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