Back Pain? You need Sherlock Holmes!

I’ve recently been discussing some of my clients who’ve presented with problems you wouldn’t normally associate with osteopathy.

But sometimes, it is all about the back. Or is it?

Take this case, for example.

A woman in her early 40s came to me not long ago, complaining about pain between her shoulders, on her right side.

When she woke up in the morning, she was fine. But the pain got steadily worse as the day went on, radiating into her back when she flexed her neck. Weirdly, it was making her feel like she wanted to bend to the right.

I always have a thorough discussion with my clients about their medical history; osteopaths are trained to be alert to things that other clinicians might not register.

When she was 8, she was treated for Hepatitis A. At 14, she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Why would a liver problem cause back pain?

Because the human body is a series of amazing, interconnected bits and pieces which don’t function in isolation. It’s genius.

Hep A causes the liver to swell, which creates tension in the ligaments supporting the liver.

First, I treated my client for sphincter valve dysfunction, and then I found that the right and left triangular ligaments of the liver were causing the pain.

Fortunately, with visceral manipulation techniques, I was able to release the tension.

Now she can stand straight again, and her range of movement is much increased. She tells me her body feels lighter.

So, yes – if you have back problems, call me. I’m an osteopath. It’s what we’re good at.

But sometimes it’s not about the back at all.

The good news is, an osteopath is like a detective. Sometimes the scene of the crime is decades old.

But the body always leaves clues to help us solve the mystery.

I love my job. It’s not always elementary. But it’s deeply satisfying to solve problems for people.

If you want me, you don’t need Inspector Lestrade to find me. Just pick up the phone.

It’s an open and shut case.

Faz Page – Osteopath. Blessed with healing hands.

Find me at The Bell Surgery, Chorlton – 0161 881 2128, or at my clinic in John Street, Manchester on Wednesday and Friday afternoons and Thursday mornings – 0161 010 0016.