New NHS treatment guidelines have suggested that complementary therapies be used in the treatment of certain conditions: in particular, chronic low back pain sufferers may be referred for osteopathy.
Reactions to this have been mixed. Many welcome these developments, but others have questioned whether there is sufficient evidence to suggest that this approach could be an effective use of precious resources.
For those who are concerned about the effectiveness of osteopathy for low back pain, I would draw your attention to 2 aspects of this issue:
- Low back Pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Many people can have similar symptoms, whilst the causative factors (diagnosis) may be different. Throwing any form of treatment (e.g. massage) at a symptom is rather like throwing darts at a board blindfolded.
- Osteopathy is a system of healthcare, not a form of treatment. The osteopathic approach strives to understand the symptoms, arrive at an accurate diagnosis, and subsequently deliver appropriate forms of treatment.
Anyone concerned about the appropriateness of osteopathy for the treatment of their symptoms or condition is welcome to talk to us on 01895 20 00 50.
The information on this website should not be used as a basis for diagnosis, choice of treatment or choice of medical practitioner.