A. Yes. The pain comes from irritation
of a nerve as it leaves the spine; you may also feel pins and needles and
numbness in the leg or foot.
Manipulation can relieve this pressure and remove the symptoms.
Q. I am 70. My neck is stiff and I can hear a grating
sound when I turn my neck. My GP says my Xrays show wear and tear and that
nothing can be done. Is this the case?
A. Your GP is right about the wear and tear, but gentle osteopathic treatment to loosen the neck can relieve the stiffness. Even very elderly patients can benefit from osteopathy.
Q. I hurt my low back
when shifting furniture. A friend said that I should lie in bed until the pain
goes. Is this the right thing to do?
A. No definitely.
Research has shown that this advice is harmful to the spine. It is now known
that patients who keep gently mobile during an attack of low back pain recover
more quickly and avoid long term disability. The same research has also shown
that osteopathic manipulation is one of the most effective ways of promoting
full recovery of the spine.
Q. Someone said that
you treat Vertigo. Is this true?
A. Yes! One form of
vertigo called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is due to fine debris,
rather like sand, accumulating in the semi-circular canals of the ear, which typically
causes dizziness when the patient turns
over in bed. Using the “Epley
Maneouvre” a skilled osteopath can banish the vertigo!
Q. I suffer from
headaches. Can osteopthy help?
A. Yes. An osteopath is carefully trained to exclude other
causes of headache (such as hypertension), but many headaches are caused by
neck problems. Osteopathic treatment can improve the function of the neck, and
remove the tension in the neck muscles which are causing the headache.
Q. Can I get my
treatment costs paid for by the NHS or any other agency?
A. All osteopathic treatment is private, but many Health Care
Insurances will cover the cost such as HSA, BUPA and PPP. Bryan McIlwraith is
registered as a specialist with all major Heath Care insurers.