Low back pain affects millions worldwide, often making everyday tasks difficult and leading to chronic discomfort. Osteopathic care, a holistic and non-invasive approach, addresses not only low back pain but also related issues such as hip bursitis, pelvic pain, disc bulges, sciatica, pinched nerves, facet joint sprains, and disc degeneration. At Ballina Osteopathic Centre, Dr Zac Hakes, offers tailored osteopathic treatment to promote healing and restore function.
In this post, we’ll break down these common conditions, their anatomy, symptoms, and how osteopathy—specifically the care provided by our team—can offer lasting relief.
The lower back, or lumbar spine, is made up of five vertebrae that provide both stability and flexibility. These vertebrae are cushioned by intervertebral discs and supported by muscles, ligaments, and nerves. When any of these elements become strained or misaligned, it can lead to lower back pain.
Common causes of lower back pain include:
- Muscle strain
- Poor posture
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
Symptoms range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain radiating down the legs, often accompanied by stiffness and reduced mobility.
At Ballina Osteopathic Centre, Dr Zac Hakes works to relieve lower back pain by restoring spinal alignment, easing muscle tension, and improving joint mobility. Techniques such as soft tissue manipulation and spinal adjustments target the root cause of pain, offering effective relief and enhanced function.
Hip Bursitis: Treatment from Dr Zac Hakes, Ballina Osteopath
Hip bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the hip joint become inflamed. This condition is usually caused by repetitive motion, prolonged pressure, or injury.
Symptoms include:
- Pain on the outer side of the hip
- Swelling and tenderness
- Discomfort during movement, especially when lying on the affected side or climbing stairs
Our practitioners provide osteopathic treatment that focuses on reducing inflammation and improving hip mobility. Techniques like soft tissue massage and gentle joint mobilisation help relieve pressure on the bursae, promote circulation, and facilitate natural healing. Strengthening exercises for the hip muscles can also prevent future flare-ups.
Pelvic Pain: Osteopathic Solutions Made Easy
Pelvic pain may arise from muscular imbalances, misaligned joints, or even internal organ dysfunction. The pelvis is a vital structure, supporting movement, balance, and posture.
Symptoms of pelvic pain can range from aching or stabbing discomfort in the lower abdomen, groin, or hips. The pain may also radiate to the lower back, making diagnosis challenging.
Dr Zac Hakes uses a comprehensive approach to assess musculoskeletal imbalances in the pelvic region. Treatment often includes myofascial release and spinal manipulation to reduce tension and improve alignment, resulting in long-term relief.
Disc Bulges: Relief Through Osteopathy
Intervertebral discs cushion the vertebrae in the spine, but when a disc bulges, it can press on nearby nerves. This condition is often caused by aging, injury, or poor posture.
Symptoms include:
- Localised pain
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness
- In severe cases, sciatica or difficulty with movement
Dr Zac Hakes offers gentle spinal manipulations to alleviate pressure on the affected discs and realign the spine. Soft tissue techniques, combined with postural exercises, help promote better spinal health and prevent further damage.
Sciatica refers to pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. It is often caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or bone spurs compressing the nerve.
Symptoms include:
- Sharp, shooting pain from the lower back down the leg
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg
At Ballina Osteopathic Centre, Dr Zac Hakes uses spinal adjustments, soft tissue techniques, and targeted stretching to relieve pressure on the structures that can impinge the sciatic nerve, leading to optimized function, reduced pain and improved mobility.
Pinched Nerves: Releasing Pressure with Osteopathy
A pinched nerve happens when surrounding tissues, such as bones or muscles, apply too much pressure, disrupting the nerve’s function. This can occur in areas like the neck, lower back, or wrists.
Symptoms may include:
- Sharp, burning pain
- Tingling or numbness
- Muscle weakness
Dr Zac Hakes uses osteopathic techniques to relieve pressure on the affected nerve, improving function and offering long-lasting relief.
Facet Joint Sprain: How Our Practitioners Can Help
Facet joints are small joints between vertebrae that allow for controlled motion. When these joints become injured or inflamed, often due to sudden movements or poor posture, it leads to facet joint sprain.
Symptoms include:
- Sharp, localised pain
- Stiffness
- Difficulty moving the affected area
Osteopathic treatment focuses on gently mobilising the spine and easing tension in the surrounding muscles, which reduces inflammation and restores mobility.
Disc Degeneration: Managing Symptoms with Dr Hakes
Disc degeneration occurs when the intervertebral discs lose their flexibility and cushioning ability over time. Though part of the natural aging process, it can be accelerated by injury or poor posture.
Symptoms include:
- Chronic back pain
- Stiffness
- Limited mobility
Our well known and respected clinic offers osteopathic care to improve spinal alignment, increase mobility, and strengthen the supporting muscles. These treatments help alleviate pressure on the discs and slow the progression of degeneration, leading to improved quality of life.
Comprehensive Osteopathic Care from Your Local Ballina Osteopath
Osteopathic care from experienced Osteopaths at Ballina Osteopathic Centre provide a holistic, non-invasive approach to treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including lower back pain, hip bursitis, pelvic pain, disc bulges, sciatica, pinched nerves, facet joint sprain, and disc degeneration.
By addressing the root cause of pain, Dr Hakes helps patients in Ballina, Lennox Head, and the Northern Rivers region regain mobility and achieve long-term relief. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or seeking preventative care, a Ballina Osteopath like Dr Zac Hakes can restore balance to your body and support your overall well-being.
