby in one visit.

I have used both as you know, but I am now a fan of Osteo after only one visit.

Chiro has been good for me in the past.

Al :)

If that's the case, your Chiro needs to be hung, drawn and quartered.

The one I went to didn't touch me until I got xrays done, went back to him and he told me what was going to happen, how he was going to do it, what to do and not to do after, etc, etc.

Then a 10 minute massage to get every loosened up, onto the table and a gentle twisting and tweaking. Nothing violent, nothing aggressive, just a few clicks and pops and another quick rub down to make sure all was well.

Twice a week for a month, once a week for another month, that's it. Both neck and lower back were zigging when they shoulda been zagging.

Also learned that when yer back is out of kilter, nothing really works properly.

No problems since after 3 years.

My grandpa has had back trouble since he was 14, and he's now 85. Same guy fixed his back better than he has ever been before in his life.

I can get his number if anyone wants it. He's not cheap exactly but he is darn good. He is in Doncaster (Melb) last time I heard.

:D

[ozwinner]

Al - where did you go?

Hi
A place in Whittlesea, if you want more info send me a PM.

Al :)

[echnidna]

aha! another victim for the Craporium!!!!!!!

[ozwinner]

Tsc, tsc. :(

We dont have victims at the shop we have satisfied customers. :)

Al :D

[echnidna]

Tsc, tsc. :(

We dont have victims at the shop we have satisfied customers. :)

Al :D

Same thing :D :D

[Driver]

On the very day that Al started this thread, I did some mild damage to my back while cleaning the car. No big deal - just a recurrence of an old problem. Took some anti-inflammatory tablets and rubbed on a bit of liniment. Limped around the joint for a couple of days - milking it big time for sympathy - and well on the road to recovery. :rolleyes:

Five days later most of the symptoms had receded. Then I made the mistake of lifting up a pack of old ceramic tiles to get at a can of paint in the shed. Fierce twinge in the back. :eek: I didn't want to drop the tiles and break them so I held on while I found somewhere safe to put them down. Big mistake! :(

I've been in bloody torment ever since. I've been unable to either sit or lie down for any length of time. I've spent most of my waking moments leaning against the breakfast bar. I've only been able to sleep for about three hours at a time. Today is the second day I've been able to sit here and use the computer for more than a few minutes at a stretch (hence my absence from the BB).

I've been getting treatment from a physio every second day and the problem has just started to slowly diminish.

What a bugger of a problem! No woodwork and no Bulletin Board for more than two weeks!

You take good health for granted don't you? Then something like this happens and it brings into focus just how fortunate you are to be reasonably healthy. I mean this is really just a minor affliction causing some discomfort and inconvenience for a few days. I don't know how the hell people with real chronic illness can handle it.

Hopefully back to making sawdust in a few days time!

Col

[bitingmidge]

I did some mild damage to my back while cleaning the car.
Col,

I'm terribly sorry to hear about the injury, hope you recover fully and quickly, and of course I hope that the missus gets better soon too. (Why else would YOU be washing the car?)

cheers,

P
:D :D :D

[Sturdee]

I did some mild damage to my back while cleaning the car.


I knew there was a reason why I don't wash my car, apart from the water shortage of course. :D :D :D

Glad to hear you are getting better Col.


Peter.

[Driver]

Thanks for the good wishes fellas and by the way, Midge, it was my wife's car! :o

[ozwinner]

Took me 4 weeks off work to make any sort of recovery, I'd say Im 90% at the moment, but the freakin bills dont stop when I do. :eek:

I still get the odd twinge and will book into the Ostio for the end of the week for a refresher course.

Hoop yeeu ure fooling weel soin.:D

Al :D

[Grunt]

On the very day that Al started this thread

Typical. Another thing that is Al's fault.

[Deems36]

Al,

In 97, I was advised by a chiro that I should consider a career change given the condition and injury to my back. At the time I was a landscaper by trade.

I had 3 jarred vertabre on the spine and suffered chronic neck and hip pain in the follwoing years.

During this time I had been diagnosed with everything imaginable by the "traditional therapy" types. Even Cat Scans for unrepairable Nerve Damge! according to some.

For several years I placed my health in the hands of traditionalists, blowing $ bills on my livelyhood.
What A waste OF TIME AND MONEY!

I mean being charged $70 for the placement of suction cups on my back is an absoloute joke considering your local GP would do this during of a general visit covered by medicare.

How much can a man Stetch! ?


In 2000 a new aquantance put me onto an Osteopath in Randwick (Sydney), mate I can tell you that the last 5 years have been bliss.

In one visit he identified that my right leg was slightly shorter than the left and my body had been compensating ever since.

Off to the podiatrist I went...

I now wear authotics (spelling) and have experienced nothing of the pain I endured in the the late 90's .

I frequently visited my Osteo over the last 5 years as the body put on weight quickly after the subjects wedding :) Afterall the auhtotics were not to solve an additional 15kg and now 30kg weight gain :(

My story comes to a sad end Im afraid. Im March of this year my Osteo moved to Noosa, I haven't had the trust to see anyone else, but when that times comes I assure you it will be an Osteopath once more !

[ozwinner]

In one visit he identified that my right leg was slightly shorter than the left and my body had been compensating ever since.



Cant resist!!!!

Maybe the other leg was longer??

Hmmmmmmhhh :confused: :rolleyes:

Al :D

[AlexS]

[font=Verdana][size=2]

In one visit he identified that my right leg was slightly shorter than the left and my body had been compensating ever since.



I think he was pulling your leg. :D

[Deems36]

Good Lord :p

[Grunt]

Better your leg than other parts of your anatomy