| A common complaint that arises is a sore or injured | | | | device that pushes into the area they wish to treat. |
| lower back. And, what you will discover when you | | | | It has a flat, round end that applies a small amount of |
| have suffered from a sore lower back is that there | | | | pressure to a targeted area so it doesn't hurt. |
| are an overwhelming array of options available to | | | | Massage |
| repair the damage and alleviate the pain. Every | | | | Remedial massage or myotherapy is also commonly |
| person you meet will have a different opinion on | | | | used to treat back pain. Essentially, the massage |
| what you should do about your back pain. So, I am | | | | therapist will attempt to reduce tension around the |
| going to try and explain what some of the | | | | affected area and release toxins that have built up in |
| alternative treatments mean to help you better | | | | the muscles over time. This typically treats the |
| understand your options. | | | | symptoms rather than the cause itself. Having said |
| Physiotherapy | | | | that, massage is an effective way to regain |
| The first time you injure your back, you are most | | | | movement and reduce pain. Many people also use it |
| likely to end up at the physiotherapist. Their | | | | as part of a maintenance strategy to prevent further |
| technique will typically revolve around muscle | | | | injury in the future. It is probably worth mentioning at |
| manipulation to correct the issue. They will use a | | | | this point, that once you injure your back, it is very |
| range of massage and stretching techniques around | | | | rare not to experience problems again. |
| the affected area and into your legs as well. You will | | | | Pilates |
| typically be given a range of exercises that you then | | | | Pilates is a good preventative and long term repair |
| complete on a regular basis to try and maintain | | | | strategy for people with lower back pain. It is |
| ongoing muscle movement. | | | | focused on building the muscles that support your |
| Osteopath | | | | spine, commonly referred to as core strength. In |
| An osteopath will work on a combination of your | | | | doing so, you are managing the risk of further injury |
| muscles and bones to fix the problem and relieve | | | | as your body starts to gain strength in the right |
| your symptoms. You will find an osteopath will be | | | | areas. There are two types of Pilates to choose |
| very interested in your personal history to | | | | from called clinical or classic. |
| understand where the problem started, even going | | | | Yoga |
| back to childhood. They will also look at your stance | | | | Similarly to Pilates, yoga is another preventative |
| and posture, particularly the positioning of your hips | | | | strategy. Many people actually start yoga to help |
| relative to your spine and legs. Most treatments | | | | alleviate or manage lower back pain. Yoga provides a |
| typically involve a combination of massage and spinal | | | | structured approach to stretching of the muscles and |
| adjustment. Similarly to a Physiotherapist, you will be | | | | helps build strength over time. |
| given some exercises to stretch and strengthen the | | | | These are just a few of the treatments and |
| area between appointments. | | | | management strategies that you will hear about. |
| Chiropractor | | | | Others will include Acupuncture, Bowen Therapy and |
| A Chiropractor is interested in your spine. After an | | | | lots, lots more. It goes without saying that your |
| assessment of your problem, a Chiropractor will | | | | choice of treatments will need to be one that is right |
| manipulate your spine to attempt to correct the | | | | for you but I hope that this has given you a better |
| problem over time. There are two techniques for | | | | understanding of the spectrum of alternatives. It is |
| manipulation that I have seen, although there may be | | | | also worth mentioning that many people end up using |
| more. Any Chiropractors that are out there feel free | | | | a couple in parallel and if that is the case just make |
| to chime in! The first technique I have seen is | | | | sure you tell whoever is treating you, so they have |
| physical manipulation where they use their body to | | | | the full picture. Best of luck with finding a treatment |
| adjust your spine. The second is the use of a small | | | | that is right for you! |