Can an osteopath really solve the upper back/ neck pain which results in tension headache?

Question

I've been visiting a recommended and highly qualified osteopath for the last year in order to get help with re-occurring pain which rises from in between my shoulder blades, into the back of my neck and shoulders, and causes me to experience dull but persistant headaches.

Although the visits to the osteopath do bring some relief, it is only temporary and they haven't solved the problem.
I am now wondering whether there is any point in continuing these visits, as the problem seems to be muscular, probably brought on by some kind of tension, and not of musculo-skeletal nature.

Is there anything else in the field of the 'alternative' medicine that some of you have perhaps found useful when experiencing this, or similar?

Thank you for your time:)

Btw, I do practice Pilates on a regular basis and am on a skinny side.

Thank you all very much for your advice.
I wish you all a happy, healthy and peaceful 2007.

Answer 1

Since you say visits to Chiropractors and Osteopaths fix the problem temporarily, you probably need to look at what you are doing between visits. If your problems are not caused by some sort of neurological or spinal problem, then its very likely that you are doing something to cause the problem, or at least failing to do what's needed to prevent the problem from reoccurring. It sounds a lot like you could have a habit of craning your neck, hunching your back, or maybe sleeping in an awkward position. These types of things can be turned around by removing the cause and getting things back on track by stretching. If the pain is caused by spasms, you might find some relief by taking a magnesium supplement several time per day. I found this website to be helpful:
http://www.drbookspan.com/NeckPainArticle.html

Answer 2

I go to a chiropractor when I have back problems, though mine do not result in headaches. They are not the same as osteopaths even though some people claim they are.

There must be something in what he is doing if there is some post treatment relief...so maybe another practitioner might be the answer?

Good luck, hope you get better soon.

Answer 3

Check here a very effective Sciatica Natural Treatment ( http://cure-sciatica.info )
Normally, I would not answer a question like this as my expertise is generally in medication but I had severe sciatica while I was pregnant with my 3rd child (after having had twins) and I had sciatica so bad that I was finding it difficult to walk. I tried massage therapy and physical therapy and could not take medication
I went to the chiropractor and the pain was instantly relieved. My hips and lower back were out of alignment because I had carried twins the year before. On occasion a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) can also work but they usually only work on one joint at a time - the chiropractor will do your whole back which works faster. Anyone who does not believe in chiropractors will tell you they are quacks - don't listen.
I don't necessarily believe that chiropractors can cure things like diabetes but they can definitely relieve some types of back pain especially if a pinched nerve is involved which is usually the cause of sciatica.

Answer 4

I agree that you may be better of with a Chiropracter, my Father-In-Laws girlfriend had similar symptoms to the ones you describe. She saw a chiropracter who firstly did some x rays, these showed that she had a bi directional curvature of the spine which was causing her first vertabra to press on nerves. The techniques used by Chiropracters are different to an osteopath, so I would at least have a consultation. He has cured her!!

Answer 5

osteopaths can solve some problems but not all . the tension headaches could be any number of things.could be food related or evn might be worth seeing a physiotherapist as they can give excercises tyo help with recurring aches. i would use a few different solutions as one may not do it on its own.

Answer 6

I HAD A PROBLEM THAT SOUNDS SIMILAR TO YOURS AND MY OSTEOPATH INJECTED ME WITH CORTISONE..........3 YEARS PAIN FREE

Answer 7

Try a Chiropractor. I have similar problems.