Osteopathy: an alternative to NSAIDs

British trained Osteopaths achieve their results without prescribing  medication. Many patients find the physical techniques of Osteopathy are an effective alternative to drug therapy for back pain and other physical strains. The type of  medication most commonly prescribed for conditions such as back pain are Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDs. Examples are aspirin, ibuprofen and voltarol. When tissue is damaged in the body fluid is produced in the area producing swelling called inflamation or oedema. This fluid contains many irritant chemicals and can also create pressure effects both of which cause of pain. NSAIDs  control pain  by accelerating the removal of  oedema. 

Though prescribed in huge quantities NSAIDs have number of unpleasant and dangerous side effects. According to medicinenet.com:

The major side effects of NSAIDs are related to their effects on the stomach and bowels (gastrointestinal system). Some 10%-50% of patients are unable to tolerate NSAID treatment because of side effects, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Approximately 15% of patients on long-term NSAID treatment develop ulceration of the stomach and duodenum. Even though many of these patients with ulcers do not have symptoms and are unaware of their ulcers,

they are at risk of developing serious ulcer complications such as bleeding or perforation of the stomach.

Because of the way they work NSAIDs are only effective if the main cause of  pain is inflammation. Unfortunately in many cases of  back or neck pain and similar syndromes there is little or no evidence of tissues damage or associated oedema. Without excess fluid to remove the NSAIDs will make little difference to pain levels.

The idea of pain without inflammation or tissue damage is medically controversial but easy to demonstrate. If one bends a finger back as to the end of its range of movement and holds it there very soon pain will build up. There is no damage or swelling to the finger, pain arises from high tissue tension and imobility. In back pain and similar strains  tissue tension, immobility and pain result from muscle spasm. This is a useful reflex for short term protection of the body but can becomes persistant and troublesome. In modern life constraints on our physical activity often mean inuries are not remobilised fully and fail to resolve. Osteopathic techniques replicate the beneficial effects of movement on strained areas  an allow mobilisation to occur. As normal movement returns muscle spasm is released, tissue tension reduces and pain eases.

NSAIDs are prescribed to many people with pain of non inflammatory origin who will feel no improvement. Osteopathy provides an alternative type of treatment that has evolved to deal with this sort of pain.