What is it?
Whiplash is injury to the neck often from the result of a quick forward and backward (hyperflexion and extension) neck movement. There may be damage to the soft tissue structures such as muscles, ligaments and nerves.
Signs & symptoms:
Causes:
Whiplash is often the result of motor accidents, physical assaults or contact sports. This injury involves hyperextension of the head and neck, followed by hyperflexion. This force may involve damage to the muscles, ligaments, discs and nerves in the neck.
Treatment:
Osteopathic treatment may help correct the dysfunction of associated structures in the neck. We also prescribe exercises to help strengthen the neck and promote mobility. Osteopathic techniques include soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisation, stretches and manipulation, all of which may assist in the treatment of whiplash. We also provide advice regarding ergonomics and lifestyle activities.
References:
Brukner, P., & Khan, K. (2008). Clinical Sports Medicine (3rd ed.). Mc Graw Hill Australia Pty Ltd
What is it?
Poor posture can often lead to muscle imbalance which is commonly referred to as upper crossed syndrome. Certain muscles at the front of the chest and upper back become weak and certain muscle groups become tight. Ongoing muscle imbalance can lead to a stooped posture. This muscle imbalance can create strain on joints in the neck, upper back and shoulder.
Signs & symptoms:
Causes:
Treatment:
Osteopathic treatment may help correct your posture with the use of hands on techniques and exercises. We will advise you on how to help strengthen muscles that are weak and stretch out muscles that are tight. Osteopaths treat and assess holistically, therefore we will look at secondary compensations that are occurring throughout the body. Joint mobilisation, soft tissue and articulation are a few techniques that we use to treat your condition. We will also provide advice on lifestyle management.
What is it?
Between each vertebra along your spine are spongy discs which are designed to absorb shock, distribute weight evenly to your upper and lower extremity, allow for movement and aid with stability. Each of these discs have a outer layer which is fibrous in nature. The inner layer of a disc contains a jelly like center. Often pressure can cause damage to the outer shell allowing the central contents to push out.
Sometimes when the central contents are pushed out, it may impinge on surrounding structures such are nerves, which can therefore create neurological symptoms such as pins and needles, weakness and pain.
Signs & symptoms:
Causes:
Risk factors may include obesity, poor muscle tone, poor lifting techniques, poor posture and lack of exercise. Wear and tear can be the cause of a disc herniation. As we age the discs in our back become less spongy, micro cracks can occur, allows the central material to travel through. Repetitive movements like bending and lifting can cause disc injuries. Often a sudden increase strain in the back can also be a contributing factor.
Treatment:
Osteopathic treatment may help by relaxing muscle spasms, promote range of movement and decrease pain. We use a combination of soft tissue, joint mobilisation and stretching techniques to treated the condition. Addressing lifestyle factors is very important for the treatment of disc injuries. As Osteopaths, we also provide rehabilitative exercises and stretches, coupled with advice on lifestyle management so that we may also focus on prevention and getting you back to doing things that you love. If the injury is acute, medications may be required to settle down the pain and inflammation we recommend you see your GP or pharmacist for advice. The use of heat is often recommended if the injury is chronic.
What is it?
Facet joints are located at the back of the vertebrae and are responsible to provide some guidance with movement and stability in the spine. On occasion, these joints may become inflamed and cause pain. There are two joints at each spinal segment.
Signs & symptoms:
Causes:
Treatment:
Treatment may incorporate a combination of soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisation and stretching to treat the area. Osteopaths have a holistic approach to treatment, so often we may treat and assess other areas which may contribute to the overall picture. We may also provide lifestyle advice and ergonomic tips to prevent the severity or recurrence of a facet joint irritation. Rehabilitation may also focus on strengthening and mobilising key areas.
What is it?
The sacro iliac joint is where both hips attach to the sacrum (which lies above the tailbone). There are two joints located on either side of the spine. A lot of pressure and stress can be placed along these joints. if there is too much load on the joint or ligaments around this area, irritation of the sacro iliac joint occurs
Signs & symptoms:
Causes:
If too much pressure is placed along these joints, irritation of the sacroiliac joint can occur. Causes include lifting, sitting, twisting of the spine or arching of the back. Pain can occur due to prolonged forces or can be due to repetitive tasks.
Treatment:
A combination of soft tissue therapy, joint mobilisation, trigger point release and stretching may be effective to sacroiliac joint irritation. Core activation and strengthening exercises may also be beneficial. Other treatment modalities include taping and dry needling the involved muscles of the hip. Heat packs may also be beneficial.
References:
