Eagle-eyed Osteopaths!

Osteopathy is a hands-on approach to diagnosing, treating and preventing musculoskeletal conditions. Because Osteopaths are medically trained, they can recognise when a problem that could seem musculoskeletal is actually a symptom of something that needs referral onto someone like the GP. I’d like to share a few important examples…

Low back pain…

When I see someone with low back pain, particularly if the pain wasn’t caused by something sudden like lifting awkwardly, I always ask questions to rule out a number of things. This includes kidney infection, which needs to be diagnosed and treated quickly to avoid complications.

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Generalised joint pains…

Generalised joint pains can be caused by poor posture or as the result of an exercise routine, but they could also be the symptom of an inflammatory condition that requires referral to a rheumatologist for specialised treatment. There are a vast number of inflammatory conditions, why is why there are specialist teams to treat and manage them. Osteopathy is safe for people who have inflammatory conditions, but it is not an Osteopath’s role to diagnose or treat the condition specifically.

A symptom that isn’t the reason for the visit…

Perhaps the most important example is from my experience. A patient who I had seen in the past arrived for his appointment and was very breathless. When I asked him, he explained it had been getting worse for a couple of weeks and he couldn’t do anything to improve it. I followed my gut instinct and did a cardiovascular assessment. I suspected his breathlessness was caused by a heart problem, despite him not having any chest pain or other common symptoms. I sent him straight to the doctor who diagnosed heart failure and he had a pacemaker fitted that evening. I’m pleased to say he’s recovered amazingly and is now more active than ever! So a routine visit to his Osteopath picked up a symptom he may have continued pushing on with and not got the help he needed.

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These are a few examples of why Osteopaths ask lots of questions about your symptoms, past medical history and your general health, so we can be sure we make the right diagnosis and that you get the best treatment for a speedy recovery.

This also means if someone already has a diagnosed medical condition, but need to see an Osteopath for a musculoskeletal problem or injury, we know exactly how to treat alongside the medical condition safely and effectively.

I feel it’s important to say, please don’t be alarmed at these examples! These are quite rare and the majority of patients I see have musculoskeletal problems that are treated successfully. Just be comforted that Osteopaths have the knowledge and vigilance needed as health practitioners.

Zoë Clark is a registered osteopath trained at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in London.

Practicing in Howe, near Norwich (01508 558373) and Burston, near Diss, Norfolk (07543 557746).

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