Osteopathy: Laying The Foundation For Management Of Low Back Pain Among Concreters

Dr Jarryd Crisp-OSTEOPATH | SENIOR OSTEOPATH-Double Bachelor of Health Science/Applied Science (Osteopathy), Bachelor of Health Sciences

Low back pain is a prevalent issue among individuals engaged in physically demanding occupations, such as concreters who perform repetitive and strenuous tasks. These professionals are particularly susceptible to musculoskeletal discomfort due to the nature of their work. Osteopathy, a holistic and non-invasive approach to healthcare, has shown promise in addressing low back pain in concreters by focusing on the body’s natural ability to heal and recover. This blog explores the role of osteopathy in providing relief and improving the quality of life for concreters suffering from low back pain.

Understanding Low Back Pain in Concreters

Concreters are exposed to various risk factors that contribute to the development of low back pain. The repetitive lifting of heavy materials, prolonged bending and twisting motions, and constant vibration from machinery can lead to musculoskeletal imbalances and strain on the lower back. Over time, these factors can result in discomfort, reduced mobility, and decreased overall work performance.

The Osteopathic Approach

Osteopathic practitioners use manual techniques to identify and address musculoskeletal imbalances, aiming to promote the body’s self-healing mechanisms. In the context of concreters with low back pain, osteopathy offers several benefits:

1. Individualized Assessment: Osteopathic practitioners conduct thorough assessments to understand the specific concerns of each concreter. This allows them to identify the root causes of low back pain and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to the individual’s needs.
2. Manual Techniques: Osteopathic treatments often involve gentle manipulations, stretching, and soft tissue techniques. These hands-on approaches can help improve blood circulation, release tension, and restore proper alignment of the spine and surrounding structures.
3. Pain Management: Osteopathy focuses on addressing pain at its source rather than simply masking it with medications. By targeting the underlying issues causing low back pain, osteopathic treatments can provide lasting relief and reduce the need for painkillers.
4. Functional Improvement: Osteopathy aims to enhance the body’s overall function. Through manual adjustments and rehabilitative exercises, concreters can experience improved mobility, flexibility, and strength, which are essential for their physically demanding occupation.
5. Preventive Care: Osteopathy not only treats existing pain but also helps prevent future occurrences. By promoting better posture, body mechanics, and self-care practices, concreters can reduce the risk of recurrent low back pain.

For concreters grappling with low back pain, osteopathy offers a holistic and effective approach to pain management and functional improvement. By addressing the underlying causes of discomfort and promoting the body’s inherent healing abilities, osteopathic treatments can lead to enhanced well-being, increased work productivity, and improved quality of life. Concreters should consider collaborating with skilled osteopathic practitioners to create personalized treatment plans that cater to their unique needs and challenges.

References:

1. Licciardone, J. C., Stoll, S. T., Fulda, K. G., Russo, D. P., Siu, J., Winn, W. R., & Swift, J. (2003). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. The Spine Journal, 3(5), 343-351.
2. Franke, H., Franke, J. D., & Fryer, G. (2014). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 15, 286.
3. Cerritelli, F., Ruffini, N., Lacorte, E., Vanacore, N., & Pizzolorusso, G. (2015). Osteopathic manipulative treatment in obese patients with chronic low back pain: a pilot study. Manual Therapy, 20(1), 91-95.
4. Licciardone, J. C., Brimhall, A. K., King, L. N., & Osteopathic Medicine in Texas Study Group. (2005). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 6, 43.
5. American Osteopathic Association. (2021). Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) for Lower Back Pain.