Osteopathy for chronic pain

23 Nov Osteopathy for chronic pain

Pain occurs for various reasons and can either be short term, referred to as acute pain, or it could persist for a longer period, termed “chronic pain”, which is likely to be caused by functional changes in the nervous system.

Chronic pain can be caused by previous trauma and injuries, emotional stress, mental illness and/or unhealthy lifestyle choices. This type of pain can continue even after the injury or illness that caused it has completely healed, as the pain signals remain active in the nervous system for several weeks, months or even years. The pain may be sharp or dull, causing a burning or aching sensation in the affected area(s). According to NICE guidelines, chronic pain is identified pain that lasts for three months or longer or beyond the time of normal healing. Pain may be steady or intermittent, coming and going without any apparent reason.

Chronic pain can be debilitating as it affects you both physically and mentally. It may not only prevent you from continuing with you daily activities, but being in constant pain may also dampen your mood and cause feelings of depression, fear, anxiety and/or anger. Chronic pain can occur in nearly any part of your body and can feel very different in each area.

Other than the pain itself, the following symptoms can be linked to chronic pain:

• limited mobility and range of motion in the affected area
• reduced flexibility,
• loss of strength and endurance,
• tense muscles,
• lack of energy,
• a change in appetite, and
• is likely to cause emotional stress.

People suffering from any of the following conditions are likely to experience chronic pain:

• Headaches
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Fibromyalgia
• Nerve damage
• Postsurgical pain
• Post-trauma pain
• Lower back pain

Unfortunately, there is no cure for chronic pain. It is therefore important to stick to a pain management plan to ease your symptoms and relieve discomfort.

Osteopathy is a great option to help manage chronic pain. Osteopaths are trained to explore and understand the root cause of chronic pain. During a consultation, an osteopath will conduct a physical exam and take down a detailed case history to establish the cause of your pain and gain a better understanding of your overall health. To improve your overall wellbeing and restore your body to its natural health state, the osteopath will then create a treatment and management plan that is specifically suited to your symptoms, lifestyle and underlying health conditions.

Osteopaths make use of manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue release, stretching, joint articulation and manipulation. They understand that everyone’s pain experience is different, and will focus on how your bones, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a whole unit. Along with their hands-on treatment, the osteopath may prescribe at-home exercise or stretching programmes to encourage progression outside of your treatment session.

At OsteoVision, our practitioners are highly skilled in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your symptoms, book an appointment, or require more information about the management of chronic pain.

Call:   03303 904 300

Email: info@osteovision.life

You can also book an appointment online at www.osteovision.life