Lower back pain has reached epidemic proportions in the western world. Research shows that 60% of the population will suffer from it at some stage during their lives. Back pain responds well to osteopathic treatment - reducing pain and restoring mobility and quality of life.

What is Osteopathy?
• Osteopathy recognises that much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from abnormalities in our body's structure and function.
• Osteopaths diagnose and treat problems with muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints to help the body's natural healing ability.
• Treatment involves gentle, manual techniques - easing pain, reducing swelling and improving mobility.
• Osteopathy does not involve the use of drugs or surgery.

Back pain - causes and effects
The trouble with back pain is that it can do more than just give you a pain in the back. It can create difficulties with walking, sitting, bending and lifting and can even lead to depression and incontinence. It can also be the cause of pain in the buttocks, groin or legs (commonly called sciatica), in the head, neck, shoulders and arms. It can also be one of the effects of hip, knee and foot problems.

Back pain can result from bad posture, a sudden jerky movement, a lumpy mattress or poor lifting techniques. It can also be caused by injury in a work place, by a sports accident or by muscular spasms. It often occurs during pregnancy or, because of decreased flexibility, as people get older.

There are also many diseases and pathological conditions that can lead to back pain. These include abdominal or pelvic disease, anxiety, arthritis, cervical or lumbar spondylosis, dermatological problems, kidney disease, rheumatic conditions, tumours and scoliosis.

Our modern, sedentary lifestyles have a profound effect on the development of back pain; indeed one of the most effective ways of preventing it is simply to stay active. An average adult in Singapore spends at least four hours a day in front of a computer screen or television set, and back problems can be triggered if they don't sit properly. In an age of mobile phones and computer games, such troubles are increasingly inflicting children of school age as well.

Osteopathy and the treatment of back pain
Osteopathic treatment is often the most effective first line of attack in correcting problems caused by back pain. Speedy access to osteopathic care for acute patients often averts the possibility of conditions becoming chronic.

By correcting any underlying mechanical disturbances in the musculo-skeletal system, osteopaths can greatly relieve pain and distress, minimise dependency on drugs and slash the cost of treatment for side effects.

Osteopathic treatment often negates the need for further medical investigation or surgery, although osteopaths are skilled in diagnosing problems that require such investigation or treatment.

Back problems account for over 50% of the cases osteopaths see.

Visiting an osteopath
On your first visit, and before examination begins, the osteopath will discuss and record you medical history in detail. You will then normally be asked to remove some of your clothing so that a series of observations and biomechanical assessments can be made.

The osteopath will then apply a highly developed sense of touch to identify points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. Further investigations may include an xray or blood test. This will allow a full diagnosis of the problem and will enable the osteopath to tailor a treatment plan to your needs.

Your osteopath should make you feel at ease and tell you what is happening throughout your consultation. You should ask questions if you have any concerns.

Ten top tips for back care
1. For back pain, better to see your osteopath sooner than later.
2. Take regular exercise - your osteopath can say what's right for you.
3. Hours in one position can cause problems - avoid computer 'hump'.
4. During repetitive tasks, vary your rhythm and take frequent breaks.
5. Adjust car seats and on long journeys, take regular breaks to stretch.
6. Pace yourself with heavy work such as gardening - don't risk a disc!
7. Watch children's posture - they shouldn't carry bags on one shoulder or spend too long at a computer without breaks.
8. During pregnancy, osteopathy can help your body adjust to changes.
9. Avoid strain when lifting, particularly small children and shopping.
10. Your bed could be part of the problem. Seek osteopathic advice on choosing a new one.

Further information
This leaflet is one of a series of information leaflets for the public.

• Osteopathy: Babies and children
• Osteopathy: Driving
• Osteopathy: Pain Relief
• Osteopathy: Pregnancy
• Osteopathy: Sports
• Osteopathy: Work Strain

Address:

Osteopathy & Podiatry Centre
583 Orchard Rd
#06-03 Forum (office block)
Singapore 238884

Opening Times:

Closed Sundays and public holidays.

Appointments can be arranged outside clinic hours.

Please give us a call at

6734 4236

or Fax at

6734 4237

to arrange an appointment!
Appointments are arranged on an half-hourly basis.

Fees:

Osteopathy:

Podiatry: