Osteopaths at Ottery Osteopathy are happy to help patients with any treatment listed above.

Neck stiffness

Neck stiffness is one of the most common conditions presented to ostoepaths. The most typical presentation is a muscle in spasm which is a reaction by the body to protect a deeper primary cause which may be an indication of a more serious neck complaint. Frequently the cause of the pain is a single violent trauma such as a whiplash or sports injury. More worrying would be an underlying degenerative condition weakening the discs in the spinal column. An osteopath will treat this condition most effectively after the worst of the spasm has passed so that the underlying condition may be effectively diagnosed and addressed. Typically rest and ibuprofen will be recommended in the interim. Once the muscles have relaxed manipulation or mobilisation are likely to be beneficial.

Delayed Development

Delayed development is troubling for parents because it is often noticed over a long period of time as the failure by a child to keep up with the development path of peer children. The symptoms include a lack of coordination, difficulty walking or running or failing to talk, either at all or clearly. Yet noticing an absence is difficult and, of course, the speed at which individuals develop on multiple dimensions will always vary substantially. Nevertheless, once parents or carers become aware of this issue, it is important to look to potential physical causes rather than to assume the child is less bright than others. It is apparent all too often that such kids are suffering from vital nerves at the base of the skull being trapped or pinched. Once the nerves are released the speed of development can be amazing with some children very rapidly catching up to their friends.