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Can Osteopathic treatment for Sciatica make this nerve pain go away?

Can an osteopath help with Sciatica?

 

In one word: yes. Osteopathy treatment for Sciatica can help to ease this debilitating nerve pain and prevent any future attacks by addressing the root cause/s of the problem. 

In fact, according the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, the use of manual therapy (like Osteopathic spinal manipulation, mobilisation or soft tissue techniques such as massage) and exercise are two of the ‘most effective’ non-invasive and non-pharmacological interventions for managing Sciatica. 

But before I dive deeper into how and why Osteopathy can help offer some much-needed relief from Sciatica, let’s explain what this nerve pain is, the symptoms you might experience and the causes of this common condition, which is believed to affect approximately 40% of people at some time in their lives. 

 

What is Sciatica?

If you’ve ever suffered the ill fate of Sciatica, you’ll know how excruciating this nerve pain can be. 

Put simply, Sciatica is a disturbance or compression of the sciatic nerve — which is the longest nerve in the human body. 

Beginning at the lower spinal region, your sciatic nerve travels through the buttocks and down both legs to the feet. At its thickest point, it reaches 2cm in diameter.

 

What causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. 

This compression is most commonly due to a bulging spinal disc in the lower spine which can happen over time when their hard, fibrous outer structure can develop tiny tears, usually as a result of overload or poor posture. This often results in a spinal disc’s inner soft core to protrude, which can impinge on the surrounding tissues, including the sciatic nerve. 

Degenerative spinal arthritis can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve and the same goes for lumbar spinal stenosis, which is when the tunnels in the spinal canal narrow. 

Additionally, pelvic or lumbar muscular spasms may impinge a lumbar or sacral nerve root causing sciatic symptoms. 

 

The common symptoms of Sciatica

There are a few common symptoms of Sciatica to watch out for. This includes:

  • Shooting, burning or stabbing pains along the sciatic nerve, especially in the buttock(s), hips and lower back. This pain can also radiate in your groin, feet and/or toes, back of the thighs and down the legs
  • Pins and needles in the legs and/or feet
  • Numbness and weakness in the affected areas 

All of the above can be exacerbated by lumbar spine flexion, twisting, coughing, prolonged sitting, walking or heavy lifting. 

 

So, how do you make Sciatica go away?

The good news is that most cases of Sciatica resolve in less than four to six weeks with no long-term complications. 

However this will depend on the patient’s age, lifestyle, medical history and whether or not you stick to any medical advice given. 

Some often find relief from Sciatica by:

  • Using ice hydrotherapy to decrease inflammation and help with comfort levels 
  • Engaging in exercises to increase core strength and/or regular low-impact exercises, like walking or swimming 
  • Avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing
  • Maintaining good posture 
  • Gently stretch the lumbar spine and hamstrings
  • Using proper lifting techniques

Some Sciatica sufferers also turn to the use of pain killers. 

However, as an Osteopath and qualified Naturopath, instead of masking the problem I prefer to help patients get to the root cause and find relief from Sciatica with a range of non-invasive and evidence-backed Osteopathic treatments. Doing so helps to minimise the chances of your symptoms recurring.

 

Evidence-backed Osteopath treatment for Sciatica

As I touched on earlier, when it comes to managing Sciatica, NICE recommends the use of manual therapy and exercise as a way of improving symptoms. 

This comes after various studies, including this 2023 review, found that there is “high-level scientific evidence” to support the use of Osteopathy for Sciatica. 

Therefore, as a trained Osteopath with 30 years of experience, there are a number of safe, gentle and effective (Osteopathic) treatments I can draw upon. This includes:

  • Spinal manipulation
  • Stretching 
  • Massage
  • Articulation
  • Western Medical Acupuncture
  • Low Level Laser Therapy

All of the above can help increase the mobility of joints, relieve sciatic nerve compression, reduce pain, enhance the blood supply to tissues and help the body to heal.

I can also provide you with tailored stretches and exercises that can help ‘release’ the trapped nerve and help restore your range of motion.

If you have used my Osteopath services before, you’ll know that I also frequently combine Osteopathy with one or more other therapies, such as Western acupuncture, when seeking the best treatment outcome for a patient. 

And when it comes to getting rid of Sciatica pain, acupuncture is another allied therapy I can use at my disposal as research has found that this form of alternative medicine “may be effective in treating the pain associated with Sciatica”.

 

Getting relief from Sciatica

If you’re suffering with Sciatica pain, don’t suffer in silence. As is the case with most things, the longer you leave it, the worse it can get. 

To prevent this from happening, give the North London Osteopathy clinic a call on 020 8815 0979 or book a treatment here. 

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Osteopathy treatment for back pain

How Osteopathy Works for Back Pain Relief

Back pain is what often brings people to my North London Osteopathy clinic — and it comes as no surprise. 

