Osteopathy - advice needed please

I have used a chiropractor for back problems - they did nothing without seeing an X-ray to ensure that treatment cured rather than exacerbated the condition. The treatment was successful. I too have heard worrying stories about osteopaths and a chiropractor would be my first port of call.

I see an osteopath when back or shoulder pain has been dreadful. She is good and thorough and it improves.

She treats sports injuries too and is well known and well liked.

I have also been to a chiropractor for a course of treatment and still go for "adjustments" each month. He told me he could do no more for my hip and suggested an xray. I had that and am now on an endless waiting list for a new hip.
Oh the delights of getting old.

I have a similar issue supernana Steroid injection wasn’t too uncomfortable and did work for a few months. They then tried something called Rhizotomy which was more uncomfortable and worked for about 6 months. Recently had another MRI and waiting for outcome. It’s a horrible pain and sensation for sure. My non NHS support comes from a physiotherapist, she’s been helping me for 11 years, understands all my issues - many and complex - and definitely helps keeping me mobile. In a previous location I saw an osteopath for many years who was superb. I don’t think it’s possible to generalise. I’d be wary if anyone offered to treat you without seeing at least an x-Ray. Word of mouth recommendation is often best and then if you want to check if they are happy to initially assess and explain what they think would help. You can then go away and think about it. Avoid anyone wanting to immediately to leap in without understanding the issue. Hope something or die I e can ease the pain soon, it is truly debilitating.

Both my MiL and DH have used osteopathy, one with a foot problem, another with what finally became a trapped nerve and in both cases the osteopath really eased pain, especially for DH, where the doctor hd no idea what the cause of his arm and shoulder problem was and just suggested ibuprofen.

I use my osteopath for all sorts of problems I suppose that like any other professionals there can be good and bad.
She uses a very light touch and I often wonder how it all works. I have never seen a chiropractor

I would suggest a chiropractor- years ago, I worked for one … I have seen people literally crawling into the clinic and after treatment, skipping our (not literally ofcourse 😂)

Acupuncture certainly helped me, but I needed four sessions and it only lasted 6 months or so. I couldn't afford to continue with this regime so asked my GP if it was available on the NHS. It was, but didn't help, the practitioner didn't seem sure what he was doing and didn't put the needles in the same places.
It didn't help.
But people are different, it might be worth a try.

Hi really good timing for me and I will follow this with interest. After 2 years of back and leg pain I eventually had an MRI and 4 months later a steroid injection in my back which was wonderful for 2 months but I can feel the problems creeping back.
Over that time I saw an osteopath, physiotherapist and acupuncturist at different times and all were helpful at the time of the consultations. As others say, much depends on the practitioner and our rapport together.
The injection was painless and was guided by x-ray and from my experience I feel it is worth a try, although I recognise I was lucky in that it did work.
Without wishing to hijack the thread I would be interested to hear of experiences with pain relief offered as at present I am torn with switching from amitriptyline
at night for the nerve pain to Gabapentin.
What I have realised from being lucky enough to have a pain free spell is how quickly the discomfort affects my mood so hopefully Supernana will find something to bring relief as soon as possible

Oh my goodness everything to gain and nothing to lose. Consult anyone you can, they all have professional bodies to who they are accountable so I wouldn’t hesitate. Osteopath or chiropractor.

Thanks for all your replies. I didn't realise how common this problem is.

I've decided to go for both injection and osteopath, but it's not as simple as it appears. I can't see the osteopath until the week after next because I'll be away up North next week for a family funeral.

And the phone number the pain clinic gave me to make a follow up appointment doesn't take messages. Another number for the clinic just rings and rings.

I'll keep trying and let you know what happens.

I have had guided injections in my upper trochantor unfortunately with no effect ,I have a appointment with a second consultant next week first one diagnosed bursitis and said he couldn't offer anything to ease pain so fingers crossed for next week .Hope you Get sorted.