You may have seen in the news that a recent study into low back pain management has highlighted a few issues within our care current system. If you are one of the 25% of Australian’s experience back pain on a daily basis or the 50% of Australian’s have experienced pain in the last month, this might be you.
Articles have called it an ‘international epidemic’ of incorrect management where ‘best practice’ 
and ‘more is better’ have been misconceptions when tackling the chronic issue that is low back pain. Physical and psychological therapies, patient education and exercise, have been shown to be equally or more beneficial than rest, surgery and excessive imaging. So where does osteopathy come into assisting the problem? Osteopathy is a manual approach to health care. Osteopaths (or osteo’s as you might have heard it) are allied health practitioners that are skilled in musculoskeletal diagnosis and management. We assist your body to get moving again; something that has been shown to be as or more beneficial than medication or rest. Osteopath’s look at the body as a whole working unit and how it is, or may not be, functioning together. A consult may involve a a case history of what is happening for you now and may also include a medical history; what has happened for you in the past. We want to get to the root cause of your back problem, not just treat the surface symptoms. Your hands-on treatment may include, deep tissue massage, stretching, movement and muscle engagement techniques as well as manipulation or dry needling. Your treatment is unique to you are your specific back pain. An exercise program may also be given to get the most out of your treatment.
This article was written by Christine Fraser, an Osteopath currently working in Drysdale and Torquay, Victoria, Australia.
If you have questions or want to know more about osteopathy or back pain, you can get in touch with Christine ( christine@growandflow.com.au) or search for an Osteopath on doctors.com.au .