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Back issues, sciatica, Osteopath

7 replies

Mrsmumb · 23/04/2015 15:44

I've had a bad back for year (result of 7 years waitressing) Sciatica and general rubbish back especially afyer cleaning or carrying anything heavy. It is now at it's worse as a result of pregnancy, then the general wear and tear due to the lifting, bending, and surprising heaviness of a 4mo, as well as pushing my mums wheelchair frequently. I've finally booked an osteopath is this the best idea or are there any other suggestions?? im bf so some painkillers are out. Thanks

OP posts:
Clarella · 23/04/2015 17:26

Well my recent experience of basically crumbling post preg led to a diagnosis of hypermobility syndrome. I saw a chiro, an osteopath, an nhs physio and finally a private physio who specialises in sports physio but I asked about hms (it was through my work insurance, teaching)

Nhs physio was a godsend at the time to help tape my back up as I was in so much pain. Also regarding CFS style pacing at the time as I also had thyroid and anaemia issues.

The osteo was quite a bit better than the chiro who poked and crunched me and tried to make me go back several times a week. The osteo at least have some exercises, but they're all different I guess, including the physios.

The latest physio actually has been the best. He worked in nhs originally. Joints etc are loosened by pregnancy and if periods have returned you'll be getting another dose of relaxin each month which won't help.

He diagnosed spd (Si joint, not at front) on top of the hms and showed me how my shifted pelvis was affecting my upper back. He also showed me how my core was affecting all of this by being weak. He's given me some really intensive, hard exercises which I've noticed are really helping, as well as a kind of constructive rest thing (Google it) but with a rolled towel between the shoulder blades to help loosen my now rigid upper back, which has been compensating for the overly loose pelvis. Lower back stiffness was the overly loose joints trying to hold them selves together in absence of a supporting core.

I have found really understanding all this the most important thing - his exercises have had the most impact in the shortest time. He also manipulated my pelvis as did the poking thing that the chiro did but to every vertebra, to help loosen it.

Imo and ime a really good physio will be worth weight in gold. Also could diagnose actual disc issues etc.

The hypermobility syndrome diagnosis has also been useful from the gp pov. It's often triggered by pregnancy. I was very into martial arts, swimming, dancing etc and good at yoga as I was flexible. Had no idea it could also be so debilitating!

I'd recommend getting into a pilates course asap too, and keeping it up.

Clarella · 23/04/2015 17:28

Ps I'm still bf at 28 months. It's not that. Ibuprofen will be the best painkiller anyway.

I find I need to know about some of the pain now in order to know there's an issue and how to correct it.

cuntyMcCunterson · 23/04/2015 17:41

I suffer with chronic back pain due to work and poor posture. I've seen an osteopath who clicked and crunched my upper back (I can do this myself just by moving my back/shoulders) then told me to come back three times a week for 6 weeks at £40 a time.p, I just don't have that sort of money so haven't been back
I then saw a physio who was excellent. Gentle manipulation of posture, full assessment of hips, back, glutes and an awesome massage, she gave me a full range of exercises to help strengthen my back and thanks to this I only need to go back if I want to or if I tweak it at work and the exercises don't help immediately.
I appreciate everyone has different experiences but I would definately try and see a good physio and hopefully get some long term relief

Clarella · 23/04/2015 18:18

I'd also spend the 40 quid the chiro asked per appt on a jolly good sports massage!

Clarella · 23/04/2015 18:19

I do think if it's bad sciatica, you might need to be checked out re disks etc

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 23/04/2015 18:24

Physio. I spent a lot of money on chiropractors over the years, but physio has been way better, a really thorough assessment, treatment, lifestyle advice and an exercise programme.

MatildaTheCat · 24/04/2015 12:06

Physio, Pilates based exercises and a lumber support belt for times when you cannot avoid the type of activity which provokes you. I also second the constructive rest. Google Imogen Ragone constructive rest and there is a download to guide you through this. It's awesome.

See your GP to discuss pain killers there are lots you can take safely whilst bf. Also I recommend to look hard at your life to see where you can make changes because if you allow this to drift it could get much, much worse. Come and join the Back Pain thread for more support.

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