Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Osteopath made me worse?!

51 replies

SpottyCrumpet · 03/12/2023 14:54

I saw an osteopath on Friday and came away feeling great. However last night I feel like my upper back is locked in my spine and my lower neck. It feels horrible and I’m really upset. Painkillers and hot baths haven’t really done much. It’s hard to get comfortable.

is this normal?

I have spoken to the osteo who didn’t really say what it was, went through red flag symptoms and then asked if I want a review in a couple of days. It doesn’t feel like post massage soreness, more like my back needs to crack to release some pressure (my back was not cracked during this treatment, just massage into my neck and alongside my spine)

I am extremely anxious. Please don’t comment if you’re going to make me feel more anxious, like telling me I’m going to end up paralysed / need to go to A&E / you’re an idiot for seeing an osteo. Thank you 😭

OP posts:
SoupDragon · 03/12/2023 14:56

I used to feel great right after my osteopath appointment but utterly shit the next day.

Original poster
SpottyCrumpet · 03/12/2023 14:57

Thanks @SoupDragon how long did it last? I’ve had treatment before but never experienced this, just the usual DOMS like pain. I’m really hoping I wake up tomorrow back to normal. The upper back / neck wasn’t even the issue I went in for!

OP posts:
Thewolvesarerunningagain · 03/12/2023 15:03

Hey, doesn’t sound like anything to worry about. A treatment takes several ‘goes’ yo work while your body realigns. Effectively the osteo is retraining your body to put itself right if that makes sense so it’s logical that the pressure would move to a different point. . Follow up with the practitioner and maybe use ice rather than heat to reduce any swelling.

Original poster
SpottyCrumpet · 03/12/2023 15:07

Thank you @Thewolvesarerunningagain - I have health anxiety which is triggered by unusual body sensations and because this is completely new to me, it is really triggering me. I’m really worried and gutted that I have a long term issue which isn’t improving (had a few sessions now) and how the list is getting longer! Maybe if I left myself alone and just accepted my long term problem, I wouldn’t be in the position I am now ☹️

OP posts:
WhatNoUsername · 03/12/2023 15:11

Sounds to me like you need a proper adjustment (ie cracking!). I've seen a chiropractor for years and what you've described happens when.an adjustment is needed. The muscles all tense up around the bit that's "locked". I'd go back for the review in a couple of days if it's not resolved.

Original poster
SpottyCrumpet · 03/12/2023 15:15

@WhatNoUsername he cracked me at my previous appointment (and it was a big one) so he didn’t want to do it again which honestly I was relieved about because I don’t feel comfortable with being cracked. At this stage I’m terrified of being touched again and just want to crawl off to bed, hope I’m fixed in the morning and just put up with my presenting issue. I don’t do well with these situations. I’m an awful patient, and hope I don’t end up with a chronic disease or cancer because I honestly won’t cope.

OP posts:
parietal · 03/12/2023 15:18

Osteopathic and chiropractic are both nonsense with no scientific basis and can be very dangerous. People have had strokes or permanent injuries from spinal manipulation.

See a proper physiotherapist who knows what they are doing.

WhatNoUsername · 03/12/2023 15:35

parietal · 03/12/2023 15:18

Osteopathic and chiropractic are both nonsense with no scientific basis and can be very dangerous. People have had strokes or permanent injuries from spinal manipulation.

See a proper physiotherapist who knows what they are doing.

Well chiropractic saved my and my husband's backs and stopped us being in chronic pain. There is a small risk from neck manipulations so I don't have those done. The OP specifically asked for no fear-mongering responses as she is already really anxious. Your comment was therefore cruel and unnecessary as she's already had treatment.

WhatNoUsername · 03/12/2023 15:40

SpottyCrumpet · 03/12/2023 15:15

@WhatNoUsername he cracked me at my previous appointment (and it was a big one) so he didn’t want to do it again which honestly I was relieved about because I don’t feel comfortable with being cracked. At this stage I’m terrified of being touched again and just want to crawl off to bed, hope I’m fixed in the morning and just put up with my presenting issue. I don’t do well with these situations. I’m an awful patient, and hope I don’t end up with a chronic disease or cancer because I honestly won’t cope.

You won't end up with a chronic disease or cancer as a result of a massage, or a one-off manipulation, you really won't. If treatment is going to make you this anxious, I would probably avoid chiro or osteo as this much anxiety will cause all your muscles to tighten up anyway and is probably counter productive.

With your muscles tensed up best thing is to do hot-cold-hot-cold etc in rotation. Do you have hot water bottles, and any ice packs? Wrap the ice packs in a towel, not straight onto skin. Really sorts muscle spasms out.

