Osteopathy is a drug-free, non-invasive manual treatment that, when coupled with other prevalent therapy systems like physiotherapy, can help to augment health across all body systems by manipulating and balancing the musculoskeletal system. By assessing, diagnosing, treating and preventing a wide range of health issues its aim is to holistically improve the body’s nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems
Chronic muscle and joint pain is increasing in its prevalence very rapidly across the world and India is not lagging behind . Over the last two decades low back pain has been ranked globally as the number one cause of distress in terms of disability created in our life spans. Our sedentary lifestyles, technological influence and poor ergonomics are few reasons that is causing musculoskeletal problems to surface in an explosive manner in our lives. The socio-economic stress if allowed to grow slowly will have a bearing on national economy too. Every science has its own advantages and its limitations. No matter how good the present methods of addressing the growing musculoskeletal distress are, but still there is a lot more desired and osteopathy could surely be a very useful add on.
Osteopaths believe that these diseases are primarily caused by the loss of structural integrity or in simpler terms loss of alignment of joints and bones which lead to pain by compressing nerves and also loss of function. This alignment osteopaths restore by gentle manipulations of the affected joints supplemented by other important therapeutic measures. The osteopathic philosophy embraces the notion that the body is naturally capable of healing itself if the structures are in proper alignment. The practitioner of osteopathy works with the body to enhance this natural ability to self-regulate and self-heal.
Thus the biggest advantage is that it works on the root cause and not just the symptoms or the end results. Pain is a symptom and is like an alarm. We all understand, what can be the consequences of switching the smoke alarm off especially when the fire is still not under control. Osteopathic Manual Practitioners palpate by gently yet intentionally touching the tissues or systems under examination. With experience, Osteopathic Manual Practitioners learn to palpate not just superficially, but also very deeply within the body. Sensory information is received through touch receptors in the fingertips and palms, as well as through the proprioceptors (motion and position sensors) embedded deep in the joints of the hands, wrists, arms, and even the shoulders and not only they identify the root cause of many musculoskeletal problems but also treat it.
Osteopathy helps patients of all ages who suffer from all musculoskeltal pains, and other disabilities ranging from sports and work-related injuries to arthritis, headaches, postural problems, sciatica and many such conditions.
The osteopath’s role is to alleviate pain and improve the patient’s mobility in order to make life more comfortable. Many patients have also found osteopathy helpful for conditions such as digestive issues, circulatory problems, visual problems sleeping problems, hearing disorders etc.
Osteopathy is quite popular in Canada, USA, Europe and Australia. For all good reasons now we have the first generation of Osteopaths in India. The results of this natural medicine are profound and most of the musculoskeletal conditions are going to get better with a likely much less use of medications.
FAQs
How can it help in treating disc collapseIJ What is the procedure if at allIJ
Misaligned vertebras in the spine create abnormal pressure on the discs and it results in disc bulge which presses the nerve and leads to pain. With Osteopathy we not only find this misalignment but with osteopathy adjustments and manual therapy we try to correct this and this helps the patient. A huge number of patients are now living pain free. Such alignments not only help in treating disc pains but also in spondylosis commonly called as spondylitis and loads of other spinal problems like scoliosis (side curve of the spine), kyphosis (forward bending of spine), spondylolisthesis (slipping of vertebra).
Statistics from India giving details of people suffering from this kind of diseaseIJ Are women more vulnerableIJ
In a research published in Indian journal of Pain in 2016. Overall, the prevalence of low back pain in India is found to be four in every 10 adults. Women are more venerable because of both the anatomical difference and relatively more lack of exercise and care. Neck pain is becoming equally common these days.
Can it be considered as a lifestyle disease as people are now moving towards static life or desk jobs
Absolutely life style is a dominant factor with sedentary life style , lack of proper exercise , poor ergonomic conditions all are fractions in this factor. The 4S always add as fuel in fire for the back and neck problems — Stress, Sitting and Smartphones and Screens (TV/computers )
How young it is getting or is it affecting younger children
In last century, this was very rare to be seen in adolescents but ever since the tablet screens have replaced the playgrounds the muscles which make the spine stay erect are not developing in children and this weakness is responsible to even find many teenagers suffering from disc and spine dysfunctions.
(The writer is Director, Orthocure and Stem Clinics, Dehra dun)