According to the NHS*, 8 out of 10 people will experience an episode of back pain at some point in their life. And worldwide, the World Health Organisation states** lower back pain is estimated to reach 843 million cases by 2050. 

Ageing is one of the main reasons cited for back pain. But as an Osteopath who treats the person not just the problem they present with, I know all too well that there can be various factors at play. 

Therefore, when it comes to Osteopathy treatment for back pain, no one size fits all.

The many causes of back pain

Made up of 24 vertebrae, plus the sacrum and coccyx, I like to think of our spines as scaffolding for our entire body. It holds us up, enables flexible movement and protects our nervous system. 

But along with literally being the backbone of our anatomy, our spines are also one of the body’s most complex structures. And pain in your back can be felt anywhere along the spine, from the neck to your lower back and beyond. 

Poor posture, too much time spent sitting and medical conditions like sciatica (a trapped nerve) or ankylosing spondylitis** can cause back pain. The same goes for muscle strain and osteoarthritis. 

But back pain can also be influenced by lifestyle factors such as stress, excess weight and core weakness. And it’s these underlying problems that can make diagnosis more challenging. 

Thus, when referring to an Osteopath’s treatment for back pain, I prefer to take an integrated approach. 

 

Back pain relief with osteopathy

In conjunction with 30 years of experience, a sizable part of my Osteopathic training is to detect any underlying factors a patient could present with to get to the root cause of the issue. This can help to prevent recurrences and work towards improving a patient’s overall health. 

Every Osteopath works differently and has a different vision. But personally speaking, I believe the mind-body is one. Therefore, as an Osteopath and qualified Naturopath, I have a range of non-invasive evidence-backed Osteopathic treatments to use at my disposal. This includes the likes of: 

  • Soft tissue techniques – to reduce tension in your back and relieve your pain.
  • Articulation – where I will move your joints through their natural range of motion. 
  • Stretching – to help relieve stiffness.
  • Manipulation –  to increase the mobility of the joints and relieve tension.

Osteopathy Proven to Improve Chronic Back Pain and Function

According to a 2021 meta-analysis, which was published in the Complementary Therapies in Medicine, researchers found that osteopathic interventions (like the above) can be “effective in pain levels and functional status improvements in non-specific chronic low back pain patients”.

Combining Osteopathy with Allied Therapies for Better Results

Over the decades, I have learnt first-hand that the more areas I studied, qualified in, and ultimately practised on a personal level, the better I could treat my patients. Therefore, to offer a Osteopathy treatment as bespoke as the patients who come through my clinic doors, I also have a range of allied therapies to draw upon. This includes: 

  • Level laser therapy (LLLT) – LLLT uses low power or ‘soft’ laser light to alter cellular function, improve outcomes and speed up your body’s natural healing process safely and effectively. It’s been proven to be effective in the use of acute and chronic back pain. 
  • Western Acupuncture – this can help with pain relief including musculoskeletal pain, like back pain. 
  • Naturopathy – this complementary treatment is based on the age-old philosophy that the human body has the innate ability to heal itself through nature. As a Naturopath, my role is to rid your body of the toxins and underlying issues that may harm its capacity to perform this function. According to a published trial, Naturopathic care can provide ‘significantly greater improvement’ than physiotherapy advice for patients with chronic low back pain.
  • Autogenic training – this is a potent relaxation therapy which has powerful applications in restoring, healing and developing the body and mind. As published in the National Institutes of Health, relaxation techniques such as autogenic training are often recommended to help relieve low back pain and improve flexibility. 

Preventing Back Pain: What You Can Do?

Not all back pain is avoidable. However, in some cases of non-specific back pain, there are some basic tips you can do to look after the health of your spine. For example, you might try out some tips for improving your posture, like getting your work set up right, investing in a good mattress and considering active and dynamic sitting. 

Exercising regularly can also help keep back pain at bay. The same goes for using the correct lifting techniques, stretching and maintaining a healthy weight. 

Relaxation techniques can also help, as chronic back pain can be both physically and emotionally straining. 

 

If you are suffering with back pain then Osteopathy may be the answer.
To find out more, book an appointment, or get in touch.

 

*https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/self-care/back/

*https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain

**https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/

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Lifting the lid on chronic pain

Osteopathy for Chronic Pain Relief

Whether it’s back pain, knee and/or hip pain, migraines, sciatica, or shoulder struggles, pain is what often brings patients to my Osteopathy clinic in North London. 

It’s not surprising really, given that The British Pain Society estimates* that almost 10 million Britons suffer pain almost daily, resulting in a major impact on their quality of life and more days off work. 

