During an appointment, Standing, Lifting, Sitting, Anatomical terms, Dressing, Sleeping, Gardening and work, Inflammation, Food and pain
What happens in an appointment
My osteopath said...your main problem or discomfort will be discussed.
My osteopath said...you will be asked about your health and medical history.
My osteopath said...you will be asked about the pain, what type of pain, where it is.
My osteopath said...how is this affecting you.
My osteopath said...we will have to look at you and the mobility of your body.
My osteopath said...dress or undress.
My osteopath said...you may sometimes be asked to remove some clothing to aid diagnosis.
My osteopath said... where practical, practitioners in this clinic will ask you to keep your clothes on.
My osteopath said...by being relaxed and comfortable can assist towards a speedier recovery.
My osteopath said...there are various standard tests which will be conducted.
My osteopath said...we shall make as full and accurate diagnosis of your condition as possible.
My osteopath said...at all times you will be able to discuss the treatment and care you are receiving.
My osteopath said...stand with legs straight, feet approximately shoulder width apart, body weight evenly distributed over both feet.
My osteopath said...avoid leaning or tilting your pelvis with majority of bodyweight supported over one leg.
My osteopath said...standing correctly reduces strain on ligaments, muscles and joints of the pelvis, especially important and beneficial after correction of a pelvic imbalance.
My osteopath said...standing correctly is especially important and beneficial after treatment.
My osteopath said...continuing to stand correctly after treatment helps to avoid recurrent problems.
My osteopath said...it is easy to put “my back out” if I don't stand correctly.
My osteopath said...a ligament is a non-elastic fibrous tissue that holds two bones together and provides stability to the joint.
My osteopath said...a muscle is a strong elastic tissue across a joint providing strength to the joint.
My osteopath said...a Herniated disc is when the centre jelly substance of the disc between the spinal vertebra becomes softer and weak. The space becomes narrower between the vertebrae.
My osteopath said...a Prolapsed disc is when the soft centre of the disc is squashed outwards and can press against the nerves of the spine.
My osteopath said...'Sciatica' is when the nerves of the spine are irritated by the prolapsed disc it can produce a sensation down the leg.
My osteopath said...'Sciatica' is not always caused by a prolapsed disc, but from increased muscle tension in the buttock muscles.
My osteopath said...Sit down to pull on - underwear, socks, tights, trousers, skirt etc. and finish dressing standing up.
My osteopath said...avoid “hopping” on one leg putting skirt, trousers, socks etc. on.
My osteopath said...getting dressed correctly reduces the risk of excessive force and jarring to the joints of the pelvis.
My osteopath said...it is easy to put “my back out” if I don't get dressed or undressed correctly.
My osteopath said...getting dressed correctly reduces the risk of excessive force and jarring to the joints of the spine.
My osteopath said...it is easy to put “my back out” if I don't sit correctly.
My osteopath said...it is easy to put “my back out” if I sit slouched.
Sleeping - avoid aches and pain
My osteopath said...it is easy to put “my back out” if I don't get out of bed correctly.
My osteopath said...getting out of bed correctly reduces the risk of straining my back muscles.
My osteopath said...exiting from bed correctly reduces strain on my lower back and neck.
My osteopath said...back ache can cause neck pain.
My osteopath said...back pain can be caused by my tummy not working properly.
My osteopath said...to get out of bed correctly I should turn and lie on my side, keeping my head on the pillow, bend my legs at the knees and pull them level with my hips. Then using my arms to push down into the bed and keep pushing allowing my lower legs off the bed to act like a pendulum helping me to the sitting position.
My osteopath said...correct lifting reduces strain on my spine and muscles.
My osteopath said...lift correctly keeping head upright, back straight and bend legs at the knees.
My osteopath said...my thigh muscles are very strong and this is why I should lift using my legs muscles and not my back because it is not strong enough for lifting.
My osteopath said...my knees ache often because my leg muscles are tense restricting movement.
My osteopath said...I find it easier to lift with my back because my knees ache but this is wrong and will increase the risk of back pain if I continue to lift incorrectly.
My osteopath said...lifting and lowering correctly help reduce the risk of back pain.
My osteopath said...when lifting hold the object close in towards your body as close as possible.
My osteopath said...lift and lower correctly using power in your leg muscles maintaining a straight upright back.
My osteopath said...avoid rotating your upper body while lifting or lowering an object.
My osteopath said...avoid twisting my upper body while holding an object:it is better to shuffle your feet to turn and move your whole body before lowering the object.
My osteopath said...you don't need to lift a heavy object to get back pain.
My osteopath said... even lifting a feather incorrectly could cause a back injury.
My osteopath said...if I twist my body lifting an object I risk herniating a disc.
My osteopath said...reduce the risk of a prolapsed disc by lifting correctly.
My osteopath said...sit upright and don't slouch.
My osteopath said...a chronic back pain would often become acute and then subside into the chronic ache.
My osteopath said...avoid slouching and sit correctly.
My osteopath said...avoid sitting with one leg crossed over the other.
My osteopath said...sitting with a cushion or rolled up towel in the small of my back reduces back pain.
Inflammation - Reduce swelling
My osteopath said...using cold on the area of your back pain reduces inflammation.
My osteopath said...the use of ice on the area of your backache reduces pain in the initial stages after injury.
My osteopath said...use a tissue between your skin and the ice pack to avoid freezer burn.
My osteopath said...use a bag of frozen peas if you are unable to use an ice pack.
My osteopath said...an elderly person can have a sports injury.
My osteopath said...do not place the ice directly onto the skin as this may cause a freezer burn.
My osteopath said...you should use the ice on the area for 10 minutes every two hours.
My osteopath said...you should repeat the ice therapy every two hours.
My osteopath said...before gardening I should do some light exercises to warm up.
My osteopath said...before gardening I should do some simple knee bends and back stretches.
My osteopath said...if I don't eat a balanced diet it can give me joint pain.
My osteopath said...a balanced food intake helps my joints move easier.
My osteopath said...when I don't have any aches or pains I look happier.
My osteopath said...a balance of fruit and vegetables, proteins, carbohydrates, fats and good air and water is what I should be aimimg to have, everyday.