lowe back pain - chiropractor or osteopath? What's best?

[bunny3]

My back has been knackered since pregnancy and it's not getting any better so I am going to get some treatment. Has anyone used a chiroprator or osteopath for lower back pain? Can anyone recommend which technique is best?

tia

would definitely see an osteopath

why not a chiro?

never seen a chiropracter. but have a lovely osteopath and she always works wonders on me!!

does she? Is it a long temr treatment? Do you get immediate relief (am taking ibuprofen but dont want to long term)

I had problems with my lower back post-dd, and was recommended pilates. I was deeply sceptical, but desperate enough to give it a go and it's fab! Plus I have regained my waist. Hurrah!

my friend recommended pilates too. I can harldy move in the mornings though and dh thinks I should avoid exercise completely.

god, would love my waist back though

it generally takes a few treatments. It isn't always long term, but if you have ongoing problems it may be soemthing that's worth doing once a month say, after your initial treatment.

I do agree with pilates or something though. My osteopath said it's really important to keep everything moving and healthy!

Ah, now the morning bit really rings a bell! My instructor has showed me some mini-stretches to do before getting up and they really work. They are tiny movements - wriggles really - but they make such a difference. Pilates isn't vigorous exercise - you start with a variety of stretches and it's all very gentle. If you feel that your abdominal muscles may be somewhat lacking,and this can definitely have a kock-on effect on the lower back, then I really would recommend it. In fact, I'm rather evangelical about it now. And of course there's the pelvic floor benefits...

KNOCK-on effect!

I have had a lotof very serious back injuries I spent months in traction and was flat on my back for nearly 4 months with a prolasped disc, beleive me I have tried everything, and it depends on the injury. Chiropactor are good if your muscles are in spasm and the pain is very serve and you need more immediate relief. Osteopaths are good if its deep muscle problems and it needs more long term treatment. Once immediate pain has been sorted out it might be worth while thinking finding someone who teaches the alexander technique its all about realiining your body, fasniated for maintained your back and body and it makes you feel taller and slimer.

Hope you feel better soon.

thanks you two. I will def find a local osteopath. I am worried if I leave it, one day something will ping out of place and I'll be laid on my back for weeks. I shall ask about pilates too. My pelvic floor is in a terrible state too so to benefit back, pelvic floor and waistline with pilates would be brilliant. Was it a pilates instructor that showed you the exercises to do on awakening? I can harly stand up some mornings, it's awful, I feel like an old lady.

what area are you in?

emmawill, posts crossed! My dread is that I'll be in traction, who would look after my children? My back pain is long-term but not severe. I have had lower back pain before and needed anti-inflammatories so I think it is a deep-seated problem. I have heard of the Alexander Technique and will look into it more - anything that makes me feel slimmer is a bonus

bournemouth

Yep - it was the pilates man. If you're going for pilates, look for a small class. When my instructor tells me to make tiny adjustments to the stretches, it makes a huge difference. My friend went to a bigger (cheaper) class, but got much less benefit out of it.

I was luckly I didn't have children at the time, and i know how to look after my back, even though I do sometimes have problems when i gain to much weight. The best advice I was ever given by a doctor I might add, was to try whatever you feel comfortable with, but because you have to pay for all these things try it 3 times to give it a chance and if it hasn't helped at all try something else. Ask if your doctor can recomend a chiroprator or osteopath personally I wouldn't bother with phyiso therapy it has never helped me. Back pain is awful though I totally sympthise with you.

ahh i am in sussex... won't recommend my osteopath to you then! lol

that try three times is a good rule. Thanks. I have found a local osteop but he's a man and I would rather a woman if Ive got to strip off

bbs, thansk for the tip. I want to start pilates whne my bakc is a bit better.

Will crawl off to bed now. Gnight and thanks again

you won't have to strip completely. i usually just have to take my top off, can keep bra on thank goodness! lol
and keep trousers on too

Yes its true and they will prbably give you a glown to wear too. Don't worry they see people everyday and its about getting you better after all.

Good luck and good night.

Used an osteo for my shoulder and back, but what really helped was accupuncture. I now use a TENS machine and that is excellent too, because I can use it when I need it.

acupuncture .. wow, I didnt think of that. Can it help back pain? I'll give anything a go, Im getting desperate. I always associated acupuncture with giving up smoking etc