Physio, Osteo, chiro???? Human not horse.

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Louby

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Ive had lower back pain for years, its low grade and Ive just put up with it. Last week it kept me awake most of the night, a constant ache and different from the norm but after a couple of hours up and about it dissapeared. This happened again the other night so I decided its time to try and sort it out. I did think maybe I had an infection or something so drank loads of water and cranberry juise the following day just incase. Tonight I went to see a physio a friend of a friend reccomended, cost me £50 for 40 mins, he reckoned I had deep soft tissue damage and that he could sort me out in days??? He put a magnetic machine on my back and left me for about 20 mins then reccomended a type of slow sit up to strengthen my stomach muscles to compensate my strong back muscles??? I left making another appointment which he didnt push me to do and felt a bit unconvinced. A friend said physios were useless and said I need to see a Osteopath.
Anyone had any experiences and if so what would you reccomend.
 
I have to say that I prefer an Osteopath. Although when I fractured my spine (horse riding accident!), the physio did do a lot of good, but I still feel that with (a non-accident type of injury), I would go to an Osteopath. They get good results much more quickly (sorry, that sounds a bad thing to say) but I came sound very soon and remained so!

Always make sure that you visit a REGISTERED Osteopath though. Good Luck!
 
You can get physio treatment on the NHS, and will be given priority if noted in your referral that you are missing sleep and work.

Osteos you have to pay for, and they're not cheap!

I'd consult your GP about who is best to see, and to get a referral for physio/recommendation for an osteo.
 
having seen all 3 I prefer a chiro, but then I have my preference as to who too as they are all slightly different.

I have only seen one osteo years ago and it just didn't quite work for me

mine is all soft tissue/muscular and my lower back particularly on my left buttock side can completely sieze up and spasm. this will normally be sorted in a session
current chiro uses mixture of manipulation, massage, needling and exercises. (I also have neck and shoulder issues)
I have also found that pilates really helps.

no need to ignore it, its not cheap but mostly after a few intensive sessions you should just need a top up every 3-6 months.
 
I see an Osteopath. Similar to chiropractors but do more soft tissue work. Less cracking and rough stuff. Mine is so good that last time I came of my horse I was quite desperate to see her, but had to wait for the bruising to subside. Morning before I was riding with a grimace, morning after riding with a smile. Cost is £35 a session and worth every penny.
 
Thanks for replying. I cant go to the docs as Im looking for a new job at the mo and they all seem to want to look into your doctors records and 'bad back' doesnt look good
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. I havent had any time off with it, its just an ache that gets worse if I ride, stand up for any length of time or sit/ lie in the same position for a while.
This physio did feel my spine but that was about it really. Is this what they do or do you reckon Ive been had? I thought he would manipulate it or something
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I have never had time off with mine and it doesn't stop me doing anything, unless it gets to the point of really I find riding helps as it rocks it gently.

not seen a physio for the back but they never correctly identified my shoulder issue (presented in the arm where the muscle inserts) chiro found it straight away. Physios were however great for my sprained ankle.

Had to see a differnt chiro recently as mine is on maternity, tbh he was a bit rough for my likeing and didn't do me quite so well so hoping mine is back soon. Most should be a bit gentle in the first instance though, its only cos I can list my isssues.

I have had probs with my lower back for the last 12 years intermittently I can be a lot of pain one day, go see chiro a bit stiff the next and then feel great so it does work.
 
I swear by the osteo, he always manages to sort out my lower back. Maybe worth trying pilates or yoga too as it will help strengthen your core muscles which will help support your back.
 
I was in agony with lower back pain 2 years ago, same thing, used to wake up and could not move for the pain.
Saw a chiro and even after the first treatment the pain was almost gone.
Apparently it's because one of my hipbones rotates. I still go every 4 months or so and it really makes a difference every time.
 
I think a lot depends on the person you see. I've had good osteo treatment for several years but my choice at present is an excellent physio. She also teaches the pilates class I go to and that is a great help. She set up getting an MRI scan which has helped to sort out what is going on there, and although costly, it was cheaper than doing it yourself privately.
Once you get some treatment it's really down to doing your exercises every day to try to keep it right. Bad backs are hard to live with, I know only too well, but we can help ourselves I think.
I hope you find your way.
 
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