Relieving pain and restoring normal activity through gentle and specific techniques.
Each vertebra corresponds to a distinct organ, ligament, vascular component, muscle and a specific skin surface. This anatomical connection is managed under the control of the peripheral nerves emerging between vertebrae.
Disturbance in the mechanics of a vertebra will have a direct impact on the function of those connected elements, producing pain, swelling, tenderness, tiredness and uncomfortable visceral activity. This will also deeply impact the body’s gravity lines, force adaptations on other areas, and modify the alignment of the posture. This may provoke wear and tear on remote joints and other structures leading to pain, weakness, and injury.
Sprains and tears are part of common set of injuries that occur in the spine, damage ligaments and discs, and can pinch and irritate a nerve root. This generally produces acute pain locally in the spine as well as referenced pain in the leg – such as with sciatica – or in the arm – such as with cervicobrachial neuralgia.
Through gentle and subtle, yet at the same time very specific and focused techniques and movements, osteopathic treatment will help restore normal mobility and vascular function to the vertebrae, help repair the damaged tissues, decompress discs and nerve root irritation, and prevent further wear and tear.
Conditions such as arthrosis, herniated discs, sprained vertebral joints and whiplash injuries are commonly treated by osteopathy.