Osteopathy aims not only to relieve symptoms but to help the body to function better in a number of ways. Patients may report other improvements such as feeling more relaxed and sleeping better after treatments.

Though well known for treating spinal problems, osteopaths work with many other parts that make up the physical body including muscles, tendons, ligaments, soft tissues, and nerves.

Additionally, sessions involve giving advice on how to manage conditions such as advice on walking, posture and better ways for individuals to use their bodies that will help lessen aggravation of conditions.

Some conditions that are often helped by osteopaths include:

• General aches and pains.
• Joint pain including shoulder hip and knee pain.
• Tingling numbness and pain in hands or arms
• Neck and upper back restriction, head pain and headaches.
• Stress and tension, poor sleep.
• Lower and upper back pain and restriction
• Sciatica
• Osteo and inflammatory arthritis,
• Stiffness, poor mobility and other problems associated with aging.

Many people often report that something brings on a migraine such as certain foods, bright lights or loud noise, weather changes, stress, hormonal changes and poor or disturbed sleep.

Migraines are traditionally considered to be due to changes in blood flow within the head and neck. At the onset of a migraine blood flow is reduced due to narrowing of the blood vessels and then later increases with opening of the vessels. There is also a slow wave of neural activity, starting in the brain stem and spreading forwards.

Sensory nerve fibres from the Trigeminal nerve, the largest cranial nerve provide sensation to the blood vessels and surrounding layers of the brain as Other cranial nerves and nerves from the upper cervical spine also assist and together these nerves convey migraine pain to the brain.

French osteopaths Jean-Pierre Barral and Alain Croibier the founders of Neural Manipulation consider that the trigeminal nerve plays a huge role in migraines. Through their research they found that the trigeminal ganglion or cluster of nerve bodies can be overactive in many people causing the sensory nerves to the blood vessels and linings of the brain to be more sensitive to pain.

Gentle precise neural manipulation of the trigeminal nerve and its small branches and the upper cervical nerves have been found to have an immediate effect on blood vessels and may help settle down the nerves carrying pain messages to the brain. This can offer a new approach to treating migraines. The authors of this approach have found better affects in treating migraines that begin in the occipital upper cervical area and radiating forward. There are some self-help techniques that can be taught to clients that may reduce the intensity of an attack.

Other ways that osteopathy may help include

• Resolving muscle pain and spasm
• Improving tension in the upper back and ribs and neck.
• Helping with preventative exercises and stretches and posture.

A long time ago as humans evolved to walk on two legs our cervical spines adapted to support our heads in the upright position.  The cervical spine which consists of seven vertebrae muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves and vital organs, needs to move freely to support the head, (which weighs about 3 kilos), and allow us to look straight ahead.

As an osteopath according to our first principle “The body is a unit” I am interested in seeing how other parts of the body may contribute to neck pain.

I am often using my hands to examine and release tension in the upper and middle ribs, upper and lower back and pelvis before working on the neck. My aim is to improve other areas that support good function of the neck and help the whole body feel and move better.

Techniques I may use include soft tissue, inhibition and stretching of tight muscles, articulation of joints of the neck, ribs, shoulders and upper back and neural release of specific cervical nerves and their surrounding layers or dura.

Things that may contribute to neck problems include:

• Sustained neck postures such as looking down at mobile phones, tablets and laptops.
• Slouching and poor sitting posture
• Poor work ergonomics particularly to do with using computers.
• Excessive overhead lifting of weights.

Things that may assist good neck function include:

• Attending to posture, head neck shoulders in line.
• Regular walking heel to toe.
• Shoulder rolls and upper back stretches.
• Avoiding wearing high heels.

Aches and pains difficulty turning your head backing the car, sciatica, stiff back, sore knees and headaches. These are some problems of getting older and you may be told that nothing can be done about it.

Osteopathy is a treatment modality that is ideal for seniors.

Treatment for involves questioning about ongoing and new complaints as well as assessment of walking and joint movements such as hips shoulders, elbows and knees.  Gentle stretching and soft tissue work may substantially ease tightness and discomfort in muscles surrounding painful joints. Gently moving joints around and encouraging them to move a little further as well as techniques to release the peripheral nerves may help relieve pain and improve mobility and balance.

Here are some conditions that may be helped by osteopathy

• Stiffness and immobility.
• Sciatica and nerve referral to the arms and hands.
• Weakness in one leg, arm or hand.
• Difficulty with daily tasks, walking and driving.
• Pain in the neck, back, hips, knees ankles shoulders.
• Headaches and sleeping problems.
• Digestive disorders, reflux constipation and bloating.
• Problems after surgery.