While the number of people suffering from chronic pain — a widely used term given to pain in your body that has lasted more than 12 weeks — is set to saw from 5.3 million in 2019 to 7.2 million by 2040, according to projections by The Health Foundation**.

But that’s why, as an Osteopath who is committed to helping my patients achieve physical and emotional wellbeing, I am always keeping up to date with the latest research into pain management and staying informed about new and approved approaches to pain recovery. 

Tackling Chronic Pain at Its Root

Just this month I attended the online conference, Chronic Conditions: Beyond the Pain, which was organised by the Stress Illness Recovery Practitioners Association (SIRPA™). 

Founded by Georgie Oldfield, who is a Physiotherapist and Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, SIRPA aims to help people who suffer from persistent pain and for whom conventional medicine has failed to find an answer.  

The world-renowned association has a mission to engage health professionals and train them in chronic pain recovery to help shift their patients from living with pain to living without it.

SIRPA’s treatment approach focuses on four main areas including: Education, Emotions, Behaviour and Lifestyle. All of these play a significant role in enabling individuals to become more stress resilient, emotionally aware and able to live a healthier, active life moving forwards.

 

Chronic conditions, beyond pain

In times gone by, SIRPA’s conferences have focused solely on chronic pain. But due to the numerous other neuroplastic symptoms and conditions seen by practitioners, SIRPA decided to broaden the scope of the presentation to other other chronic conditions, beyond pain.

For example, there was a presentation about the latest neuroscience with Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Sarah Hadfield and Penny George, who is the founder and co-director of Living Proof, talked about their ‘discoveries’ of the mind-body medicine approach and how this has transformed both their lives, and Dr. David Clarke explained how stress can cause pain in the gastrointestinal tract that can be approached like pain anywhere else. 

Long Covid was another topic of discussion after Dr. Paul Garner revealed how mainstream psychophysiologic knowledge and practice into primary care can help those suffering with persistent somatic symptoms.

 

Dealing with chronic pain

As reiterated by the conference. Chronic pain can manifest in various forms and guises. And it can last for months and, in some cases, years. 

It can often start after suffering from an initial injury such as back spasm or ankle sprain and then continue from there. However a lot of the time the pain can be unexplained. 

Of course, there are many ways to deal with pain and more often than not, when we seek help from a health care professional about chronic pain, we expect a quick fix like in the form of a painkiller, like an ibuprofen or paracetamol.

Osteopathy and Natural Therapies for Chronic Pain Relief

But as an Osteopath and Naturopath, in my clinic I believe in treating the person as a whole and not just the symptom they present with. This ‘body-mind detective’ role, which involves systematically locating and treating the root cause of often very complex problems, has helped me aid patients who have been suffering with chronic pain over long periods of time.

Whether this is through the use of Osteopathy, which  involves the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a variety of muscle, joint and skeletal conditions, Western Acupuncture, which is a practice which sees fine needles target trigger points associated with certain ailments to help with pain relief or Low Level Laser Therapy, which is a ‘cold’ laser light therapy which can be used on problem areas to speed up the body’s natural healing process.

Of course there are chronic illnesses where medication is both appropriate and important. But according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), this shouldn’t always be the case.

 

If you are suffering from pain or discomfort and you would like further information on how I may help, please feel free to send me a message or call me on 020 8815 0979. To book a treatment, click here. 

*https://www.britishpainsociety.org/media-resources/

**https://www.health.org.uk/reports-and-analysis/reports/health-in-2040-projected-patterns-of-illness-in-england

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How to perfect your posture: 7 points to consider every day

7 Everyday Tips to Help You Improve Your Posture

We’re all guilty of it. Whether it’s at home, at work or at play, our posture is something that unfortunately gets overlooked time and again.

In 2020, we saw the rise of make-shift desks thanks to the ‘work from home’ orders imposed across the nation. And it’s a trend that’s not going away anytime soon, with current stats* suggesting that staff in Britain now average 1.8 days a week of remote working, which is above global average of 1.3 

We also saw a steady increase in the amount of time we spent on our sofas — all of which can have detrimental impacts on our posture. Fast forward to now and we’re still paying the price. 

Aches, pains and referred pain can all be a result of poor posture. I’ve had patients suffer from repetitive strain injury (RSI), headaches, migraines and even neck and shoulder ailments. And, most of the time, it’s because of posture problems. But that’s not to say you can’t correct these. All it takes is some awareness.

Top tips for improving your posture

1. Be aware of tech neck

Otherwise known as the 21st century curse of resting your chin on your chest while using your phone. We’re not suggesting you ditch your smartphone (although less screen time is something we could all do with).

But while you use your phone, ensure your lower back is properly supported, sit up straight when you’re tapping away on the sofa  and keep your chin up while you text.

