Therapy to help back pain
Lower back pain
sometimes known as Lumbago or Sciatica is a common disorder affecting
some 60% of the adult population, seeking to get rid of back pain. So
great is the problem, that in the UK alone, some 150 million man days
are lost each year in industry, as a result of absenteeism attributed to
lower back pain. Generally, the symptoms of low back pain are due to
benign musculoskeletal problems often arising from strains in the lower
back muscles or soft tissue, and these ease considerably within a few
weeks using common sense measures to address.
To help back pain,
establishing of the fundamental origin of the back pain with a GP is
usually made through a combination of a medical history, physical
examination, and, when necessary, diagnostic investigation, such as
x-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Usually, low back or lumbar pain can be treated
conventionally, with one recommendation being physical therapy which may
help alleviate the symptoms, and give back pain relief. A summary of
some of the more common therapies used to provide back pain relief are
listed below:-
Acupuncture
Acupuncture
treatment originated in China over two thousand years ago. It is reputed
that the first observations were of soldiers, wounded in battle by
arrows, and how the arrow 'punctures' caused therapeutic effects in
different parts of the victims body well away from the wound area. The
general theory behind traditional acupuncture is based on patterns or
meridians of energy flow through the body that are essential for health.
This is referred to as Qi or Chi and sometimes Xue (blood). Disruptions
of this flow are thought to be the primary causes of pain and disease.
Acupuncture attempts to correct imbalances of flow, thus helping to
restore the patient's health.
How acupuncture works
Broadly,
acupuncture involves stimulation of points along these energy flows
through a range of techniques. Stimulation is typically performed using
very fine needles that create gentle sensations. Each of these needles
are inserted into specific points along these 'energy pathways' or
"meridians".
Can acupuncture help my back Pain
Acupuncture
is considered useful in treating such conditions as lower back pain,
sciatica, stiffness, and strains. In traditional acupuncture theory,
pain arises due to blocked energy along 'energy pathways' or "meridians"
of the body, which are 'cleared' when acupuncture needles are inserted.
In modern medicine, scientific reasons have been put forward for the
apparent benefits that acupuncture provides for the sufferers of lower
back pain. One observation is that acupuncture stimulation causes the
releases neurochemicals and hormones, regarded as producing signals that
soothe the sympathetic nervous system and release natural opioids which
provide back pain relief.
Alexander technique
The
Alexander Technique is a method that works to change (movement) habits
in our everyday activities. It is a simple and practical method for
improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and
coordination. The technique teaches the use of the appropriate amount of
effort for a particular activity, giving you more energy for all your
activities. It is not a series of treatments or exercises, but rather a
re-education of the mind and body. The Alexander Technique is a method
which helps a person discover a new balance in the body by releasing
unnecessary tension. It can be applied to sitting, lying down, standing,
walking, lifting, and other daily activities
How Alexander Technique works
The
Alexander Technique shows its students how to learn to do whatever they
currently do as easily and efficiently as possible. It is concerned
almost exclusively with process - how an activity is performed not what
it is. Although there are no exercises, Alexander technique shows how to
exercise more efficiently, with reduced risk of injury. Many, seeking
back pain relief are drawn to the technique because of its reputation to
help back pain or lumbago, stiff necks and shoulders, and other
conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Alexander teachers are not
doctors and do not diagnose diseases.
Can Alexander Technique help my back pain
By
becoming more aware of how the body works and learning how to "undo"
bad body practices, those suffering with long term or chronic back pain
are able to soothe and ease their symptoms. Pupils of Alexander
technique can learn how to pupils how to liberate needless muscle
tension and, freer means of movement which impose less strain and
therefore back pain relief.
Bowen Therapy
The
Bowen technique is a soft tissue remedial therapy, named after its
innovator Tom Bowen. This therapy is not considered massage, but as a
non-invasive muscle release and integration technique, but similar to
massage, it releases muscular tension. Its clients describe experiences
of significant relaxation after a session.
