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

Tension headaches

The symptoms are easy to recognise - pain behind the eyes and a throbbing head. Although often triggered by stress or emotional events, an important causal factor is often a constriction of the blood supply as a result of the the muscles at the back of the neck and the base of the skull over-contracting. In addition to neck pain, this may frequently be the cause of a headache. In the immediate terms occasional use of analgesics may help as will a cold towel or compress. However, in the longer term, it is recommended that two actions be taken. First, an investigation of the upper neck area which may need to be manipulated or mobilised in order to promote sufficient blood flow. Secondly, it is important to understand the sources of emotional stress and try to deflect it using a variety of techniques such as yoga, meditation or even regular exercise.

Back pain

More than 65% of British men and women will suffer at least one episode of severe back pain during their adult lives. Pain can be caused by a trauma such as an accident or fall or as the result of bad posture, cramped working conditions at a computer or behind a steering wheel or as a result of lifting heavy loads. Frequently the cause is an unexpected event which triggers an underlying disc weakness. The result can be intense pain and, in extreme cases, a complete lack of mobility. Traditional treatment protocols ordinarily resort to drugs and rest. However, the physical therapy professions such as osteopathy can often significantly speed recovery through massage, manipulation and mobilsation of joints.