These philosophies share the idea that the structure of the body governs the success of its function.
Osteopathy is a therapy that uses a system of spinal manipulation, including stretching and massage. It realigns structural abnormalities and corrects any interrupted blood or nerve supply within the body.
The main aim of this is to balance the spine and relax any tension located there or in other parts of the body. As treatment aims to improve blood flow as well as restoring normal movement to the whole body, it is beneficial not just for back or joint problems, but also for other disorders such as headaches and menstrual problems.
Like Homeopathy, Osteopathy grew out of a disenchantment with orthodox medicine. In the late eighteenth century, American civil war doctor Andrew Taylor Still started to work on a more gentle therapy based on the idea that all disorders were related to problems with the musculo-skeletal system. His theory was that problems in the spinal column affected the nervous system and this, in turn, spread problems to the rest of the body.
Treatment aims to break up any blockages in a person’s circulatory system, so blood can flow around it freely and the nerves will function properly again.
Chiropractic was developed in the USA in 1895 and was given Royal Assent 100 years later in 1994. Chiropracters use manipulation of the joints joints of the spine to improve mobility and relieve pain. The incorrect functioning of the spine can lead to irritation of the nerves which can lead to symptoms such as headache, neck or back pain as well as pain in other joints. It is especially good for treating lower back pain and headaches
It’s advised to use a different form of treatment if a person suffers with osteoporosis or has had a prolapsed disk.
