Seeing an osteopath, has anyone been?

Noragrets on 10/11/2016 - 15:26

Hey guys,

So I've had upper back/shoulder/ neck problems for about 4-5 years now. It's from working in a manufacturing environment a few years ago and has never came right. I've seen multiple doctors who have done scans and said I had bursitis in the shoulder. I had a cortisone injection in my shoulder to fix that but they wouldn't listen to me when I said that wasnt the problem. It's more on my right where my shoulder blade is, up my neck and when it gets really bad i can feel a nerve pinching in my spine somewhere.

Doctors tell me to quit my job, all good to say that but I need money.

Basically I'm over doctors and want someone to help. I'm a bit nervous about a chiropractor as I've heard bad things about them. I don't think a massage will help as its too far gone for that.. has anyone had experiance working with an osteopath? Do they help or is it a waste of money ?

Any good reviews from them?

Thanks!

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • Lukian on 10/11/2016 - 16:15

    Have you had a scan/xray to look at your spine and surrounding nerves? That seems like the first thing to do.

  • Noragrets on 10/11/2016 - 16:22

    I have had x-rays and Ultrasounds. The xray they took of my shoulder was strange. The lady had to call her boss in as my shoulder looked 'different' to most and she didn't know what to do. The ultrasound they found bursitis. That was the same day and they couldn't tell me results but when I went back to my gp she sent me for a cortisone injection and said everything else looked normal. Not sure what the issue was with the xray as they wouldn't tell me and told me to talk to my gp. The ultrasound though they were looking at my shoulder. My pain is more in my back. Went to a different gp who said I had tennis elbow. Again, went for my back but no one is listening. He gave me codine for pain and told me to quit my job.. no one is really looking in the right place so figured I'd try osteopath who specialize in that area and might be able to tell me what the issue is

  • mskeggs on 10/11/2016 - 16:32
    +1

    My osteo was extremely helpful dealing with sciatic pain.
    He was less effective (but not ineffective) with my daughter's bursitis.
    I would happily recommend him, but he is in the Blue Mountains, likely a bit far for you.

    What ended up permanently curing my pain was a change in posture, so I don't know how effective treatment will be if you are causing damage again via work.

    • Noragrets on 10/11/2016 - 17:06

      The job I'm in currently isn't too bad on my back depending on what I'm doing. Most previous jobs though have been. It's only this bad because It hasn't been fixed. I'm going tonight at 7.30 so it'll be interesting what they say.. I'd love for them to be able to help but I'm not going to get my hopes up!

      Can I ask, what do they actually do? I'm reading mixed reviews online and I'm not sure what to expect!
      The lady on the phone said I'll have a 30 min massage and a consultation with the osteopath to figure out a plan. But what do they do for pain apart from massage ?

      Thanks!

      • mskeggs on 10/11/2016 - 18:47

        My osteo poked around my lower back, showed me a model of a spinal column and explained what he thought was going on.
        He said he would like to see me 4 times then reassess whether I was seeing an improvement.
        He had me lie on my back with my knees bent and rotate my legs to the side, he then pressed down on my knees to over extend that stretch and held it for some seconds. Repeated in the reverse direction.
        Then I lay face down and he applied pressure across my back while getting me to rotate from the waist against it.
        Another stretch involved drawing a knee up under me and stretching out the other leg to extend a hamstring.

        Basically, applying gentle pressure to loosen up the regions causing pain. Not unlike what a physio does.
        I found it useful and it resulted in immediate, substantial pain reduction.
        I would be dubious about someone wanting to treat you over an extended period. I think you will either see results in the first few days or not.

        • [Deactivated] on 12/11/2016 - 08:56

          You want to see immediate results with from someone who has no understanding of an issue?

          Equivalent to painting over termites and calling the exterminator dubious for needing several days/weeks.

  • 2jzzzz on 10/11/2016 - 17:09

    Wasted 6 months going to an osteopath weekly. Had one session with a great acupuncturist and my lower back problem was solved.

    • Noragrets on 10/11/2016 - 17:17

      That's what I'm worried about. Don't want to waste money if it won't actually help. That being said the place im going to has acupuncture as well so I might be able to get that done too. I just hope they don't make it worse lol

  • [Deactivated] on 10/11/2016 - 17:17
    +2

    Try a physiotherapist. They're great for chronic posture related pains.

    It may take multiple sessions with a good physician before they can get to the answer, and maybe a few more before any relief is discernible but that's the nature of chronic problems.

    A great way to find a great physiotherapist is find a very old dentist. The longer they work, the worse their back gets. Get his/her recommendation.

