The spine is made up of 24 vertebrae, (7 in the neck, 12 in the mid back and 5 in the low back). They are separated by discs at each level forming intervertebral joints. These intervertebral joints join together to form the spinal column as shown below.
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in joints. It can occur in one or multiple joints affecting any age.
Arthritis is an umbrella term for several conditions and there are many forms, the two most common being Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. In the UK, more than 10 million people have arthritis or other similar conditions that affect the joints.
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a style of eating where one intermittently enters a period of fasting between meals, whether it be for several hours or even days. This is said to rest the system and bring about numerous health benefits to the individual; weight loss, better sleep and improved concentration to name a few!
You may often hear osteopaths and other manual therapists mentioning the “rotator cuff muscles” when explaining shoulder pain. However patients are often left confused about what this actually means. In a nutshell, a rotator cuff injury is an injury affecting one of the four muscles that act to stabilise and control the shoulder.
Following an injury, an immune response is triggered in the body beginning with the necessary first step of inflammation. Inflammation is characterised by redness, pain, swelling, heat and immobility of the affected area.
Recovering from a C-section usually takes longer than recovering from a vaginal delivery. Most women experience some discomfort for the first few days and it can last several weeks.
Since the digestive system of the new-born baby is immature, it is normal for them to bring up small amounts of milk after a feed, especially in the first few weeks of life. This is normal during times of deliberate burping or whilst moving them into a different position and is more likely to happen when the baby is fed lying down.
The term ‘slipped disc’ almost implies that the vital structures necessary for holding our bodies in an upright position are flimsy enough to just slip back and forth. This couldn’t be further from the truth! So, what exactly do people mean when they refer to a ‘slipped disc’ and can it simply be manipulated back into place?
The main symptom of a migraine is usually an intense headache on one side of the head. The pain is usually a moderate or severe throbbing sensation that gets worse when you move and prevents you from carrying out normal activities.
Other symptoms commonly associated include: nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and sound– which is why many people with a migraine want to rest in a quiet, dark room. Some people also occasionally experience other symptoms, including: sweating, poor concentration, feeling very hot or cold, abdominal pain, diarrhoea.
Although natural, breastfeeding can be difficult for some mothers, who might seek assistance from an osteopath. It is not for us to say whether you should or shouldn’t breastfeed, but if you choose to do so and find the process difficult, we may be able to help!