Conditions
Back pain and neck pain
Treated by Philip Waldman D.O. FSCCO, Registered Osteopath at Chelsea SW10 and Brighton & Hove BN3
Causes of back pain
The most common cause of back pain that Philip Waldman sees in his practice is overstrain of the lower lumbar spinal joints. This overstrain can affect any number of tissues — muscles, ligaments, nerves, discs and joints. Typically the lower lumbar joints are weak because they are overburdened and having to do too much work. This happens because other parts of the body, such as the pelvis and mid-back, are too tight and not contributing enough movement. When one area doesn’t function properly, others compensate — and eventually fatigue and fail.
Posture and lifestyle are hugely important factors and are assessed thoroughly as part of every consultation. Philip will look at how you sit, stand and move at work, what kind of mattress you sleep on, and any other habitual factors that may be loading your spine unevenly.
Causes of neck pain
Neck pain often follows the same pattern. The neck is frequently the victim of mechanical tightness in the shoulders, ribs and upper back. If those areas are not moving freely, the neck has to compensate by doing far more work than it should. Muscle tightness from the upper back and shoulders can also pull directly on the neck, causing pain and restricted movement.
Common contributing factors include poor work posture, prolonged computer use, poor sleeping position or an unsupportive pillow, previous whiplash injury, and stress — which tends to cause people to hold tension in the shoulders and neck. Philip addresses all of these as part of treatment.
Osteopaths believe the body functions as one unit. There is a direct mechanical link between the neck and the lower back — problems in one often cause or contribute to problems in the other. Philip treats the whole person, not just the painful area.
How osteopathy helps back and neck pain
As an osteopath, Philip Waldman D.O. FSCCO aims to treat the cause, not the effect. With back and neck pain this means identifying and treating the areas that are not working well or not contributing enough movement — relieving the overload on the painful region. Treatment may include soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, spinal manipulation, muscle energy techniques and cranial osteopathy. Philip may also use dry needling acupuncture to release stubborn muscle tension.
Specific exercises and postural advice are also provided as part of every treatment plan, because long-term improvement depends on the patient understanding and managing the factors that contributed to the problem in the first place.
Frequently asked questions