Frequently asked questions
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a system of medicine that puts the main emphasis on the mechanics of the human body. Osteopaths are skilled in assessing the mechanics of the whole body. They use a variety of manipulative techniques, most extremely gentle, to restore a state of balance and ease to the function and movement of joints, in particular the spine. This relieves the stresses that can occur through the structure and allows the body to heal normally.
Is osteopathic treatment effective?
Yes, research shows that there is good evidence for the efficiency of osteopathic treatment for back and neck pain, headaches including migraine, shoulder, elbow and knee pain, hip and knee arthritic pain*. Due to the unique approach of osteopathic medicine we can accurately assess the function of your body and identify the real cause of your condition. We then can implement specific physical techniques to correct any problems that have been found. This, along with advice on lifestyle, posture and exercise, is why we expect a favourable result in the vast majority of our patients. Indeed the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), which sets the national clinical guidelines for care and management of adults, has recommended osteopathic treatment as a primary treatment option for non specific back pain.
What is cranial osteopathy?
Cranial osteopathy uses extremely gentle techniques which focus on relieving stress and tension throughout the body. Because it’s so gentle, it can be practised on people in a wide range of conditions and is suitable for all ages, particularly babies, children and pregnant women.
What happens at my first visit?
You will be asked to fill out a form about your existing medical conditions and your osteopath will then talk to you about your condition and work and leisure activities to complete a full case history. S/he will carry out a full examination of your spine and muscles and make a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis. Your condition will be explained in full and a personal treatment plan discussed. Treatment will normally start on your first visit together with tailored advice on back care and prevention. Specific exercises may also be prescribed.
Please wear loose and comfortable clothing although you will normally be asked to undress down to your underwear to allow a full examination; we do provide gowns if you prefer.
How many treatments will I need?
A normal course is between four and six treatments but this will vary depending on the individual case. At the initial consultation your osteopath will advise you on the number of treatments that s/he thinks will be necessary and will go through a recommended treatment plan. This will then be reassessed as treatment progresses. After the initial course of treatments, check-ups at four- or six-monthly intervals will normally be recommended.
Can I claim on my health insurance for my treatment?
Yes, Sussex Back Pain Clinic is a recognised healthcare provider for those covered by BUPA, WPA, AXA PPP, HSA and other insurers, but it is advisable to check with them prior to starting treatment that no conditions apply in your particular case.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, we don’t require you to have a GP referral. If you are claiming on private health insurance, your provider may require you to have a GP referral so you’ll need to check with them.
Do you take x-rays?
It is very rare that we need to take x-rays as our diagnostic techniques will usually enable us to understand your problems and give expert care.
Our Spinal Mouse uses the latest technology to see in 3D where your problem is and how treatment is improving your back. Therefore we don’t take x-rays on the premises. If your osteopath feels that an x-ray is necessary, s/he will refer you privately or refer you to your GP for further investigation.
Does treatment hurt?
Treatment is tailored to each individual patient. Most patients are surprised at how gentle treatment is, although you may experience some mild discomfort following treatment. This is due to stiff areas and specific muscles beginning to work again. This rarely lasts more than 48 hours.
I am pregnant - can I still have treatment?
Yes, due to the changes and stresses that occur during pregnancy, back and pelvic pain is extremely common. Understandably many women don’t want to take drugs for pain during this time. Osteopathic treatment provides both a safe and effective way of relieving pain and making sure your spine and pelvis are in the best possible condition to prepare for the birth. It can also help after the birth to make sure that the pelvis and spine have returned to normal (also see back pain during and after pregnancy).
My initial back pain seems to have nearly gone. Should I still come for treatment?
Yes, pain is just the tip of the iceberg (see pain iceberg). It is often easier for your osteopath to treat the underlying stresses and strains when there is no current pain. You don’t have to be in pain on the day of treatment – it’s better to consult an osteopath before back pain becomes severe. Most back pain is easier to treat in its early stages and it’s important to realise that just because the pain has reduced it doesn’t mean your back is functioning well.
Remember, back pain is notorious for reoccurring at a later date even when doing minor activity. Make sure the real cause is addressed. It’s also essential to minimise the risk of structural damage or arthritis that can be caused by cumulative uneven loading on weak areas of your spine.
I’ve been involved in a car accident, how long should I wait before starting treatment?
It’s best to seek advice as soon as possible; usually an acute inflammatory response will last between two and four days depending on the severity, but gentle soft tissue techniques can be particularly good at reducing pain. Treatment should start within 72 hours of the onset of pain to prevent the risk of developing a chronic condition. It’s very important following a whiplash injury, no matter how minor, to have your spine properly assessed as even if the pain settles very quickly, you may be left with changes in your neck or back which may become a latent problem, causing quite serious and often permanent problems months or even years after the car crash.
You are called the Sussex Back Pain Clinic but I have hurt my knee/elbow - can you help?
Although we specialise in spinal pain, peripheral joints respond very well to osteopathic treatment and we regularly treat knees, elbows and even feet and fingers.
Are all your osteopaths properly qualified?
All our osteopaths are statutory regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (www.osteopathy.org.uk) under The Osteopaths Act 1993 through clear osteopathic, clinical and ethical guidelines. We are registered with the British Osteopathic Association (www.osteopathy.org), and are also professional members of BackCare, the national charity for healthier backs.
Use of the title ‘osteopath’ is protected by law and restricted only to those on the Osteopathic Register.
*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