2. Get your work set up right

Neck pain is widely associated with badly positioned screens and looking down rather than straight ahead. According to The Institute of Osteopathy, tight neck and upper back muscles, stiff joints, and trapped nerves are common effects of spending too long hunched over screens.  If left untreated, this can cause splintering pains through the shoulders and hands.

So, if you’re working from home or in an office:

  • Set the computer screen so that’s it at eye level
  • Keep your feet flat on the floor and try not to cross your legs.
  • Consider a wrist rest to keep your wrists straight and at the same level as your keyboard.
  • Use a headset if you use the phone a lot, rather than clamping the phone between your ear and shoulder.
  • Do some simple neck exercise through the day

3. Invest in a good mattress

It’s been calculated that, on average, we sleep for a third of our lives (hopefully). So it’s worth doing your research to hunt out a great mattress.

I’d suggest investing in a supportive mattress and a divan bed  – slats do not support your mattress let alone your back.

Ideally, the divan should not incorporate storage boxes as these lessen its effectiveness.

4. Sofa time? Sit up straight

Think about the shape that your spine is in as you are sitting and adjust your position accordingly.

Keep your back straight and your head held high. This will put your spine into a ‘neutral’ position that doesn’t strain it.

You may find it helps to sit in a chair that gives you better support for your spine rather than a settee. Also, sit with your feet flat on the floor and the whole of your body facing forwards, from nose to toes.

5. Take a break

Sitting at your desk is all well and good for getting your to-do list ticked off. However, your body is not designed to sit in one position for long periods.

Give it a rest by standing up and walking around for a few minutes, at least once an hour. Maybe get yourself a glass of water? That way when you come back to your desk you can reset your posture.

6. Reconsider shoulder/messenger bags

They might look fashionable but carrying heavy loads in shoulder and/or messenger bags can cause an imbalance of weight on your spine. If you lug around weighty items, like laptops and books, as a minimum, opt for a comfortable rucksack and be sure to use both shoulder straps. But ideally, do consider a rucksack with wheels

7. Consider active or dynamic sitting

If you spend most of your day at a desk, I’ve written before about the benefits of Active or Dynamic Sitting.

This is where your seating allows or encourages you to move, increases your stability and strengthens your core abdominal muscles. It’s a win win.

There are lots of options on the market including the ‘Swopper Chair’, which I use myself. Robin says.

More tips on posture here...

Ready to Improve Your Posture?

Start making small changes today and feel the difference in your posture, comfort, and confidence—your body will thank you

If you are suffering pain or discomfort and you would like further information on how Osteopath Robin Kiashek may be able to help you, or you would like to book an Osteopathy appointment get in touch.

*https://siepr.stanford.edu/publications/essay/working-home-2025-five-key-facts

 

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What would an Osteopath treat?

Common Conditions Treated by Osteopaths

Osteopaths are widely known for treating back pain. However Osteopaths can treat well beyond the spine. 

From frozen shoulder and Fibromyalgia to headaches and muscle spasms—as an Osteopath, I use a variety of manual techniques, manipulation and allied therapies (like lower level laser therapy and Western Acupuncture) to improve circulation, reduce pain, and enhance the body’s natural healing processes. 

That said, Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare and Osteopaths treat the person as well as the presenting symptoms. Therefore, I wouldn’t just look at the physical symptoms a patient is presenting with. A big part of my Osteopathic training is to identify any underlying factors to get to the root cause of the problem, which can sometimes be multifactorial—physical, emotional and nutritional. Doing so may help prevent recurrences and work towards improving a patient’s overall health. 

 

Health conditions an Osteopath can help with

 

As confirmed by the Advertising Standards Authority, Osteopaths can help with a range of health disorders like:

  • Arthritic pain
  • Back pain
  • Circulatory problems
  • Cramp
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Frozen shoulder/ shoulder and elbow pain/ tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck, but not isolated occurrences)
  • Headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic)
  • Joint pains
  • Joint pains including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis as an adjunct to core OA treatments and exercise
  • General, acute & chronic backache, back pain (not arising from injury or accident)
  • Generalised aches and pains
  • Minor sports injuries
  • Muscle spasms
  • Neuralgia – referred acute pain caused by irritation of a nerve
  • Tension and inability to relax
  • Rheumatic pain
  • Sciatica – presents usually with pain down one or both legs
  • Uncomplicated mechanical neck pain (as opposed to neck pain following injury i.e. whiplash).

But perhaps it’s lesser known that Osteopathy and allied therapies can also help with: 

Beyond Pain: How Osteopathy Can Help

But perhaps it’s lesser known that Osteopathy and allied therapies can also help with: 

1. Migraine prevention

Believed to affect 6 million people in the UK*, Migraines can be a headache in every sense of the word. The complex neurological condition might begin with a painful headache preceded or accompanied by disturbed vision or aura—but migraines can affect the whole body. 

Someone suffering with a migraine might see flashing lights and/or zig zag patterns. While others may also experience pins and needles, numb limbs and difficulty in speaking. Sufferers can also encounter dizziness, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound and smells. 

Medication is one method some turn to, to help control the pain, severity and frequency of attacks. However, as a Naturopath, I try to help my patients achieve emotional and physical wellbeing through natural methods and treatments, allowing their bodies to fight and prevent disease, minimising the need for surgery or drugs.

For example, Osteopathic techniques can help relieve migraine symptoms, whilst understanding and addressing the underlying, sometimes multifactorial, factors involved. While a 2020 systematic review, confirms that complementary therapies, such as Western medical acupuncture (which is also known as dry needling), “is an effective and safe method for migraines”.

 

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Differing to Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes stiffness and pain because of inflammation in the joints.

According to the NHS, GPs usually treat RA with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). However there is a growing body of evidence that suggests natural approaches, like exercise, nutrition and Osteopathy—though the use of soft tissue massage—can be useful for pain management. 

And, as researchers confirmed in the 2022 edition of the Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine journal, acupuncture can be a ‘beneficial’ non-pharmacological option, too. “Available evidence suggests that acupuncture is beneficial for relieving pain and ameliorating quality of life and health index in patients with RA,” researchers stated. “Thereby, it should be available as an adjunctive nonpharmacological treatment in rehabilitation programmes.”

Osteopathy for More Than Just Back Pain

While osteopathy is often associated with back pain, its scope extends far beyond musculoskeletal issues. Osteopaths can support patients with a variety of conditions including joint pain, headaches, digestive discomfort, and even stress-related tension. By taking a whole-body approach, Robin Kiashek considers not just physical symptoms but also lifestyle, posture, and emotional wellbeing. This allows for a more comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

Get in touch

If you are suffering with any aches or pains don’t suffer in silence. Schedule a consultation either online, via phone or by sending an email. Osteopath and Naturopath Robin Kiashek holds clinics on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

*https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/

**https://gutscharity.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DigestingTheFactsReport.pdf

***https://www.nlg.nhs.uk/resources/gastrointestinal-conditions/

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How to look after your back whatever your age

How do you keep your back healthy?

This week marks Back Care Awareness Week.  As an Osteopath with 25 years’ experience, Robin Kiashek says: “It’s often back issues that first prompt people to approach me”

In fact, according to the NHS, 70 percent of us will suffer with back pain at some point in our lives.  So, Robin has pulled together some quick top tips for protecting our backs throughout our adult life.

Back care under 30

Robin says: “I’m full of admiration for the invincible attitude of youth, whether it’s leaping out of bed and straight out for a run or feeling fully refreshed after just a few hours sleep on a friend’s sofa. But these habits are far from back friendly.”

Robin’s advice is to focus on the basics at this time of life:

  • Invest in the best bed you can afford.  Bear in mind that, from a support point of view, a divan rather than slat base will do a better job and potentially give your mattress a longer life.
  • It’s worth shopping around for a pillow that fits snugly into your neck and shoulders and supports your head.  On which note, many of us sleep with two pillows but one could well be better for you.  The aim is to lift your head slightly to keep your neck and back in alignment.
  • Stretching daily as a stand-alone activity can boost muscle and joint health, decrease the risk of day-to-day injury by improving flexibility, reduce tension and improve posture.

“I know that young people live busy lives but now is the time to lay those foundations for future back health and a few small adjustments to life now could pay dividends in the future,” Robin added.

Tips for back care under 50

Man with backache working from home

“The years between 30 and 50 can be tough on the back,” says Robin.

“Children may have come onto the scene and, in addition to endless joy of course, they bring lifting, carrying and general strain for the back.  There’s the child itself, but also all the paraphernalia – car seats, buggies to be collapsed and opened (while also holding a child) and the list goes on.

“This can also be the period of life when people are stuck by a sudden urge for fitness.”

So, Robin has a few words of wisdom around lifting generally and exercising:

 

  • An oldie but goodie – bend from the knees! If you’re lifting, then let your legs take some of the strain.
  • Keep it close – it’s easier and less strain on the back to lift things if you bring them closer to your body.
  • Avoid the hip pop – mainly one for parents but if you find you’re regularly balance a child on your hip then do try to alternate.
  • Baby steps – nothing to do with babies, this one refers to starting a new exercise or fitness regime. Enthusiasm and a desire for results can see people trying to run before they can walk when it comes to exercise.  But a slow progression gives your joints and muscles time to adjust to the new moves you’re asking of them.  And is less likely to see you injured and back on the couch!

Looking after your back at 50 plus

We all know the benefits of keeping active, eating well and maintaining a healthy weight.  But Robin has a few extra tips for those in their 50s when it comes to looking after your backs.

