Common reasons
Stiffness, ache or discomfort through the spine is one of the most common reasons people book in.
Osteopathy uses hands-on assessment and treatment that may help ease stiffness and discomfort through the back and neck. Care is tailored to you — we look at how you move, work and rest, then agree a clear plan.
This is general information only. It is not a diagnosis or a promise of results. If I think another health professional would suit you better, I’ll say so.
Common symptoms and how they affect daily life
Back and neck pain can show up in many ways, and it doesn’t always stay in one spot. People commonly describe:
A dull ache or stiffness through the lower back, mid-back or neck, often worse first thing in the morning
Sharper discomfort with certain movements, such as bending, lifting, turning your head or getting out of the car
Tightness that spreads into the shoulders, buttocks or upper back
Discomfort that builds with sitting, standing or driving for long periods
Headaches that seem to start from the neck
For many people the biggest issue isn’t the pain itself but what it gets in the way of — sleeping comfortably, sitting through a workday, picking up the kids, checking blind spots when driving, or getting back to exercise.
Possible contributing factors
Back and neck pain rarely has one simple cause, and it isn’t possible to work out what’s going on from a web page. Factors that are commonly involved include:
Changes in load — a busy week of lifting, gardening, moving house or a new training program
Long periods in one position, such as desk work, driving or looking down at a phone
Reduced sleep, stress and general fatigue, which can affect how sensitive the body feels
A previous episode of back or neck pain
Age-related changes in the spine, which are common and are often seen in people with no pain at all
Often it’s a combination. Part of your first appointment is working through which of these may be relevant for you.
Your first visit: assessment and referral
Your initial consultation starts with a conversation about your history — when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, your work and activity, your general health and any previous injuries. I’ll then assess how your spine, hips and shoulders move, and may check strength, reflexes and sensation where relevant.
By the end, I’ll explain what I’ve found in plain language, and we’ll agree on whether osteopathy is a sensible option and what a plan could look like.
Sometimes the right next step is someone else. If your symptoms or history suggest you need imaging, a medication review, or input from your GP or another health professional, I’ll refer you and explain why.
What a visit may include
Assessment of how your spine and surrounding muscles are moving
Hands-on techniques that may help with stiffness and discomfort
Simple movement and home advice you can use between visits
How osteopaths commonly approach back and neck pain
Management is tailored to the person in front of me, so not every option suits everyone. Approaches osteopaths commonly use include:
Education — understanding what may be contributing, and what is and isn’t likely to be harmful, can make movement feel less daunting
Activity modification — adjusting how you lift, sit, sleep or train for a while, rather than stopping altogether
Exercise — gentle mobility and strengthening exercises you can do at home and build up over time
Hands-on techniques — soft tissue work, joint mobilisation and stretching that aim to ease stiffness and improve comfort
Dry needling or cupping — sometimes used alongside other care where appropriate, and always discussed with you first
Clinical guidelines for back pain generally encourage staying active where possible, so hands-on care is usually combined with advice and exercise rather than used on its own.
How progress is reviewed
Everyone responds differently, so I don’t set a fixed number of sessions. At each follow-up we’ll check in on what’s changed — pain, sleep, movement and the activities that matter to you — and adjust the plan from there.
The aim is for you to manage confidently on your own. If things aren’t changing as expected, we’ll talk about why, and whether a referral or a different approach makes more sense.
Things you can try day to day
Keep moving gently within comfort — short walks are often a good place to start
Change position regularly if you sit or stand for long periods
Heat may help some people feel more comfortable when muscles feel tight
Build activity back up gradually rather than going from nothing to everything
Prioritise sleep, and find a pillow height that keeps your neck comfortable
If something consistently makes your symptoms worse, ease off and mention it at your next appointment.
When to seek urgent medical care
Some symptoms need prompt medical assessment rather than an osteopathy appointment. Contact your GP urgently, go to your nearest emergency department or call 000 if you have back or neck pain with:
New difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin, buttocks or inner thighs (saddle area)
Progressive weakness, numbness or pins and needles in the arms or legs
Pain after a significant fall, car accident or other trauma
Fever, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer with new back pain
Severe, constant pain that isn’t eased by rest or changing position
Neck pain with dizziness, difficulty speaking or swallowing, or changes to your vision
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a scan before I book?
No. Most people don’t need imaging before seeing an osteopath. If I think a scan would help guide your care, I’ll explain why and refer you to your GP. If you already have scan reports, please bring them along.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No referral is needed to book. Some funding schemes, such as a Medicare chronic condition management plan, do require a GP referral — see the Funding and claims page for details.
Will treatment hurt?
Some techniques can feel firm or a little tender, but treatment shouldn’t be painful. I’ll check in as we go, and you can ask me to stop or change anything at any time.
Should I rest or keep moving?
For most back and neck pain, staying gently active is usually encouraged over bed rest. I’ll help you work out what level of activity suits you at the moment.
How many appointments will I need?
It depends on you, your symptoms and your goals. We’ll discuss a plan at your first visit and review it as we go, without locking you into a set number of sessions.
General information only. Osteopathy isn’t right for everyone — I’ll be straight with you if another option is better.
Ready to book?
By appointment only at 123 Martin Street, Brighton.