Osteopath or physio?

[VivaLeBeaver]

I've got severe back pain at the minute. I'm known to have a slipped disc but had another MRI last week and disc hadn't changed so not sure if connected. I have something clunking in my lower back, you can hear it across the room, when I move.

I've been to an osteopath before when my back was bad ( different pain) last time and after eight sessions there was no difference. I saw another osteopath in the same practice last week who reckons she can help but that I need about six sessions. I'm just hesitating to book as I don't want to chuck my money away and wondered if maybe physiotherapy might be better? It's expensive.

I'm surprised that they can say how many sessions you need. My osteopaths can treat you in one or two sessions. I found a similiar situation with Chiropractors. I was going twice a week for ages. Was costing me a fortune.

Dh had to carry me in I was so bad and though still in pain I could walk out. I think my osteopaths are fantastic.

Could you get a referral from your GP?

No, gp doesn't do referrals for osteopaths. They do for physio but there is a long waiting list. I can't wait, I'm in agony.

Thats a shame. We have osteopaths at our surgery but I see them privately, probably as I get a good 45 min appointment and they will always try to fit me it asap which I think is important.

If you have physio it could also mean several appointments and probably cost the same. I would look for another osteopath but thats just my preference as I have a good one.

I do sympathise as I have had some severe back pain in the past.

Ok thanks. Will try to get some recommendations for a good osteopath round here. I was hoping to go in once and shed would do some magic crunch thing and everything would go back into place but she didn't. Only thing she really did was have me in fetal position on my side and then put my lower legs across her hips and sway from side to side. It felt good, like it was stretching things a bit ut doesn't seem to have actually done any good.

Maybe post on your local site or maybe netmums.

From my experience the osteopathic treatment is about giving your body a kick start into recovery, alongside doing exercises and the "right" posture. It's always worked for us and we have never been told about how many treatments/expense in advance. It's about engaging as far as you can.

My osteopath taught me the following exercises to try as soon as you get pain

1 - sad cat happy cat - go on all fours, arch your back and let drop

2 - lie on back, hug your knees to your chest and rock gently back and forth

3 - sit on hard chair with knees at right angles, cross one leg over by putting ankle on other thigh, then gently apply pressure on and off to the knee of the crossed leg with hands, if that makes sense.

Over the years I've seen physios, chiropractors and osteopaths and the latter win the day for me but does depend on finding a good one you can trust.

With a diagnosed slipped disc, I'd go for a private physio, pref one based at a gym/leisure centre so that they have the possibility of doing supervised exercise with you to get you using the muscles in your back properly. My current physio does this, and it means you get value for money as its a 90 minute session for the price of half an hour of pure hands on physio (which he does, just broken up) and I think puts you in a much better place for doing exercises at home.

I second the physio. I've not been to an osteo, though, so can't compare, but I have been seeing physios at intervals over the years (recurring lower back problem thanks to RTA years ago).

I've also started Pilates Reformer class once a week to try and resolve the issues that are causing the problem to continue. It's amazing, I can really feel the effect and could already after the first week.

Thanks am swaying towards physio though someone I know has recommended a chiropractor just to confuse me more!

I'll look out for a pilates reformer class as well. Thanks.

Why don't you ask online advice from a physio? These guys are great. It's free to ask questions.
www.sixphysio.com/guru

Thanks for the link, I've sent a question in.

I really wish I lived near London. Those guys look great.

The Pilates Reformer course is the one with the machines, not matwork. I think it's pretty normal to have a ratio of 1:3 patients (each patient needs their own machine so is naturally limited), and they give you a tailored program to suit your needs and then check you are holding yourself correctly etc. It's also really hard work for core muscles etc somehow thought it would feel pampering bahahaha

Have googled and no reformers in a 50 mile radius.

Hi, I am all for osteo if you can get a good one or a recommendation.

I have two disc prolapse s at L5/S 1 & L 4/L5. When my sacroiliac slips out I get a crunch like you describe and my lovely osteo used to pop it all back into place. Physio (after a long wait), used to grind it about a bit and go oooh listen to that!

Love the reassuring click from the osteo. You do need a good one.....