    • Noragrets on 10/11/2016 - 17:18

      I've heard mixed reviews with physio. Most people I have spoken to have said it was mostly stretching and they could have done it at home for free. I wouldn't know as I've never been but is that true ?

      • noyesmaybeok on 10/11/2016 - 18:08

        And doing a service on a car is something you could have easily done at home.

        There isn't rocket science behind most things; the question is will you bother to do the research and do it?

        Physio could be good to do one sessions, get the stretches/program, then make sure to actually do them consistently.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/11/2016 - 19:18
        +2

        Physiotherapist is a science and evidence based. That means results are consistent and the process is tries and true. If that process is stretching a postural exercise, so be it.

        I don't know much about osteopaths. I just had a discussion with my colleagues a few weeks ago regarding osteopath scope of practice. None of us has ever heard of them, much less know what they do.

        As for chiropractors…

        • zambuck on 11/11/2016 - 09:16
          +3

          Osteopathy is a label applied to different things depending on which country you're in. In AU it is usually just woo, without science or evidence behind it. http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Osteopathy

        • [Deactivated] on 11/11/2016 - 09:20

          @zambuck:
          No wonder it has never come up on our radar. Thanks for the link

        • ozbjunkie on 12/11/2016 - 04:38

          @tshow:

          Agreed - try a physio, they have training in evidence based practice, whereas osteopaths repeat mantras like "we treat the whole person not the disease".

          Chiropractic is, as others have said, even more rediculous than osteopaths, and have 0 medical evidence.

          Physiotherapy may help with stretching, but also understanding movement patterns, and diagnosing weak, atrophied or imbalanced muscle groups.

          If your injury is work related, it is reasonable to suggest that it is a result of repeated motion. Which leads to muscular issues as described above.

          Good luck with whatever you choose. Please post back here with results.

  • Loki556 on 10/11/2016 - 17:41

    I got a similar issue and haven't found a solution yet, having tried physio, osteo etc.

    Drugs help as well as plenty of rest, I also notice pain gets worse if I overdo it (which comes on pretty quick, unfortunately). I found a using a roller on my neck helps relieve the pain almost instantly, unfortunately it does come back.

  • May4th on 10/11/2016 - 17:50

    what you need is a good GP who listens to your concerns and directs you to the right people. it sounds like you may have a few concomitant problems, and you may well have a back problem with referred pain from nerve impingement. i wouldn't waste money on osteopath or chiros before you find out what the problem is. try to find a GP with special interest in MSK medicine, or one who has a good reputation who takes care of you. avoid busy corporate clinics as they are less likely to take the time to listen to you and figure out your problems. good thing is most doctors are bulk billing so you don't lose out shopping around financially

    • poboy on 10/11/2016 - 18:42
      +1

      GPs rarely if ever understand how to treat muscular skeletal conditions. This is evidenced by the posters story. You will not get help from a GP. If anything, they will refer you to invasive surgery or a physio.

      • mskeggs on 10/11/2016 - 18:48
        +1

        Sadly, i agree.
        The standard response is pain killers until the body fixes itself, with surgery if it becomes chronic.
        I don't think either is a suitable response.

      • May4th on 10/11/2016 - 21:42

        so just like i said, you need a good GP, and know how to find a good one.

  • poboy on 10/11/2016 - 18:39
    +2

    Yes, go to an osteopath. But one that is recommended to you by friends or family. Like all professions, some people suck.

    If you don't see results after 2-3 treatments, leave. I can recommend you one in Melbourne if you wish.

    In general, the longer you've had a condition, the longer it takes to treat.

    Good luck.

  • Loki556 on 10/11/2016 - 19:14

    If anyone can recommend a specialist around Brisbane, I'd give them a try.

    • poboy on 10/11/2016 - 20:15

      Take a look at Shea Trattler.

  • CheapskateQueen on 10/11/2016 - 20:16

    First things first, get a MRI if you haven't had one yet. I've had many injuries unfortunately and xrays and ultrasounds are very very very limited. If there's something amiss it'll show up in a MRI. They are expensive unfortunately but piece of mind is worth everything.

    Secondly, i think it all comes down to the individual osteo/chiro/physio you're seeing as to how effective they are. You really want to get a high recommendation from someone.cos you never know otherwise if you've got a dud and you'll kill time, money and pain until you realise (been there too many times)

    I have a chiro who has been a godsend. I love him. Id marry him. He has been the one to diagnose my issues when drs have just wasted my time and xrays/ultrasounds showed nothing (but mri would have). He can tell just by touch where you're sore and we're you're not. He is my first port of call for anything major now whether it's a muscle/ligament/structural/traditional chiro issue or not.

    But of course you can have shit chiros who fo no more than crack your back.

