Back Pain Relief


Back Pain Causes and Treatments and the D.O. Difference


While back pain can vary in degrees, almost any type of pain in the back can make normal physical activity very difficult. Most people experience acute back pain at some point in their life. This type of pain is only temporary, but might give a sharp pain when it occurs. Chronic back pain can persists for months and make simple tasks like walking, bending and lifting objects almost impossible.

Whether you’re experiencing acute or chronic back pain, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) can work with you to find the source of your pain and determine an appropriate treatment plan. If you live in Appleton, WI or in a nearby city, then be sure to visit the Osteopathic Medicine & Physical Therapy Group of Northeast Wisconsin. We will assess your needs and take a holistic approach in treating you.

Common Causes of Back Pain

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

Back pain commonly originates from the bones, joints, muscles and soft tissue of the spine. There are numerous causes of back pain. Spinal arthritis can develop in the spine’s joints and cause pain in the back with certain movements. Spinal stenosis is common as we age because the spinal canal becomes narrowed. A ruptured or herniated disc can also cause acute or chronic back pain. Muscle strain is the most common cause of pain in the lower back muscle spasms are triggered by straining the muscles during heavy lifting or some other strenuous activity. There are a number of other causes of back pain that your Osteopathic Physician can help you diagnose.

If you feel you’ve injured your back it’s best to visit a D.O. right away for a complete evaluation. With certain types of injuries, waiting too long before beginning treatment can cause even more damage to your spine or muscles.

What Can I Expect from Osteopathic Medicine?

The Osteopath NYC will palpate and choose from a variety of techniques such as manipulation, casts, medication, or in severe situations, even surgery. Plans are made with you individually that will consider many aspects of your life. Most commonly, manipulation is part of every treatment plan. Osteopathic manipulation therapy is gentle and therapeutic. It may involve releasing restriction or dysfunction wit myofascial release, muscle energy (contracting your muscles), thrust techniques that cause “popping” sensations, or strain-counter strain (going into the position of strain).

How a D.O. Can Help with Your Back Pain

While pain medications can provide temporary relief from your back pain, a D.O. will examine your whole body to determine the source of your back pain and how the pain is affecting you. The goal of a D.O. is not to just treat the symptoms, but to treat the source of the back pain. This treatment process is called osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). OMT includes several different techniques: soft tissue technique, muscle energy technique, thrust technique and counterstrain technique. While OMT is not recommended for all patients, it provides a remarkable solution for most back pain sufferers without all the negative side effects of strong pain medications.