How does Bowen Therapy work
The
technique involves the therapist using fingers or thumbs to move over
muscle, ligament tendon and fascia in various parts of the body. The
work is very subtle, relaxing and gentle involving no hard or prolonged
pressure. During a session the client will lie on a therapy table or
bed, although the work can be effectively carried out with the client in
a chair.
Can Bowen Therapy help my back pain
The
most common presentation is for back pain relief and here Bowen excels.
The average number of treatments would be two or three for most
therapists. There are always going to be exceptions to any rule, and
certain people will need further or even on-going treatments. Sports
injury is a field of remedial therapy that is becoming very aware of The
Bowen Technique. The Bowen Technique is being used at high levels of
sport in this country, with rugby clubs and premiership football clubs
showing interest. Bowen therapists advocate that this can reduce or
eliminate or help back pain and promote general health
Source: European College of Bowen
Chiropractic
Chiropractic
is a technique which focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous
systems. The principal of Chiropractic is that the key to health is the
nervous system with the spine at its centre. If the spine is aligned
correctly, then optimal movement can occur and the patient can achieve
improved health.
A chiropractor will generally address
"subluxations"- misalignments to the spinal bones responsible for
reduced movement or or loss of normal posture, causing impairment to the
nervous system or nerve irritation.
How does Chiropractic work
In
seeking to help back pain, a chiropractor would usually examine the
patient's spine and review any patient history to determine any previous
injuries, accidents, or tensions that may be impairing normal function.
Sometimes the Chiropractor will order an X-ray to help determine this. A
common form of Chiropractic treatment is a spinal manipulation or
adjustment. This is generally carried out by hand manipulating the
spinal joints affected in an attempt to increase or unlock the joints
mobility.
Additional tools are sometimes used to promote healing
including rehabilitative exercise, nutritional and lifestyle improvement
programmes. The amount of, and frequency of the treatment required
would vary according to the nature and severity of the condition.
Can Chiropractic help my back pain
A
chiropractor will attempt to focus on the fundamental mechanical and
neurological trouble in the spine to decrease the back pain and other
symptoms caused by reduced spinal function. He will concentrate on
natural health care working to encourage the body to self repair back
towards improved health. Chiropractic care as a therapy for back pain in
general is safe when employed skillfully and appropriately.
Manipulation is regarded as relatively safe, but as with all therapeutic
interventions, complications can arise, and it has known adverse
effects
Feldenkrais
The Feldenkrais Method is
a somatic educational system designed by Moshé Feldenkrais (1904-1984),
based on physics, neurology, and bio mechanics. The Feldenkrais method
is designed to improve movement repertoire, aiming to expand and refine
the use of the self through awareness, in order to reduce pain or
limitations in movement, and promote posture, and general well-being.
The Feldenkrais Method is often regarded as falling within the field of
complementary medicine, and is a means of re educating the neuromuscular
system, redefining movement to increase efficiency and reduce stress
How does Feldenkrais work
Feldenkrais
Method is taught in two complimentary formats - "Awareness Through
Movement' taught through classes and Functional Integration taught on a
one to one basis.
In teaching 'Awareness Through Movement'
classes, the teacher will lead the class through a sequence of movements
involving standing, sitting in a chair or sitting or lying on the
floor. One of the key aims is to instruct pupils how to decrease
unwarranted muscular exertion and develop understanding of their whole
self during movement.
In a Functional Integration lesson, a
trained practitioner uses his or her hands to guide the movement of a
single pupil, who may be sitting, lying or standing. The practitioner
uses this "hands-on" technique to help the student experience the
connections among various parts of the body (with or without movement).
