Low Back Pain in Eastbourne: Treatment Options
Updated: 1 day ago
Lower back pain is one of the most common problems I assess at my Eastbourne osteopathy clinic. In many cases, there is no single identifiable structure responsible for the pain, and scans such as X-rays or MRI are not routinely needed. The first step is to understand your symptoms, examine how your back is functioning and check for signs that may require further medical investigation.
When Lower Back Pain Needs Medical Attention
Most lower back pain is not caused by a serious medical condition. However, part of my assessment is to look for signs and symptoms that may indicate that further medical investigation is needed rather than, or before, osteopathic treatment.
Some causes of back pain that require medical assessment include fracture, infection, cancer, inflammatory disease and cauda equina syndrome.
Seek urgent medical attention if back pain is accompanied by:
loss of feeling or altered sensation around the genitals, buttocks or anus
new difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
weakness, numbness or other significant symptoms affecting both legs
changes in sexual function associated with new back or leg symptoms
severe back pain following a significant accident or injury
If your history or examination suggests that your back pain may have a serious underlying cause, I will advise you to seek appropriate medical assessment rather than proceeding with osteopathic treatment.
Causes of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can involve muscles, joints, discs and nerves, but it is often not possible to identify one single structure responsible for the pain. This is commonly described as non-specific lower back pain. Assessment therefore considers your symptoms, movement, function and other relevant factors rather than relying on a single anatomical diagnosis.
Muscle
Muscles can contribute to lower back pain, particularly following unfamiliar activity, lifting or exercise. Muscle soreness, tenderness and increased tension may also develop in response to pain from other structures in the back.
During assessment, I consider whether muscular symptoms appear to be an important part of the problem and whether techniques directed at the muscles are appropriate as part of your treatment.
Joint
The small facet joints at the back of the spine can sometimes contribute to lower back pain. Age-related changes such as osteoarthritis may also be present, although changes seen on scans do not necessarily explain a person's symptoms.
During assessment, I consider how your back moves, which movements reproduce your symptoms and whether joint stiffness or sensitivity appears relevant. Where appropriate, treatment may include joint mobilisation or manipulation alongside advice and exercise.
Disc
Intervertebral discs sit between the bones of the spine. Although the term “slipped disc” is commonly used, discs do not literally slip. A disc can bulge or herniate and, in some cases, irritation or compression of a nearby nerve can contribute to symptoms such as pain travelling into the leg, numbness, tingling or weakness. These symptoms may occur with sciatica, although not all sciatica is caused by a disc problem.
Disc bulges and other age-related changes are also commonly found on scans in people who have no back pain. For this reason, findings on an X-ray or MRI need to be considered alongside your symptoms and examination rather than automatically assumed to be the cause of your pain. Routine imaging is not usually required for uncomplicated lower back pain.
Osteopathic Treatment for Low Back Pain at Eastbourne Osteopathy
At your first appointment, I will ask about your lower back pain, your general health and any symptoms that may help determine whether further medical investigation is needed. I will then examine your back and relevant areas to assess movement, function and factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Where osteopathic treatment is appropriate, your treatment plan will be based on the findings of this assessment. It may include techniques such as joint mobilisation or manipulation and soft tissue treatment, together with advice about activity and exercises where appropriate. The aim is to help manage your symptoms, improve function and support your return to normal activities.
What Can I Do for Lower Back Pain?
For most uncomplicated lower back pain, staying active and gradually continuing or returning to normal daily activities is generally preferable to prolonged rest. The amount and type of activity that is appropriate will depend on your symptoms and circumstances.
Gentle movement and exercise can form part of managing lower back pain. If pain is severe, worsening, associated with neurological symptoms, or you are unsure whether it is appropriate to exercise, seek professional advice before deciding how to manage it.
Is Lower Back Pain the Same as Sciatica?
No. Sciatica describes symptoms associated with irritation or compression of a nerve supplying the leg. It commonly causes pain that travels from the lower back or buttock into the leg and may sometimes be accompanied by tingling, numbness or weakness.
You can have lower back pain without sciatica, and some people with sciatica have relatively little back pain. Assessment can help distinguish between uncomplicated lower back pain and symptoms that suggest nerve involvement.
About the Author
This article was written and clinically reviewed by Andy Duckmanton BSc (Hons), a registered osteopath (GOsC registration 6400) who has been practising since 2007. Andy assesses and treats patients with lower back pain at his osteopathy clinic in Eastbourne.
Sources and Further Information
Book an Appointment for Lower Back Pain in Eastbourne
If you would like your lower back pain assessed, you can book an appointment with me at Eastbourne Osteopathy on Royal Parade, Eastbourne. If your assessment suggests that your symptoms require medical investigation rather than osteopathic treatment, I will advise you accordingly.