Clements Osteopathy

Osteopaths at Clements Osteopathy see patients with many different conditions, two of the more common complaints are discussed below

Rebound headaches

Rebound headaches are the result of taking too many painkillers. Osteopaths frequently see patients presenting with headaches. On taking a history it then emerges that the patient has a chronic painful condition such as arthritis for which they are taking large quantities of pain-killers on a continual basis. However, these headaches are actually caused by the analgesics themselves. One indicator suggestive of a rebound headache is that symptoms are worse in the morning right after waking. This is due to the pain numbing effect of the drug wearing-off overnight. Osteopaths will suggest that patients cut-back on the quantities of drugs they are taking and rather focus on the real cause of their complaint. If, for example, the issue was arthritis there are a number of non-analgesic supplements which can be taken as well as physical relief and exercises.

Sciatica

Sciatica is caused by damage to one or more intervertebral discs which bulge causing compression of the sciatic nerve. This compression sends pain shooting down the leg on one side of the body, even as far as the foot. If, in the worst case, one of the nerve roots is irritated the condition can cause extreme pain, numbness and loss of muscle control. A damaged nerve root can take many weeks or even months to recover and, even then, residual numbness may take as long as a year or more to fully subside. Osteopaths treating sciatica will use very gentle techniques to address the bulging disc without irritating the nerve root. Experienced professionals will try to relieve any pressure on the root of the nerve, however this is an extremely delicate procedure as the treatment may risk exacerbating the underlying problem.