Through precision of touch and movement, the pupil learns how to
eliminate excess effort and thus move more freely and easily. Lessons
may be specific in addressing particular issues brought by the pupil, or
can be more global in scope. Although the technique does not
specifically aim to eliminate pain or "cure" physical complaints, such
issues may inform the lesson. Issues such as chronic muscle pain may
resolve themselves as the pupil may learn a more relaxed approach to his
or her physical experience-a more integrated, free, and easy way to
move Students are taught to become aware of their movements and of how
they use themselves, thus discovering expanded movement options.
Can Feldenkrais help my back pain
The
theory behind Feldenkrais is that inefficient movement behaviour may
lead to avoidable tension and movement constraint leading to back pain.
The Feldenkrais technique provides for expanded movement alternatives
and enhanced posture which can provide backache relief or back pain
relief, whilst developing greater efficiency and freedom of movement
Massage therapy
Massage
is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective
tissue to improve the function and encourage relaxation, well-being, and
improve posture dysfunction. It involves acting on and manipulating the
body with pressure - structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving
tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids.
Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments skin, joints, or
other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, Massage can be
carried out using the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, and feet.
There are over eighty different recognized massage techniques with many
used to help back pain.
Massage manipulates the soft tissues of
the body by rubbing, kneading, stretching and other methods for
therapeutic effect. As a result, muscle and tissue is made more pliable,
energising lymph circulation and promoting blood flow. Therapists will
employ a range of techniques and methods during treatment sessions.
How does Massage therapy work
Massage
manipulates the soft tissues of the body by rubbing, kneading,
stretching and other methods for therapeutic effect. As a result, muscle
and tissue is made more pliable, energising lymph circulation and
promoting blood flow. Experienced therapists will employ a range of
techniques and methods during treatment sessions to help back pain.
There are many types of massage therapy for back pain in addition to
acupressure or Bowen (see above) such as:-
Deep Tissue Massage
Used
to relieve severe tension in muscle or fascia, often used where the
patient suffers consistent lower back pain caused by specific
muscular-skeletal conditions. It concentrates on the underlying muscles
rather than those at the surface in order to help back pain.
Swedish massage
(or
Classic massage in Sweden!) can be used to help back pain, by improving
circulation and easing joint stiffness. Swedish massage uses five
styles of strokes to massage: Sliding, kneading, tapping, friction, and
vibration
Hilot
Hilot is a traditional healing
and massage technique originating in the Philippines that can be
employed to relax stressed muscle and joint manipulation to treat
muscular-skeletal conditions as a lower back pain therapy.
Trigger point therapy
Can
be used to help back pain and poor posture, by helping to release
muscles in spasm, employing techniques to release 'knotted' muscles, and
freeing up circulation in the affected area.
Traditional Chinese massage
There
are two types which can provide back pain relief and - Tui na (the
Chinese equivalent of physiotherapy) which concentrates on pushing,
stretching and kneading the muscle, and Zhi Ya which utilises techniques
of pinching and pressing at acupressure points. These originate from
Traditional Chinese Medicine. Although Tui Na is described as massage in
the West, in TCM it is not. In TCM massage is called Anmo, which forms
the basis of Japan's Anma.
Can massage therapy help my back pain
Carried
out effectively by experienced practitioners, knowledgeable of the
human body and conversant with muscle imbalance massage therapy can be a
useful therapy for back pain. Massage can also assist in relieving
lumbar pain by reducing tension in turn alleviating poor back posture
caused by muscle imbalance. Relief of mental tension and stress by using
massage is also useful a useful therapy for back pain helping those
within sedentary occupations involving hours of sitting in front of
VDU's. Although massage is undoubtedly useful for back pain relief it
may not address the underlying condition so GP advice should be sought.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy
is a non invasive holistic drug free manual therapy that centres on
total body health by treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal
framework, which includes the joints, muscles and spine. Its aim is to
positively affect the body's nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems,
enabling an environment of self healing. Osteopaths do not simply
concentrate on treating the problem area, but use manual techniques to
balance all the systems of the body, to provide overall good health and
wellbeing. The practice of Osteopathy was established in the late 1800s
in the United States of America, by. Dr. Andrew Taylor Still with the
aim of using manual 'hands on' drug free techniques to improve
circulation and correct altered biomechanics.
