Osteopathic medicine is a type of medicine that considers the entire body and not just a person’s individual or isolated symptoms. Osteopathic medicine is very popular right now, especially for people who suffer from joint and muscle pain. Many people believe that when you have neck pain, one of the best resources you can seek out is an osteopath. Of course, if you’ve never visited an osteopath before, you might be nervous, but you really need not worry. Here is what to expect when you visit an osteopath to treat neck pain.

The first part of your visit will be an exam that feels more like a visit to a “traditional” doctor. You’ll most likely give your complete medical history and also receive a physical examination. In many cases, your osteopath might order extra tests to help narrow down exactly why your neck is in pain. You might have an X-Ray taken to see if there is any physical damage to the vertebrae in your neck, but don’t be surprised if your osteopath pays attention to other parts of your body as well!

It is important to know that when you visit an osteopath for help with your neck pain, you should leave your “personal space” at home. Osteopathic treatment is hands on!

Your Osteopath might use any of the following methods to treat your neck pain:

Counterstrain technique: Your osteopath puts you into a position that is designed to restore movement to muscles that might be currently restrained or strained.

Muscle Energy technique: Your osteopath gives you exercises that will start with your muscles in precise positions and follow with you moving those muscles in precise movements.

Soft Tissue technique: Pressure is applied to the muscles around your spine by your osteopath. This technique might involve deep pressure, traction or rhythmic stretching.

Thrust technique: your osteopath will use high velocity force to reintroduce movement to your joints or to get rid of any signs of muscle asymmetry, restricted movement, muscle tenderness or tissue changes.

Your osteopath might also use a low level laser or acupuncture techniques to help treat your neck pain.

An osteopathic visit might sound scary, but there is no reason to be frightened. Most people who visit an osteopath don’t experience any pain. Most of the time osteopathic visits have been reported to be pleasant and relaxing!

Some people confuse osteopaths and chiropractors and while the two professionals seem similar, they are very different. Chiropractors treat your joints and spine. Osteopaths, on the other hand, work to treat your entire body.