Back and neck pain 

Back & neck pain is caused by many factors, ranging from too much or too little activity, activity-related fear avoidance, stress, poor sleep, healthcare-induced back pain and other factors associated with a person’s previous or current health status.

 

The spine is a strong structure, and most spinal pain is not medically serious. However, this is not to say it can't be extremely disruptive and unpleasant. For this reason, a clear diagnosis and person-centred management plan are advised to prevent future flare-ups. 

 

Our treatments for neck and back pain include: 

  • Cognitive Functional Therapy 
  • Joint Mobilisation
  • Soft Tissue Techniques 
  • Exercise Therapy 
  • Posture Advice 

Sciatica and nerve pain 

Sciatica is an umbrella term for pain going down the leg and can come from various structures. Pins and needles, numbness and muscle weakness can accompany this pain or can be present in the absence of pain.  Most commonly, it is not related to any nerve damage and can be treated successfully with osteopathy. 

 

It's important to be examined and diagnosed promptly so treatment and management can be specific to your individual symptoms. Sciatica type symptoms can arise from: 

  • The spinal structures (ligaments, muscles, discs, bones) 
  • The spinal nerves (painful radiculopathy) 
  • The hip joint and associated soft tissues 
  • The knee and ankle joints

 

Our treatments for leg pain include: 

  • Cognitive Functional Therapy 
  • Joint Mobilisation
  • Soft Tissue Techniques 
  • Exercise Therapy 
  • Posture Advice 

Cauda Equina Syndrome 

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is an uncommon but serious neurological condition affecting the cauda equina, a group of nerves at the lowest point of your back that control your legs, bladder and bowel function and supply sensation to the skin around the bottom, back passage, genitals and inner thigh. CES occurs when this group of nerves are compressed. The most common cause of compression is when a disc in the lower back occupies the same space as the nerves. Any delay in the diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome can impact recovery and could lead to permanent damage, such as bladder and bowel incontinence or paralysis of the legs.

 

Cauda Equina Syndrome symptoms with pain radiating down one or both legs and/or severe lower back pain (any combination, ATTEND YOUR NEAREST A&E);

Loss of feeling pins and needles between your inner thighs or genitals.

Numbness in or around your back passage or buttocks.

Altered feeling when using toilet paper to wipe yourself.

Increasing difficulty when you try to urinate.

Increasing difficulty when you try to stop or control your flow of urine.

Loss of sensation when you pass urine.

Leaking urine or recent need to use pads.

Not knowing when your bladder is either full or empty.

Inability to stop a bowel movement or leaking.

Loss of sensation when you pass a bowel motion.

Change in ability to achieve an erection or ejaculate.

Loss of sensation in genitals during sexual intercourse.