How does Osteopathy work
Osteopathy
employs manual therapies for the treatment of many neuromusculoskeletal
pain syndromes, such as lower back pain and tension headache, alongside
exercise and other rehabilitative techniques. An osteopath will utilise
a range of gentle hands-on techniques such as soft tissue stretching,
deep tactile pressure, and joint mobilisation or manipulation.
The
key principles of osteopathy are based on all parts of the body
functioning together in an integrated manner. If one part of the body is
restricted, then the rest of the body must adapt and offset this, which
can lead to inflammation, pain, stiffness and other health conditions.
When the body is free of restrictions in movement, Osteopathic treatment
helps to reduce pain stress and enhance mobility, creating an
environment of self healing for the patient's body.
In some cases,
Osteopaths can complement the GP's advice on back pain by for example,
by easing the pain caused by joint and muscle stiffness, by improving
joint mobility and the flow of blood to the joints, to supplement maybe a
pain killer prescription issued by the GP
Can osteopathy help my Back Pain
Osteopathy
is recognised by the British Medical Association as 'a discrete
clinical discipline' which can compliment mainstream medicine, and
trials demonstrate its effectiveness in treating back pain, with GP's
often referring patients to osteopaths for private treatment.
Osteopathic technique is believed to be effective in providing back pain
relief by:-
Reducing of herniated or bulging discs and correcting any internal displacement of disc fragments
Inhibiting nerve impulses
Releasing adhesions around prolapsed discs
Calming tenses muscles aggravated by sudden stretching
Providing respite for muscle spasm
Providing advice on exercises for the lower back, posture, safe lifting, workplace or workstation ergonomics, stress, and diet
Physiotherapy
"Physiotherapy
helps restore movement and function to as near as possible when someone
is affected by injury, illness or by developmental or other disability.
It uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical,
psychological and social wellbeing, taking account of variations in
health status. Physiotherapy is science based, committed to extending,
applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins and
informs its practice and delivery. The exercise of clinical judgement
and informed interpretation is at its core" Ref: The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Lower
back pain can be treated by Orthopaedic physical therapists who
diagnose, manage, and treat disorders and injuries of the
musculoskeletal system including rehabilitation after surgery.
Orthopaedic therapists are trained in the treatment of back pain and
spinal conditions, joint and spine mobilisation or manipulation and
therapeutic exercise, in order to enable backache relief.
How does Physiotherapy work
Physical
movement is seen as a key important therapy in treating lower back
pain. Physiotherapy can be described as a drug-free technique or therapy
employing a range of procedures, such as joint manipulation and
mobilisation, physical stretches and exercise routines, massage therapy,
ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, and breathing exercises. Although a
GP may refer a lower back pain sufferer to a physiotherapist, a patient
can go directly to the latter, although in some instances, the physio
may require a formal GP referral.
Can Physiotherapy help my back pain
Physiotherapy
can identify several factors as potentially leading to incidences of
lower back pain, including trauma or injury, arthritis, poor posture,
muscular strains and weaknesses, ligament strains, sciatic conditions,
and disc trouble.. Dependent upon the root cause of lumbar pain, a
physio can treat these issues with a number of procedures. These could
include posture and ergonomics guidance, advice and remedial movement
courses, where, manipulation, stabilisation training, stretching and
exercise routines to give backache relief.
Pilates
Pilates
is a holistic exercise technique, intended to stretch, strengthen and
condition the body to balance, engaging both mind and body, through an
anatomical comprehension of the body's muscular-skeletal systems.
Through a comprehensive exercise or programme, the patient or student
can concentrate on focus area whilst carrying out for the client.