  • Remember the core. Strong core muscles help maintain your balance and can prevent unwanted strains or sprains. They can also significantly reduce your risk of back pain.
  • Incorporate some weight bearing exercises into your routine. These help with good bone density, which is essential for resistance to breaks and fractures. Everyone loses bone density as we get older, but this is particularly key for women due to the loss of Oestrogen.
  • Investigate those niggles. Back pain doesn’t necessarily mean you have an issue with your back, it could be referred pain from a neck, hip or even knee issue.  So it’s well worth trying to establish the source of any pain

Robin says: “I don’t necessarily subscribe to the train of thought that aches and pains are something to be tolerated as we age.  Some of my best successes have been with patients who had been living with chronic pain for months or even years.  But I’ve been able to vastly improve their quality of life by taking the time to investigate the source of the pain and work on that.”

If you are suffering from back pain then why not get in touch with Robin to find out how he could help?

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Tour De France inspired you to get on your bike? Read this before you saddle up

With the Tour De France setting off on July 1st, cycling fever has set in.

The 3,500km ride will see more than 150 cyclists make their way from the Grand Depart in Copenhagen, through northern France and take on a gruelling Alpe d’Huez climb.

 

What is the Tour De France?

The tour is the world’s biggest annual sporting event, made up of 21 stages over 23 days. It contains six mountain stages along with five altitude finishes.

But already, just over a week in, there has been crashes, chaos, and carnage on the cobbles with wet and slippery conditions forcing cyclists off their bikes.

“It’s been really interesting to watch the start of the tour,” keen cyclist and Osteopath Robin Kiashek says. “However, it’s always alarming to see people come off their bike. Seeing these accidents happen in real time got me thinking about the issues that might trouble cyclists while taking part in this sport and how, as an Osteopath, I could help.”

 

London to Brighton Cycle

Robin is currently training for the London to Brighton Cycle in September. He is taking part in the 55-mile ride with his son Joel in a bid to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

On 11th September, the pair will make their way through the country lanes of Mitcham, Banstead and Haywards Heath before taking on the challenge that is Ditchling Beacon.

Ahead of his own cycling event, Robin has pulled together some common issues experienced by cyclists in a bid to help avoid these injuries.

 

Be aware of back pain

Back pain can be a real problem – especially for cyclists who spend hours hunched over handlebars. Plus, when you add this to the working-from-home challenges of 2020, 2021 and 2022 – you’ve got yourself a recipe for poor posture.

But here’s the good news: “Our spine is made of solid, bony blocks reinforced by strong ligaments and muscles,” Robin says.” It is surprisingly difficult to damage. But if strained, the surrounding muscles and ligaments can cause discomfort and pain.”

 

How to prevent lower back pain when cycling

  1. Check your posture. Posture is key when it comes to keeping your back in tip top condition. And this applies as much to cycling as it does to when you’re working at a desk. According to British Cycling, the top of the handlebar should be around 5-6cm below the mid-point of the saddle.
  2. Take a stand. Take breaks from cycling to take some strain off your back, shoulders and neck. This will also help you reset the correct posture with your shoulders back, your head level in line with your body and an engaged core.
  3. Talking of cores – strengthen your abdominal muscles. It’s important to work out the muscles in your abs and back. Why? Your core muscles help you stand, move and go about your daily business. It’s also been proven that a strong core reinforces good form and prevents injury.

 

Watch your knees

On a day-to-day basis we expect great things from our knees. As the largest joint in the human body, the knee basically forms a sort of hinge where the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) meet. This enables us to bend, straighten and in this case, cycle.

Cycling might not be a high impact sport. But unfortunately, when pedalling our knees can be a relatively easy mechanism to injure.

Robin explains: “For example, a sudden increase in intensity or duration of exercise can temporarily damage the bone, muscle or ligaments. Problem knees can lock, click, catch, give way or refuse to straighten.”

 

How to look after the health of our knees

  • Check your bike set-up. Is your saddle too high or low? Do you have the correct saddle tilt? Having an incorrect set up can place compression on the patella, it can overstretch your hamstrings and it can place undue pressure on your knees. Follow this handy step-by-step guide to get your saddle height right.
  • Build up knee strength. Calf raises, leg extensions, squats and hamstring stretches can all help. After all, strong muscles around your knee can help to support and protect your joints as propel you forward with each pedal.

 

How Osteopathy can help with these niggles

Robin qualified in Osteopathic Medicine more than 25 years ago. Since then, he has trained in various additional complementary disciplines including Western Acupuncture and Low Level Laser Therapy – both of which can be used to treat pain.

“Non-invasive methods like manual Osteopathy, Western Acupuncture and Low Level Laser Therapy all work towards helping with knee niggles and back pain,” Robin says.

