Back and Joint Pain
Osteopaths treat all sorts of problems relating to joints from the shoulder to the big toe. However, back and neck problems account for over half of the cases seen by osteopaths. Many of these are the result of mechanical or functional disturbances of the spine (postural strains, joint derangements and spinal disc injuries).
Often back problems cause symptoms in more remote areas such as the buttocks, groin, hips, and legs (commonly called sciatica). Problems in the spine and neck can also cause symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, arm pain and pins and needles.

However there are also some disease states that can give rise to back ache or other pains. Osteopaths are skilled in diagnosing conditions, including those which may require further investigation or other medical treatment.
NICE (the National Institute of Clinical Excellence) guidelines recommend manipulative therapies including osteopathy for the treatment of back pain.

Osteopaths use a wide range of gentle manipulation techniques depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis. Treatment is different for every patient and may include techniques such as different types of soft tissue massage and joint articulation to release tension, stretch muscles, help relieve pain and mobilise joints.

Older People

Age is no barrier to osteopathy and painkillers are not the only solution for the aches and pains associated with ageing. Retirement can bring time for leisure, travel and the chance to take up activities you never had time for whilst working and bringing up your family. eg. golf, gardening, badminton and fitness classes.
The body changes with age losing some of its elasticity and ability to adapt. It has also experienced injuries and postural stress over the years, often resulting in repetitive strain injuries, stiffness and degenerative changes.

Osteopathic treatment and advice can help improve general well being, mobility, and reduce joint stiffness. Treatment is usually gentle and aims to maintain health and prevent further injury. Osteopathy can be particularly effective in the treatment of arthritic pain, aiming to reduce the inflammation and stiffness in the less acute stages of the disease.

Work and Driving

Occupational injuries account for many millions of working days lost each year in Britain. Whether at a computer terminal or in heavy industry, you need to be able to cope with the individual demands made on your body by the type of work you do.

Manual work carries the risk of injury caused by heavy and often awkward lifting, over stretching, and periods of prolonged bending. This can cause back and disc injuries, sciatica and muscle strains.

In the office the strain of desk, computer and phone work can cause headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome and neck and shoulder tension.

Those who drive for a living need to be aware of their driving position as it affects not only their back, neck and shoulders but can also affect hips, knees and feet.

Osteopathy can treat many conditions related to the workplace and driving, as well as giving advice on correct posture and preventative exercises after treatment has eased symptoms.

Pregnancy

Osteopathy in pregnancy is a gentle way of helping the body adapt to the changes that are taking place. Advice from the osteopath can help you adapt your posture and learn how to use your body during the pregnancy.

Osteopathy can also help to ease other side effects of pregnancy such as low back pain, sciatica and symphysis pubis dysfunction. Osteopathy offers a safe and effective way of dealing with these conditions.

Sports Injuries

Whether you are an enthusiastic amateur or an elite professional, the osteopath can help with treatment and prevention of many of the common sporting injuries, giving both general fitness and sports specific advice.
Osteopathy can help to restore structural balance, improve joint mobility and reduce adhesions and soft tissue restrictions so that ease of movement is restored and performance is enhanced.
The practice has treated members from a variety of local clubs and teams including Hednesford and Chasetown football clubs, Willenhall and Cannock rugby teams, Cannock Hockey Club and a number of local cycling and running clubs.