Neck, shoulder and back pain are common conditions that can significantly affect daily functioning
Osteopathy offers an effective and natural approach to relieve these symptoms by addressing not only the symptoms, but more importantly the underlying causes.
Osteopathy views the body as one integrated whole, in which all systems - the musculoskeletal system, organs and nervous system - are closely connected. When the mobility of tissues is restricted, it can disrupt the body's self-healing ability and lead to complaints such as neck and back pain. An osteopath examines and treats these movement restrictions to restore balance to the body.
With neck pain, the osteopath examines not only the neck itself, but also related structures such as the upper back, shoulders, jaw and even the abdominal organs. Tension or loss of movement in these areas can contribute to neck pain. Applying gentle manual techniques restores mobility and improves circulation, contributing to pain reduction and recovery.
Back pain can be caused by various factors, including incorrect posture, overuse or internal tension. The osteopath examines the whole body to identify the cause of back pain, including the pelvis, spine and abdominal organs. By treating the underlying movement restrictions, the natural balance is restored and symptoms may diminish or disappear.
An osteopathic treatment starts with a comprehensive intake, during which your medical history and pattern of complaints are discussed. Next, the osteopath performs a physical examination to identify movement restrictions and tensions in the body. The treatment itself consists of gentle, manual techniques aimed at restoring mobility and stimulating the body's self-healing ability.
Although both osteopaths and chiropractors use manual techniques to treat complaints, they differ in approach. Chiropractic mainly focuses on the spine and uses quick manipulations. Osteopathy, on the other hand, takes a broader approach, examining and treating the whole body with gentle techniques aimed at restoring overall balance and mobility.
Experiences with osteopathy for neck pain: what does the science say?
While personal experience is often guiding, we also value scientific evidence. Fortunately, the number of studies confirming the effectiveness of osteopathy for neck and back pain is growing.
A systematic review published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2018) shows that osteopathic treatments can have a demonstrably positive impact on chronic neck and low back pain. Patients experienced not only a decrease in pain symptoms, but also an increase in mobility and overall quality of life.¹
Additional research published in The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies shows that osteopathic techniques contribute to lowering muscle tension and improving the balance between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system - factors that play an important role in the onset and maintenance of neck pain.²
These findings are in line with what many patients experience in practice: osteopathy offers valuable support in recovery from long-term and recurrent neck pain,
back and shoulders. Of course, each treatment is tailored to the patient's individual situation and needs.
¹ Franke, H., Franke, J. D., & Fryer, G. (2015). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
If so, an osteopath may be able to help you. By focusing on the whole body and looking for the underlying causes of complaints, osteopathy offers a lasting solution to common problems such as neck and back pain.
