Managing Post Menopausal Low Back Pain
Post-menopausal women often experience a range of physical changes, including the onset of low back pain. This discomfort can significantly affect their quality of life, causing limitations in daily activities and impacting overall well-being. Fortunately, Osteopathy offers a wholistic approach to address post-menopausal low back pain by focusing on restoring musculoskeletal balance and promoting overall health.
Understanding Post-Menopausal Low Back Pain:
Oestrogen
As women transition through menopause a decline in oestrogen levels is seen. Oestrogen is important for bone resorption and formation and helps slow the breakdown of bones and encourages bone growth. The lower estrogen levels that follow menopause can contribute to lumbar disc degeneration and increased lower back.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps to support bone health.
Oestrogen increases the activity of the enzyme responsible for activating vitamin D, declining oestrogen levels during the menopausal transition could lead to symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.
The body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorus, both of which are essential for bone production. When the body is deficient in calcium, it breaks down your bone to pull the calcium back into the blood. Without adequate Vitamin D, the body is not able to absorb enough calcium to prevent this bone breakdown.
The hormonal changes during menopause can contribute to low back pain in various ways. Reductions in oestrogen levels can affect bone density, potentially leading to conditions like osteoporosis or osteoarthritis, which may manifest as back pain. Additionally, changes in muscle mass and distribution of body fat can alter posture and put strain on the lower back.
Osteopathic Approach to Managing Low Back Pain:
Osteopathy, a form of manual therapy, concentrates on enhancing the body's natural healing abilities and improving structural balance. Osteopathic practitioners evaluate the patient's entire body, not just the site of pain, to identify underlying issues contributing to the discomfort.
Treatment may involve:
1. Assessment and Diagnosis: Osteopathic practitioners perform comprehensive evaluations to understand the patient's medical history, lifestyle, and specific concerns related to low back pain. They use palpation and various diagnostic techniques to identify areas of restriction or dysfunction.
2. Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue massage, gentle stretching, joint articulation and spinal manipulation aim to restore mobility, alleviate tension, and improve the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
3. Exercise Prescription: Tailored exercise programs focusing on strengthening stabilising muscles, improving mobility, and enhancing posture can significantly aid in managing and preventing low back pain.
4. Lifestyle and Self-Care Advice: Osteopaths often provide guidance on ergonomics, posture, and lifestyle modifications to minimize strain on the lower back. This may include recommendations on proper sitting and standing techniques, as well as advice on nutrition and stress management.
5. Wholistic Approach: Osteopathy considers the interconnectedness of various bodily systems, emphasising the importance of a wholistic approach to healthcare. Osteopathic practitioners may recommend complementary therapies like acupuncture or massage to complement their treatments.
At Tugun Osteopath we also offer external and internal pelvic health assessments. Pelvic Health and pelvic floor function can play an important role in managing lower back pain and menopause related symptoms. Reach out to us on 0405 640 786 if you would like to know more.
Post-menopausal low back pain can be a challenging issue, but osteopathy offers a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to alleviate discomfort and improve overall well-being. Through a combination of manual therapy, exercise, lifestyle modifications, and wholistic care, Osteopathic practitioners aim to empower post-menopausal women to effectively manage and reduce their low back pain, enabling them to lead active and fulfilling lives.
If you are experiencing post-menopausal low back pain, consider consulting an Osteopathic practitioner to explore personalised treatment options that address your unique needs and concerns.