Wednesday, August 5, 2009

What complementary therapies for back pain are available on the NHS?


Answer:
having spent about 18 months with severe sciatica i can sympathise.
been to various exerceise and physio classes (nhs run) which helped as well as pills potions etc etc..
I have to say that gentle stretches and light exercise was indeed the best thing for it
You can get acupuncture.
Other than Physiotherapy - none officially available yet on the NHS But may be available if your GP or rehab nurse is also a fully qualified complimentary therapist (or actually offers an alternative therapy).Those already qualified GP or Nurses may charge a nominal fee for the complimentary alternative therapy.Your options would be to seek out one who practices either:
Aromatherapy
Massage Therapist
Acupuncture
Accupressure + (Chinese Medicine)
Bowen Technique
Reflexology
I think you have to ask your GP. depends what kind of alternative treatments are available in your borough %26 your GP has to refer you.
If you can find an osteopath with a medical degree it might be possible.
I do not know anything about NHS, but acupressure works great. Acupuncture works best. You havent mentioned what kind of back pain you have.
If you could be specific I may be able to help you with the type of treatment you can use.
I don't know what NHS stands for but I had chronic back pain and I bought a 'flex cell' from Advanced Tachyon Technologies and now I don't have any back pain anymore. Also Reiki is a good therapy too and can help bring balance to the area
A lot of surgeries are now offering acupuncture. However, have you tried a good back massage as often the pain can be caused by muscles that have spasmed and become very tight. I have had people walk in in agony and go away being able to move again. Try heat (wheat bags or those patches you can buy) and an anti-inflammatory drug sometimes helps (some anti-inflam gels are available over the counter at the chemist now). Good luck!!
The NHS is becoming more accepting of a whole range of therapies. Most hospitals and GP surgeries now have complementary therapists working with them.As far a back pain is concerned you can probably access massage therapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture and accupressure. The best treatment for you will depend on the reason for the pain, whether it is a skeletal problem and what other tissues are involved. If, for example, you are suffering from low back pain, you could have sciatic nerve involvement which would show as pain radiating down the buttocks and leg on the affected side. This condition is very common and responds well to Piriformis muscle release techniques. The release allows the sacro-iliac joint to move again (the normal cause for the condition being a locked joint).If you cannot find any practitioners in your area who work within the NHS, try contacting the governing body for the therapy you choose. They should be able to help you.
It depends where you live and who your employers are! My doctor has organised a few things for me. e.g.physio, hydrotherapy, accupuncture and accupressure. I work for the local council as a home carer and they organise aromatherapy neck back and shoulder massage and also reflexology. Your local health trust should be able to give you all the info you need. Good luck.
Well....down at the YMCA there is a fella who can give a damn good back rub. Course...I'm a little leary of the guy. Seems to like it as much as all the rest of the fellas.

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