    I've had good and bad experiences with physio. Sure the stretches part you can do at home but a good physio will work your joints/muscles/ligaments with purpose and target the right areas. You cant do this yourself. There's the physio aspect and then the deep tissue massage aspect. 2 different things. Depending on what you're issue actually is, physio might be necessary. They are necessary.

    However, based on my much experience, you need to learn when to stop going and start focusing on strength building of the area.

    Finally, I've recently tried an osteo. Went somewhere that was recommended to me. He was very good at picking up issues. Broad knowledge and informative which was great. He stuck some needles in me and gave me a brief massage.it was OK i guess. Would consider going back for short term issues but there's no way that kind of treatment would have been effective for my serious back injury.

    TLDR:
    -consider a MRI of your back
    -diagnosis of your issue is paramount to picking the right treatment
    -the individual is more determinative of effective treatment than their field
    -try your best to get recommendation

    • CheapskateQueen on 10/11/2016 - 22:14

      One last thing… you may have a slipped disc that is pinching on your nerve. That could explain the shoulder blade pain, pain to your neck and what you described as a neve pain. I'd def get a MRI or if youre bothered to come down to Sydney,go to my chiro in Parramatta!

    • Noragrets on 10/11/2016 - 22:18
      +1

      Thank you for your reply!

      I don't spend much time at the doctors but how would I go about requesting an MRI?

      I went to the appointment, it was surprising at how much he actually knew. He seen my back and knew instantly what the issue was. Stems from my hips and basically goes all the way to the base of my neck. He didn't want to do to much to me as he said it was really bad and didn't want to basically shock my system but I had a 20 min massage and then he came in and cracked my back and neck. The whole time my hand was tingling and numb but as soon as he cracked it it stopped. He saI'd in between appointments I can come in free of charge and he will Crack my back or give massage if I get sore just so we don't go backwards.

      Quite surprised as I do feel a bit better. He wants to take x-rays as he said I look a bit out of place and there might be underlying issues.

      I'm quite happy with how that went so I'll go back a few more times and see if it helps. If it doesn't help I'll definitely be requesting an MRI as you mentioned. Thanks!

  • Diji1 on 10/11/2016 - 21:23

    So from what you say it appears to me that your doctors are advising you to cease the activity that is causing disabling levels of chronic pain but you're continuing to do the activity.

    The activity is the particular job that you currently have.

    The road you are continuing to go down - that of deluding yourself that you can decide to ignore and "get on with life" which is a lie our socirty tells itself to ignore disability - does not end in a good place for you.

    You need to change the type of work you are doing instead of looking at this in a black and white way because at the moment you are thinking "work or nothing" which is common for people with chronic pain. Something needs to change or your life will not go in a good direction.

    • Noragrets on 10/11/2016 - 22:21

      The doctors are saying that but it's not work that's hurting me. I'm not in a physical role anymore it was from 5 years ago. I'm still on my feet all day but no heavy lifting or back breaking which I have done previously. It's sore now because of my previous jobs and because no one has been able to help so it's just become worse. Basic things like hanging out washing will be painful. If I took a year off work I'd still be in pain so changing careers unfortunately won't help my situation. If it would help then I would quit instantly

  • StuffnStuff on 11/11/2016 - 07:53
    +2

    I got sucked into the Chiro routine a few years ago. I call it a routine as basically they encourage you to come back on a monthly basis after the initial 4-8 week (I want to see you each week)for an adjustment. At $60-70 for what equates to 10mins each time, it soon mounts up. Granted you can get instant relief but it never lasts. After 2 years I started to see a Physio and for the same money you get a full 30-60min session, much better value, you get education, exercises to do and encouragement that they are their to fix you so you don't have to come back. Even when I asked my GP about Chiros he as good as laughed and said there are better alternatives and said he would never sent anyone to a chiro. I heard a similar thing from my radiologist.
    So the best thing I ever did was to dump the Chiro.
    My sister know people who have had chronic pain, walking with sticks and tried Bowen therapy. They swear by it, pain free and have thrown the sticks away….must be something in it. The only thing I'd say it that you probably need to find a therapist that comes highly recommended. I'd be interested to hear from anyone else that has tried Bowen and the results.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/11/2016 - 09:18
    +2

    I had shoulder bursitis for a long time brought on my years of martial arts.
    I had cortisone, physio, massage etc and nothing worked.
    The problem is that you nearly get over it then something else aggravates it and sets you back.
    Eventually I was recommended yoga, so I started 2 years ago.
    It faded away and never came back, along with my sore hips and knees.
    I cannot recommend it enough.
    I was the only guy in the class at first but word got around and now there are about 5 of us, all victims of the effects of long-term pushing to physical extremes!

