Back pain affects millions of people worldwide, and it can be a frustrating and debilitating condition. Understanding modern pain science can help you manage and control your back pain effectively. Our osteopaths at TLC in Hamilton are trained to help you do just this.
The Science of Back Pain
Leading pain science experts have shown that back pain is not solely a result of tissue damage. Instead, back pain is a protective mechanism that is created by the brain based on various sensory inputs. The brain's interpretation of these inputs can be influenced by many factors, including emotions, beliefs, and past experiences.
As science has progressed, we've learnt that back pain is seldom caused purely by poor alignment of muscles and joints. As it happens the nervous system plays a much more significant role in how we experience pain. Its also worth noting that most acute low back pain will settle quickly with this study from 2023 suggesting episodes may only last 5 days https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36692107/
In our experience 5 days is possibly a little optimistic, but most people are much better after their first week with lingering symptoms for a fortnight or so.
We have written about top tips to manage acute pain here and we have written about the danger signs of back pain here. We also have written about pregnancy related back pain/sciatica here and pelvic pain here.
The Role of the Nervous System
The nervous system plays a critical role in pain perception. Nerves can become sensitized, which means that they can start to interpret normal inputs as painful. This can happen as a result of tissue damage, but it can also occur due to factors such as stress, anxiety, and poor posture. Similarly, the brain can begin to miss interpret signals that it receives from the body. This causes 'normal' sensations to feel painful. Fortunately, these signals can change over time.
Managing Back Pain
Our Hamilton Osteopaths Can Help
We offer osteopathy, which can help relieve back pain. Osteopathy is a hands-on therapy that involves gentle manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. It can help improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing. The sense of ease that comes from osteopathy can give you a drug free break from your pain, help clear up your head space and allow you to make positive changes towards managing your pain. We have written a lot about osteopathy but here is a nice summary.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another therapy we offer that can help manage back pain. It involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body, which can help stimulate the nervous system and promote healing. Electroacupuncture is particularly useful and we have written about this here.
Education Understanding the science of pain can help you manage your pain better.
At TLC osteopaths, we provide education about pain science and self-management strategies. By learning about pain, you can reduce fear and anxiety, which can help reduce pain. It's not all in your head, your pain is a very real experience. But it is important to address your thoughts and feeling around your pain, as these may be what hold you back from a timely recovery.
Exercise is essential for managing back pain. It can help improve strength, flexibility, and mobility.
At TLC osteopaths, we can provide you with an exercise program tailored to your needs and abilities. We use progressive exposure therapy to get you back doing what it is you want to do, love to do, or need to do.
A Word From Us
Back pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but it doesn't have to be. By understanding the science of pain and using evidence-based therapies such as osteopathy, acupuncture, education, and exercise, you can effectively manage your pain and improve your quality of life. At TLC osteopaths, we are here to help you every step of the way. We have written about top tips to manage acute pain here and we have written about the danger signs of back pain here.
Darryl Jenkins
TLC Osteopaths
Hamilton
Darryl Jenkins is a friendly Hamilton osteopath and co-owner of TLC Osteopaths. His formal qualifications include a undergraduate certificate in Exercise science from Wintec, a degree in Human Biology from Unitec, and a master's degree in osteopathy from Unitec, where he also completed his thesis on human movement assessment. He also holds a postgraduate certificate in acupuncture from AUT which means he practices osteopathy and acupuncture. He would like to be pursuing the postgraduate certificate in Pain Science at Otago Uni (awaiting spouse approval).
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