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Alternative
Treatment for Neck Pain; Osteopathy
Author:
Andrew Mitchell
 Instead of looking at each symptom of an illness separately,
osteopathic medicine is a kind of medicine that looks at your entire
body to figure out the best method of treatment. Osteopathic medicine
has become quite popular, especially for people who have problems with
muscle and
joint pain. A lot of
people insist that when you suffer from neck pain, an osteopath is one
of your best resources. It is understandable, however, that if you
haven't ever visited an osteopath, that doing so might feel scary.
Don't worry-you have nothing to be scared of. Here is what you can
expect to experience when you visit an osteopath for neck
pain treatment:
The first part of your visit will be an exam that feels more like a
visit to a "traditional" doctor. You'll most likely give your
complete medical history and also receive a physical examination. In
many cases, your osteopath might order extra tests to help narrow down
exactly why your neck is in pain. You might have an X-Ray taken to
see if there is any physical damage to the vertebrae in your neck, but
don't be surprised if your osteopath pays attention to other parts of
your body as well!
It is important to know that your appointment will involve a lot of
physical contact between you and your osteopath. Osteopathic
treatment is very "hands on."
Your Osteopath might use any of the following methods to treat your
neck pain:
Counterstrain technique: this technique involves moving you into a
position that will help your body restore motion to any of your
muscles that might have been strained or restrained.
Muscle Energy technique: In this technique, your osteopath will
prescribe specific exercises. These exercises will start you in
specific poses and move your muscles in specific ways.
Soft Tissue technique: this technique involves your osteopath putting
pressure on the muscles that are near and around your spine.
Sometimes the pressure is deep, other times it involves traction or
rhythmic stretching.
Thrust technique: Your osteopath will use a high velocity force to
reintroduce movement to your joints and muscles. Thrust is used to
correct any asymmetry in your muscles. This method should also take
care of any restricted movements, tissue changes or muscle tenderness
you might have been experiencing.
Your osteopath might also use a low level laser or acupuncture
techniques to help treat your neck pain.
This might sound very scary but don't worry-most people don't
experience any pain when they visit their osteopath for
neck pain treatment. In fact, most people who visit osteopaths
find their treatments to be relaxing and pleasant!
A number of people often confuse osteopaths with
chiropractors, but it is important to understand that the two
professionals, while seemingly similar, are actually quite different.
Article Source:
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/alternative-treatment-for-neck-pain-osteopathy-632968.html
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, editor of Osteopath Network, writes articles about
osteopathy, back pain, neck pain and
soft tissue injuries. If you are looking for a
London osteopath or for an osteopath
in the UK please visit his website.
Additional Information and
webpage by Paul Susic MA Licensed
Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
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