Classes will focus on specific areas individually whilst carrying out
routine that incorporates into an environment where optimum muscular-
skeletal function and mobility can be restored
How does Pilates work
Pilates
is carried out through slow controlled exercise, usually on an exercise
mat, or sometimes on specific apparatus, either in classes or one to
one. It's a system of exercises that take the body and mind and body
through sequence of proscribed movements. These controlled movements
integrate the concept of Dynamic Tension (self-resistance) which is the
act of exercising muscle against muscle Pilates is taught one on one or
in a class.
Can Pilates help my Back Pain
Pilates
theory is that imbalance in strength and flexibility of the body may
cause back pain. Pilates attempts to build strength and flexibility to
help restore mobility and avert further back injury. Pilates claims to
improve posture, muscle tone, mobility, and flexibility in the spine,
alleviate backache and pains, and reduce stress. It is considered
therapy for back pain for some medical conditions affecting the back but
those suffering from Osteogenesis imperfecta, Osteoporosis, Paget's
Disease, Osteomalacia should seek medical consultation. Whilst there
have been recent concerns expressed over the effectiveness and safety of
Pilates especially relating to strengthening the core muscles, it's
accepted that it can be useful for some people in some instances for
back pain relief.
Rolfing
'Rolfing Structural
Integration' is the trademarked name for the system of hands-on
connective tissue manipulation and movement education aimed at releasing
stress patterns, and helping the client move and function with greater
freedom, and effortlessly maintain a more upright posture. Rolfing seeks
to realign and balance the body so that the head, shoulders, chest,
pelvis, and legs work in improved vertical configuration
How does Rolfing work
The
concept of Rolfing is that injuries, poor movement function and muscle
taughtness through stress cause the myofascia (connective tissue) to
stiffen, inhibiting free and relaxed movement. By applying deep pressure
and other massage techniques to ease tightened myofascia, therby
allowing greater flexibility and balance between muscles, tendons and
bones. Practitioners of Rolfing teach awareness of those habits
restricting movement and how to transform these patterns
Can Rolfing help my Back Pain
By
reducing tension, softening the myofacsia, and restoring natural
balance and body use, Rolfing practitioners believe the release from the
above techniques can relieve back pain caused by muscle tension and
help the back to realign itself, promoting improved back health and
giving backache relief. Rolfing practitioners address lower back pain,
including disk herniation usually by focussing on relaxing, releasing,
and manipulating the muscle tissue, and forming space between the
intervertebral disks.
Shiatsu
The name
Shiatsu is derived from Japanese from shi, meaning finger, and atsu,
meaning pressure) is a traditional hands-on therapy originating in
Japan. There are two main Shiatsu schools; one based on western
anatomical and physiological theory where it soothes an overactive
sympathetic nervous system, improving circulation, relieving muscle
tension and reducing stress, and the other based on a holistic system of
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Shiatsu is regulated as a licensed
medical therapy by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan),
and elsewhere by various governing bodies set up by Shiatsu
practitioners. Shiatsu is an evolving form, and its various styles
incorporate (to differing degrees) aspects of Japanese massage
traditions, Chinese Medicine practice, and "Western" anatomy and
physiology.
How does Shiatsu work
Shiatsu is
an uses pressure applied with thumbs, fingers and palms to the same
energy flows or meridians as acupuncture and incorporates stretching. It
also uses techniques such as rolling, brushing, vibrating, grasping and
in one particular technique developed by Suzuki Yamamoto, pressure is
applied with the feet on the persons back, legs and feet (special set up
is required for the "foot" shiatsu). The principle theory is similar to
that of acupuncture whereby illness is brought about as a result of
blockages or imbalance in the meridians or energy lines. The Shiatsu
practitioner seeks to clear or remove these blockages by applying
finger, thumb, palm, or even foot pressure to the affected areas using a
variety of massage techniques
Can Shiatsu help my Back Pain
Lower
Back pain results for a number of reasons: Poor ergonomic posture,
Physical injury, occupational (such as lifting), recreational (eg golf
or gardening) related to poor muscle tone, or in Traditional Oriental
Medicine (TOM), blockages or imbalances in energy flows through the
patients meridians.. It is likely that back pain relief for back pain
for back ache or sciatic conditions can be provided by a shiatsu
practitioner. Shiatsu is complementary to mainstream Western medicine,
not an alternative to it. Though therapy back pain will be administered
according to Oriental practice it is important that a modern Western
diagnosis is obtained as well, and the practitioner will attempt to
establish the origin of the condition. \through the techniques outlined
above the practitioner will strive to create an environment of 'self
healing' whereby the patients body will revert or return over time to a
more healthy condition. By understanding how the condition arose the
practitioner will advise on changes in posture, exercise, or physical
habits which may help prevent reoccurrence of the back pain,
Yoga
Yoga
dates back to over 5,000 years, and originated in India as a form of a
spiritual practice. In the West, Yoga as an alternative medicine has
evolved from its founding philosophy into a form known as Yoga Therapy,
often considered useful as a therapy for back pain. In the UK this has
taken the form of a National Occupational Standard, (NOS) for the
delivery of Yoga Therapy to clients with impaired health, such as back
problems or compromised well being. Yoga is usually taught in classes or
groups, sometimes as a lower back pain therapy
Yoga is believed to
calm the nervous system, create harmony, and balance the body, mind, and
spirit. It is thought by its practitioners to prevent specific diseases
and maladies by keeping the energy meridians open and life energy
(Prana) flowing. Over time many different branches of yoga have involved
from the original meditative states to the emphasis on physical pose or
position, breathing, bodily alignment, or flow of movement.
How does Yoga work
Yoga
engages movement, stretching, posture and breathing to achieve overall
wellbeing of body and mind. The different types of yoga often focus on
specific facets such as Fitness, flexibility, meditation,
rehabilitation, relaxation, and strength.Yoga engages movement,
stretching, posture and breathing to achieve overall wellbeing.
Restorative
yoga is often associated with healing disease, and is practiced in a
very relaxed state by using supports instead of muscular tension to
maintain the pose alignments. These poses help relieve the effects of
chronic stress in several ways. First, the use of props provide a
completely supportive environment for total relaxation. Second, each
restorative sequence is designed to move the spine in all directions.
Third, a well-sequenced restorative practice also includes an inverted
pose, which reverses the effects of gravity. Because we stand or sit
most of the day, blood and lymph fluid accumulate in the lower
extremities. By changing the relationship of the legs to gravity, fluids
are returned to the upper body and heart function is enhanced. Fourth,
restorative yoga alternately stimulates and soothes the organs. With
this movement of blood comes the enhanced exchange of oxygen and waste
products across the cell membrane. Finally, yoga teaches that the body
is permeated with energy. Prana, the masculine energy, residing above
the diaphragm, moves upward, and controls respiration and heart rate.
Apana, the feminine energy, resides below the diaphragm, moves downward,
and controls the function of the abdominal organs. Restorative yoga
balances these aspects of energy within the practitioner. Most yoga
classes usually comprise a combination of physical exercises, breathing
exercises, and meditation. These characteristics make yoga a
particularly beneficial kind of exercise for certain health conditions,
including back problems
Can Yoga help my Back Pain
Yoga
can help back pain through the teaching balance, flexibility,
strengthening muscles and promoting body awareness. By progressively
structuring the complexity of movement, yoga teachers advocate that its
practice can educate the back in distributing its mass more efficiently
and improve back posture and balance naturally. For practitioners of
yoga, an amalgamation of yoga positions reduces weakness, improves the
alignment of the spine and reduces muscle tension, creating an
environment of self healing for the back. Many yoga positions can be
adapted to address particular back conditions as part of a therapy for
back pain or to afford greater stretches.