Original poster
SpottyCrumpet · 03/12/2023 15:40

@WhatNoUsername thank you. My sentiments exactly!

I also don’t have neck manipulations done for the same reason, which is why I’m so upset I’m struggling with just soft tissue adjustment from this treatment.

OP posts:
Original poster
SpottyCrumpet · 03/12/2023 15:40

@WhatNoUsername thank you, I’ve just had a hot bath and will do the cold packs next

OP posts:
WhatNoUsername · 03/12/2023 15:41

SpottyCrumpet · 03/12/2023 15:40

@WhatNoUsername thank you. My sentiments exactly!

I also don’t have neck manipulations done for the same reason, which is why I’m so upset I’m struggling with just soft tissue adjustment from this treatment.

Or bless you, try the hot, cold, hot thing. It's risk free and should help calm things down.

WhatNoUsername · 03/12/2023 15:41

SpottyCrumpet · 03/12/2023 15:40

@WhatNoUsername thank you, I’ve just had a hot bath and will do the cold packs next

Good plan, will keep my fingers crossed for you!

SoupDragon · 03/12/2023 15:47

parietal · 03/12/2023 15:18

Osteopathic and chiropractic are both nonsense with no scientific basis and can be very dangerous. People have had strokes or permanent injuries from spinal manipulation.

See a proper physiotherapist who knows what they are doing.

They aren't both "nonsense".

Original poster
SpottyCrumpet · 03/12/2023 15:57

I avoided chiropractor because of worrying about manipulation and didn’t realise osteo did it. Although I had a few treatments and all was fine so I was happy to continue but this has really stressed me out now and I feel like I can’t continue, but really don’t want to be stuck in a worse position! I really want to be better tomorrow

OP posts:
Original poster
SpottyCrumpet · 04/12/2023 07:51

Woke up with vertigo today and back / neck no better 😭😭😭

OP posts:
Lordofmyflies · 05/12/2023 14:03

Both Chiro's and Osteopaths are trained in joint manipulation which is incredibly safe if the patient is correctly 'screened' for any conditions which contraindicate its use.
It is absolutely normal to feel an increase in symptoms after treatment and this can last for 48-72 hrs. Its usually the result of inflammation from having had your muscles or joints stretched. Try hot/cold 5mins each for 15 min cycle, keep moving and if required regular paracetamol with/out ibuprofen. If you are worried, ring your osteopath. He will know what treatment you had and will guide you. Good luck!

GasDrivenNun · 05/12/2023 15:13

parietal · 03/12/2023 15:18

Osteopathic and chiropractic are both nonsense with no scientific basis and can be very dangerous. People have had strokes or permanent injuries from spinal manipulation.

See a proper physiotherapist who knows what they are doing.

^ this .
Get an appointment with a qualified physiotherapist.

GasDrivenNun · 05/12/2023 15:14

SpottyCrumpet · 03/12/2023 15:57

I avoided chiropractor because of worrying about manipulation and didn’t realise osteo did it. Although I had a few treatments and all was fine so I was happy to continue but this has really stressed me out now and I feel like I can’t continue, but really don’t want to be stuck in a worse position! I really want to be better tomorrow

See a muscular skeletal specialist physiotherapist

Original poster
SpottyCrumpet · 05/12/2023 16:02

@Lordofmyflies

unfortunately the pain isn’t normal muscle soreness, it’s a new debilitating pain. The osteopath doesn’t seem to understand how his treatment has caused the issue I have, nevertheless, he has. It is not easing.

@GasDrivenNun i have done, the last two days, and my GP has prescribed naproxen. Suffice to say I will not go to an osteo again.

OP posts:
Deedoo · 05/01/2025 12:35

@SpottyCrumpet the same happened to me but by a shxt physiotherapist who didn't admit what he did: how did you get better

LoafofSellotape · 05/01/2025 12:36

parietal · 03/12/2023 15:18

Osteopathic and chiropractic are both nonsense with no scientific basis and can be very dangerous. People have had strokes or permanent injuries from spinal manipulation.

See a proper physiotherapist who knows what they are doing.

Osteopath isn't nonsense,I see one on the NHS.

LoafofSellotape · 05/01/2025 12:37

OP it's common to have a settling down period after treatment,go back in a week if there's no improvement.

Deedoo · 05/01/2025 12:38

@GasDrivenNun I saw a physio who messed me up

Deedoo · 05/01/2025 12:44

@LoafofSellotape mine was done by physio before said he did a light massage to spinal mobilisation I told him a week later I was still in pain he said keep doing exercises. I went back and told him no more massages he said that is all he does to get the spine to move freely but I would not be like this

Swipe left for the next trending thread