    • FadeToBlack on 11/11/2016 - 17:07

      Any particular type of yoga?

      • [Deactivated] on 12/11/2016 - 12:58

        I just joined in lessons at my gym until I knew what worked for me.
        Yin yoga is a restorative form which has lots of relaxing into poses and holding them for a while. It enables deep tissue relaxation.
        Vinyasa is a 'flow' style that requires some experience but is great for developing all over strength and flexibility.
        Don't get fixated on the names though-just give it a go.
        Probably avoid anything with the word 'power' in it until you have done a few months practice.
        I watched a well known AFL team reduced to quivering jellies by a power yoga session and some of the MMA guys even struggle with some of the deep poses.

    • ozbjunkie on 12/11/2016 - 04:46

      I would also recommend yoga and or tai chi.

      Something based around slow, gentle mindful movement of the entire body.

      Of course, be mindful of your specific needs and limitations, and be wary of yoga poses that put too much strain on the shoulder and neck (ie downward dog, shoulder stands).

      I recommend anything labelled restorative or Hathaway yoga. You can increase intensity (through another type of yogs) if your body responds positively.

      • [Deactivated] on 12/11/2016 - 12:59

        Hathaway yoga!?
        You are a funny guy.
        Maybe leave it to the experts hey?

        • ozbjunkie on 12/11/2016 - 19:04
          +1

          Hatha yoga. Darn autocorrect.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/11/2016 - 10:33

    What your describing is a chronic issue. You work in an industry where repetitive movement is required.
    First things first, how is your posture? Incorrect posture is going to put additional strain on the body. Particularly around the shoulder region. If your shoulders are rounded forward, you could be activating muscles that are not required which can cause tension and a lot of discomfort. Secondly, if there are any restrictions to your joints, your body will not be able to function at its best.
    My advice, do your own research. Chiropractic and osteopathy are similar - but its worth doing your own research to decide what is best for you. I advise using google scholar versus just a basic google search. Your benefits from physiotherapy will be entirely different to those from a chiro or osteo, again, do your research.
    I have seen a chiropractor all my life. I believe you shouldn't be detered by a few stories you've heard. There are chiropractors that offer low force options and other alternatives. Don't dismiss it until you've personally tried it. You can always go for a consultation to see wether it is right for you.
    Good luck!

  • ELH05 on 11/11/2016 - 11:29

    Speak to you GP about Lyrica medication.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/11/2016 - 12:53

      Seriously??!!

  • bumblebeetuna on 12/11/2016 - 12:17

    Hi goog101 - I have seen an osteo before for shoulder pain, similar to where you describe, and had great success with eliminating it completely. I should say that my own experience, was something that developed relatively quickly over some weeks (subconscious change in posture), after a long 'buildup' of a different posture..

    I agree with many of the comments here. I often don't trust medical professionals, simply because you have many good, and many bad. That includes GPs, dentists, etc. It's hard, and often prohibitively expensive to find the good ones. I'm normally one of those suck-it-up types, that tries to leave it for a while and see if it goes away by itself. Plus i just don't want to pay endless doctor fees. If i feel it's a real issue, i'll seek someone out.

    Ordinarily, i would have placed osteopathy in the 'quack' corner, along with naturopathy. I still sort of do, but that doesn't mean they don't know something, or that they aren't effective. My wife has a long (expensive!) history of visiting these folk, including 'real' doctors, in a long quest that eventually resulted in a positive diagnosis of endometriosis. On her journey, there have been many good and not so good professionals. In addition to a very small number of excellent medical professionals, she now sees one naturopath and one osteopath, both who i've come to respect because of their experience and actual results. It was based on that that i chose to visit her osteopath. It was largely covered by my health insurance, so one visit wasn't going to hurt me. She took one look at me, and told me exactly what i'd been doing wrong for months, and what i'd changed to cause the 'problem'. And she was right. She told me three visits, then reassess, but probably no need to treat further. And she was right. I took her advice and in addition to the musculoskeletal manipulation to relieve the issue, I paid more conscious attention to my posture to avoid the issue, and i haven't had any re-occurrence.

    You could go down the road of seeing more doctors who only want to treat the superficial symptoms with drugs and all that. And you may have to go down an MRI route for a deeper issue anyway. The yoga is a really great idea, as long as it doesn't exasperate the problem - and it really could. Find one you enjoy though, because some styles are crap, i've tried! But if you really feel that they are not helping you, there is no harm in hearing what an osteopath has to say. Just get a recommendation for someone that doesn't play scare tactics and require 10 visits paid upfront or something silly like that.

    I'm in SA, so not sure my recommendations would do you any good. Hope you find some relief soon.

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