“Gentle osteopathic techniques can help to increase the mobility of the joints and relieve muscle tension. While low level laser therapy stimulates your cells to repair tissue and reduce inflammation and pain.

“Acupuncture can help to enhance the blood supply to the tissues, which in turn promotes the body’s natural healing process.”

And Robin has one last tip for cyclists with a challenge in mind: “It’s well worth considering a bike fit session to make sure set up is as it should be.  These can vary greatly in price and content but there’s some good information in this Cycling Weekly article as a starting point.”

 

If you are suffering pain or discomfort and you would like further information on how Robin may help you, or you would like to book an Osteopathy appointment get in touch.

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Osteopathy “effective in the management of musculoskeletal disorders”, researchers conclude.

Osteopathy has long been used to treat back pain. But for years, evidence of its effectiveness has been limited – until now that is.

According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), there is now “promising evidence” that osteopathy may relieve musculoskeletal pain.  The review, published in the BMJ, saw researchers asses the safety and effectiveness of osteopathy for backpain.  To do so, they trawled through nine systematic reviews and meta analyses conducted between 2013 and 2020.  These involved 55 primary trials and 3740 participants.

The result?

Researchers concluded: “This overview suggests that [osteopathy] could be effective in the management of musculoskeletal disorders, specifically with regard to [chronic non-specific low back pain] and [low back pain] in pregnant women or [those who have just had a baby].”

Over the past 25 years, Osteopath Robin Kiashek, has treated hundreds of clients for backpain.

He said: “I’ve been working in this field for a long time.  I’ve seen first-hand the many benefits osteopathy can bring for those suffering with this often debilitating musculoskeletal problem.

“It’s promising to see researchers back up what many Osteopaths already knew – and further confirm that Osteopathy can help aid back pain.”

How can Osteopathy help back pain?

Unfortunately, back pain affects up to 80% of us at some point in our lives. It’s one of the most common reasons for workplace absence and the NHS spends more than £1 billion per year on back pain related costs.

But here’s the good news. At the Robin Kiashek Clinics, we aim to relieve pain and help strengthen the body, making it less susceptible to discomfort or injury.  Robin also tries to understand the lifestyle factors which may have contributed to the onset of pain.

“My range of gentle and effective treatments to relieve back pain includes manual Osteopathy, Western Acupuncture and Low-Level Laser Therapy,” Robin says. “Through these non-invasive methods and by working closely with your lifestyle, I can help minimise or even resolve symptoms and improve your overall health.”

And there’s back pain testimonials to prove this

 

Dr Nick Losseff, Consultant Neurologist, said: “As a medic I am luckily privy to insider knowledge on who the very best osteopaths are, which is how I got to see Robin. He resurrected my back after three months of agony and being unable to even sit down. His approach is totally holistic and perhaps most importantly he has taught me how to avoid future problems successfully. I recommend all my back pain patients to Robin.  He is a really great guy!”.

In fact that Dr Losseff also recently brought Robin onboard as part of a team assessing a complex, high profile case.

Another Consultant Neurologist, Dr Paul Jarman, said: “Robin Kiashek is my ‘go-to’ osteopath for my complex patients with neck and back problems. He combines excellent clinical care, effective treatment and a friendly approachable manner. He always communicates well with patients and the referring specialist. I would strongly recommend him to anyone in search of a first-class osteopath.”

While a third patient said: “I went to see Robin in his East Finchley “The Twyford Practice” with a bad lower back pain that left me unable even to walk properly. Robin was extremely professional and highly knowledgeable, with a friendly conversational manner that helped to put myself at ease at a time when I was suffering from quite a lot of pain.  He an excellent osteopath and a very nice person. Robin also treated me with an acupuncture and low level laser therapy, which helped a lot for my recovery. I would highly recommend Robin without hesitation.”

If you’re living with back pain, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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Sleep solutions, snorkels and osteopathic techniques: How Osteopaths can get your health back on track

You might be wondering how ‘snorkels’ and ‘Osteopaths’ would ever appear in the same sentence. But having worked as an Osteopath for more than 25 years, Robin Kiashek is no stranger to looking at the bigger picture. Especially when it comes to the topic of health.

At Robin’s London clinics, one appointment could be spent tending to a patient’s chronic back pain. While the next could see him help long Covid patients using the Perrin Technique™.

“When you’re an osteopath, every day is different,” Robin says.

One case which shows the breadth and depth of an Osteopath’s skills was the case of Patient X – who reported a 40% improvement just one week after visiting Robin.

 

The problem

Patient X was referred to Robin by a neurologist.  They presented with intermittent nausea and feelings of constant imbalance. The patient also experienced daily headaches.

 

The medical history

Along with chronic lower back pain, Patient X has a history of tinnitus – a horrible ringing sensation in one both ears.

