Chronic Pain

Persistent and prolonged pain can cause changes to occur within the central nervous system (CNS) creating a ‘central sensitization,’ amplifying pain and creating a state of ‘hyperalgesia.’ The brain reorganizes anatomically and metabolically by lowering neve pain thresholds, recruiting other neurons and wiring faster, stronger pain pathways. This process is known as ‘windup,’ which means that the pain pathway fires easily in response to all types of stimuli painful or not (but interpreted by the brain as painful). The level of perceived pain also becomes greater than what would be expected and persists even after the original injury has healed.

Osteopathy is extremely well suited to help people in chronic pain. Our way of treating is gentle—we follow rather than force the body as it releases restrictions. This is important because we’re not stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and putting the body ‘on guard.’ If you are experiencing chronic pain, the treatment should not be painful. If central sensitisation has occurred, Craniosacral Therapy (see: Craniosacral Therapy) is one of the most efficient, hands-on, non-invasive treatments available because of its effect on the nervous system.

“ I had been in chronic pain from a head trauma and whiplash a number of years ago and was unable to find relief. My treatments with my osteopathic practitioner have made a dramatic difference! The intensity of the pain is greatly reduced and I feel like ….. I have my life back again.”

-Patti L.

Coping with chronic pain is stressful. The pain and accompanying emotions can trigger the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis, causing elevated cortisol levels to be released from the adrenal glands, and a prolonged sympathetic nervous system ‘fight or flight’ response. You can eventually become exhausted, experience insomnia, muscle tension, guarding and fear of movement—all exacerbating the pain.

Osteopathic treatment targets the central nervous system and calms and rebalances the autonomic nervous system.

The goal is to desensitise the nervous system and dampen amplification of pain pathways using Craniosacral Therapy, OMT and Visceral Manipulation (see: Our Services). All these techniques support each other and open doorways to access and influence the nervous system.

Craniosacral Therapy has a calming effect on the nervous system. It can improve the circulation and physiological environment around neurological centers in your brain to help them function optimally. This is accomplished by freeing cranial bone restrictions and the connective tissue structures of the head (the ‘dura’ or the ‘meninges’) that surround and support the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid flows between the layers of the neuro-meninges. It is essential that cerebrospinal fluid flow not be impaired. It bathes the neurons and the glial cells with nutrients and hormones to promote healing at an intercellular level.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) of the Autonomic Nervous System.

The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Each system is dominant under certain conditions. The sympathetic system is stimulated by pain and stress and intensifies organ reactions whereas the parasympathetic system predominates during quiet, restful conditions and allows regeneration and healing to occur. Osteopathic treatment can help facilitate a parasympathetic “rest and digest” response. We achieve this by freeing up spinal restrictions, the body’s diaphragms, the suboccipital area at the very top of your neck (just below the occiput) and the sacrum (see: Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).

Visceral Manipulation and the Vagus Nerve 

The Vagus nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system. It is one of the largest nerves in the body, considered both a cranial nerve and a peripheral nerve. It exits the cranium through the jugular foramen and travels down the neck into your chest and abdomen, innervating the entire digestive system. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) releases restrictions in the cranial base and upper neck to free the path of the vagus nerve and reduce any compression that could affect the signals going to the organs. Visceral manipulation can improve organ function and digestion. This normalises any signals a distressed organ may be sending back to the spinal cord, allowing a parasympathetic response. (see: Visceral Manipulation).

“I have been experiencing pain in my lower back, neck, arms and legs for a couple of years and the pain was restricting my movement and my ability to exercise. My practitioner was able to link the issues together and resolve each in turn. I continue to have maintenance sessions as and when I need them.”

-Martyn R.