I have been pondering lately about why it is that osteopathy seems to be such a useful tool for improving physical comfort and mobility; surely we are built to self-maintain in good health and working order? Yet most people seem to benefit greatly from treatment, whether they are physically active or not.

The answer is complex in detail, but simple in summary: lifestyle!

The truth of the matter is that we are living in a man-made environment, whereas we have spent millions of years evolving in the natural world. Our mind and body have been honed by nature to do one thing, whilst we are steadfastly determined to do something else entirely. Osteopathy respects this natural heritage, and tries to redress the balance somewhat.

What does this have to do with your stiff back?

Put simply, if you don’t use your body the way it was designed to work, it (i.e. you) will suffer. (Notice that I am distinguishing between your body and your self, which is a man-made distinction, and will be the subject of another blog in the near future). For example, human beings were not designed to sit in a chair all day, year upon year. I find it ironic that much is made of “the right way to sit”, whereas ultimately there is no right way; it’s a bit like saying “what’s the right way to hurt my body?”.

Many of the physical, stuctural problems that people encounter with their body is the result of the chair, but it is by no means the only culprit. I mention it here, because it is the accepted way most people spend a huge amount of their precious life, slouching in a chair, just like I am right now. Chairs are a fact of life, but the ill-effects of using them can be greatly moderated by what else you do with your body.

So what do you do about it?

This is a very good question. As someone once said, a good question is difficult to answer, and a very good question may have no answer at all! The point I am making is that it is worth keeping an open mind to what might constitute an answer, because it can be a constant source of enrichment in your life. Many of the wisest souls in the world of health and welbeing have been driven to their understanding through extreme illness or disability; the Chinese character for ‘crisis’ also means ‘opportunity’. So your back ache could be the start of a new chapter of investigation, discovery and enrichment in your life. The most important thing you can do about it is to begin looking for health: investigate, experiment (within reason), and gradually you will begin to make a difference to your own health experience.

Whilst there can be no universal answer, there is a good chance that your back problems are going to improve with conservative treatment. There are always exceptions, and this is a good reason for seeking advice as to whether there is any cause for concern, but most back ache can be at least improved if not transformed by regular, focussed exercises. By that I do not mean a 30 minute run on concrete roads in an old pair of trainers. An osteopathic assessment will look at the structure of your back and the way it moves. Treatment is then designed to bring the structure back towards alignment and balance, and work on the mechanics of joint motion to create ease of function (i.e. movement). And as the musculoskeletal structure (i.e. your spine and limbs) begins to return to functioning in the way it was designed, there is commonly a corresponding sense of ease and wellbeing that patients often comment on as an unexpected bonus.

I am an osteopath in Ealing (and also Uxbridge twice a week) where I provide treatment and pain relief for back pain, neck or shoulder ache… Do get in touch if you have questions or want some advice whether osteopathy can help you.