Chronic Back Pain?

Chronic pain is classified as any pain that has persisted for more than 3 months, and is often encountered by osteopaths when they work with their patients. In the case of patients with back pain, often the original injury may have resolved, and their spines may be moving well again, yet some degree of pain stubbornly remains. The mechanism behind this lingering pain still isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought that a prolonged or repeated pain signal from a part of the body can permanently ‘light up’ deep pain conduction and processing pathways in the nerves, spinal cord and brain. In the case of the brain, the pain signal is processed by multiple areas and can be affected by emotions, memories and thoughts. 

Thankfully, there is now a better understanding of the mechanisms of chronic pain, and an acceptance that far from just ‘being in your head’ it stems from real processes happening in the central nervous system. However, despite chronic pain being an area of active scientific research, there are still no magic bullets available for sufferers. Doctors will usually recommend exercise, behavioural therapy, antidepressants and sometimes even acupuncture/dry needling. Interestingly, despite all forms of painkillers no longer being recommended for chronic pain sufferers, a UK survey showed 23% of people with chronic pain were still taking them.   

Can osteopathy help with chronic back pain?

Restoring the normal function of the spine is an important part of the journey to gain relief from chronic back pain, and this is something that osteopathy can help with. Not only is osteopathy regarded by the NHS as an effective treatment for spinal and joint pain and there is also recent research from America showing that osteopathic treatment was effective for chronic pain in the low back. 

As well as recovering the movement and function of my patient’s spines, I always like to look at the bigger picture with them, and consider all potential contributing factors when addressing a problem. In the case of chronic pain, a patient’s diet, exercise regime, sleep quality, stress levels and occupational demands would all be relevant.

Whilst there are still no quick fixes for chronic pain, there are some promising natural compounds being actively researched. One such compound is Green Tea, which is rich in a number of bioactive chemicals , including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). 

Green tea is famously anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer, and recently has been shown to help with joint cartilage degeneration and arthritis symptoms. On top of this, a 2021 study suggests that green tea can provide safe and effective pain relief through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Drinking up to 3 cups a day is considered safe for most people, but as ever, it’s worth researching potential side effects if you are planning to drink it regularly. 

If you are looking for an East Grinstead Osteopath please get in touch with:

Cliff Russell, Registered Osteopath

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