Non specific back pain

Back pain is extremely common; at any one time, 25% of the population suffer from back pain. It can be extremely severe and debilitating either as acute episodes or as long-lasting chronic pain.

There are many different reasons for back pain, but by far the most common is that caused by disruption of spinal mechanics. Known as non specific back pain, it may occur following a trauma such as a fall or car crash, or even over-exertion while playing sport, DIY or gardening. Direct injury can occur as a result of damage to sensitive structures of the spine.

However, there is very often no apparent reason why back pain should start. This is because the spine is very good at adapting to small injuries and increasing stresses and strains. These tend to accumulate over a period of time and can lead eventually to a disruption in the normal workings of the spinal mechanics. Areas of the spine then become overloaded and as they reach the limit of their ability to cope, tissues become fatigued and pain can follow soon afterwards as pain sensitive structures in the spine become irritated and inflamed.

Our Osteopaths at the Sussex Back Pain Clinic are trained to assess the mechanics of the spine properly and identify any regions of trauma or undue stress and strain. By using gentle corrective manipulative techniques, as well as giving lifestyle, posture and exercise advice, we can restore your spine to its correct function to ease movement and not only remove your pain and allow a full recovery, but enable you to protect your spine from any future damage.

There is good research evidence to support the efficiency of Osteopathic treatment for both acute and chronic low back pain*. Indeed the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), which sets the national clinical guidelines for care and management of adults with low back pain, has recommended osteopathic treatment as a treatment option for non specific back pain.

*Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2010, 18:3 doi:10.1186/1746-1340-18-3 Article URL http://www.chiroandosteo.com/content/18/1/3