There was a history of imbalance which would last several minutes when open water swimming. So much so, Patient X would have to lift their head out of the water frequently to see where they were going.

“It would take a day for the patient to recover from the general sense of unwellness and dizziness,” Robin recalls.

 

The diagnosis?

Robin says: “I believe that Patient X’s imbalance resulted from sub-occipital vertebral artery compression.  Which can be exacerbated by cervical extension – as noted with open water swimming.

“The irritation of these nerves during cervical extension, can cause the diaphragm to contract,” Robin explains. “As the stomach sits superior to the diaphragm, any contraction of the diaphragm will cause undue pressure on the stomach, resulting in a sense of nausea.”

 

The treatment?

Robin focused on releasing Patient X’s mid thoracic misalignment, where cervical active movements emanate from, using gentle osteopathic technique.

He avoided direct treatment to the patient’s neck.  Instead, he used medical acupuncture to the trapezii region and to the right pelvic imbalance.

Robin also suggested that Patient X uses a snorkel and mask when swimming, to avoid cervical extension, and invest in a new pillow.

 

The progress speaks for itself

Just one week later, Patient X reported a general 40% subjective improvement.

“Patient X’s imbalance was no longer constant,” Robin says. “The patient also only experienced one headache. After buying a snorkel, mask and a new pillow – Patient X was left feeling a good deal better.”

 

If you are suffering with any kind of health problem, whether it’s headaches, stomach pains, or mobility issues, don’t hesitate to call Robin or book in for an initial consultation.

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We need to talk about obesity and the case of the bad back

The Connection Between Obesity and Back Pain

Here at the Robin Kiashek Clinics, we take a holistic view when it comes to assessing patients’ problems.

Yes, you might have come to the clinic to see , with over 25 years clinical experience, about your sore knee, headache or painful arthritis. But to give these persistent problems the boot once and for all, it’s important to identify the underlying, causative factors.

“Which is why I take a holistic approach when it comes to a diagnosis,” Robin says.

“It helps to identify some of the causative factors, which can often be multifactorial. This in turn enables my patients to work towards improving their overall health. As well as reducing the chances of the symptoms returning in future.”

Back to backs

One health issue, which presents in osteopathic clinics, is lower back pain. We’ve spoken before about how persistent and often debilitating this problem can be.

 

And although back pain can be caused by a range of issues including stress (physical and/or emotional),  a workplace accident, a sporting injury or sometimes being referred pain from another area of the body – it can also be exacerbated, if not caused, by obesity.

 

Defining obesity

The most widely used method to check if you’re obese, is by measuring your body mass index (BMI).

 

The NHS defines someone as obese if they have a BMI of 30 to 39.9. And if your BMI is above 40, the NHS classes this as being severely obese.

 

Tipping the scales on bad backs

Obesity is nothing new, the World Health Organisation (WHO), believes obesity levels have nearly tripled since 1975.  In England, according to a 2021 government report, it’s believed 28% of adults are now obese.

 

And along with obesity causing potential life-threatening conditions like type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease, studies state that it can also cause back problems.

 

The links between obesity and back pain

Robin says: “Much has been said about the undue stress that obesity places on the spine, back and pelvis. And from a statistical point of view, I think the facts speak for themselves.”

A 2010 review, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, assessed data from 95 different studies and came to the conclusion that the risk of lower back pain was related to an increase in BMI.

While a 2017 study came to a similar conclusion.

 

Those difficult conversations

Unfortunately, weight has become a rather taboo subject in society.  And this can make Robin’s job a little more tricky. He says: “As we’ve established, there is often a link between back issues and obesity.

“And, in order to treat mechanical issues, I need to identify any lifestyle and environmental factors that could be adversely affecting my patient’s health.  This not only helps me to treat the problem but also assists me in working with them to prevent reoccurrence.”

Of course, sometimes these conversations can be difficult, and they may bring up a range of emotional issues.  It is at these times that Robin is able to draw on his expertise in allied therapies such as Life Coaching and NLP and Autogenic Training to help patients optimise their physical and mental wellbeing.

 

How osteopathy can help with back pain

If you are suffering with back pain, please do have your problem area checked out to determine the underlying cause and any contributing factors.

“Osteopathic treatment can help with some of the structural issues causing lower back pain, whilst perhaps guiding the patient to make more long-term changes in lifestyle factors,” Robin says. “It can do this through the use of soft tissue stretching, joint manipulation and the likes of resisted isometric muscle energy stretching.

“Patients want to know firstly what has caused their pain and whether they will get better.  My task as an osteopath is to understand both the short-term and in some cases, long-term factors which have contributed to the patient’s condition,” Robin says.

 

If you’re looking to take a holistic approach with your health worries, get in touch with Robin.

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