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Complaints
Back and neck pain
Back and neck pain are common problems that can greatly affect daily life. These pains range from mild discomfort to severe obstacles that make daily activities difficult. Osteopathy offers effective treatment for these complaints, which are common in our screen-rich society. These complaints are often related to computer work and/or smart phone use.
Back and neck pain
Osteopaths not only focus on the spine, but also examine other possible causes, such as connections to organs like the intestines or kidneys.
Common causes of back and neck pain are poor posture, prolonged sitting, overuse, injury, stress and age-related degenerative changes in the spine. Complaints can also be indirectly caused by problems in the organ system or musculoskeletal system.
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Back and neck pain
OsteoPlaza's approach to back and neck pain
At OsteoPlaza, we treat back and neck pain according to osteopathic principles. Our approach focuses on identifying and treating the underlying causes of the complaints, not just the symptoms. By restoring balance, improving blood flow, and increasing the mobility of the spine and other body parts, we offer a sustainable solution for back and neck pain.
For example, common complaints in the lower back can often be traced to limited mobility of the kidney, which is located just above the psoas muscle, one of the hip flexors. Connective tissue called the fasciae perirenalis lies between this muscle and the kidney. When this connective tissue sticks or becomes immobile due to reduced mobility or inflammation, the kidney can no longer glide smoothly over the muscle.
Normally, the kidney moves freely over the hip flexor with every step we take, but when this does not happen, the lower back must compensate, quickly leading to complaints. To effectively treat these complaints, we first restore the mobility of the fasciae perirenalis before treating the lower back locally. Without this approach, the complaints would keep returning, a challenge often left unresolved in other disciplines because the true cause is not addressed.
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Back and neck pain
Diagnosis and treatment plan
At OsteoPlaza, treatment of back and neck pain starts with a comprehensive diagnosis. During the initial consultation, we discuss your symptoms and medical history in detail. Our osteopath listens carefully to your story and asks specific questions to get a clear picture of your health situation.
At OsteoPlaza, our osteopath focuses on the symptoms of back and neck pain and the root causes. We use gentle, manual treatment techniques that are both safe and effective. After the examination, the osteopath discusses the findings with you, and together we create a personalized treatment plan. This plan includes various osteopathic techniques and advice to support your recovery.
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Treatment techniques
For back and neck pain
At OsteoPlaza, our osteopath focuses not only on the symptoms of back and neck pain, but also on the root causes. We use gentle, manual treatment techniques that are both safe and effective. Here you can see some of the techniques we use.
These techniques aim to reduce pain, improve mobility and promote natural healing. Our osteopath also offers advice on posture and lifestyle to reduce symptoms. The ultimate goal is to create more balance in your body so that you experience fewer symptoms.
Mobilization techniques
These improve movement and flexibility of joints, stimulate blood flow, optimize innervation, and promote mobility, supporting the natural healing process.
Myofascial techniques
These techniques reduce tension in muscles, ligaments and other soft tissue, focus on loosening adhesions, improve blood circulation and promote relaxation.
Manipulation techniques
With gentle manipulations, we improve the mobility of joints and remove blockages in the body.
Visceral techniques
Targeted manual techniques around internal organs that improve mobility and connective tissue repair, ultimately increasing spinal mobility.
Specific exercises
Exercises for the spine that support and stimulate the healing process.
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Back and neck pain
What to expect
after the treatment?
After an osteopathic treatment for back and neck pain, you may experience various reactions, ranging from immediate relief to a temporary increase in sensitivity in the treated area. It is important to take good care of yourself after the treatment. Follow the advice given, which may include specific exercises and maintaining good posture, to promote the recovery of your back and/or neck and prevent future complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, an osteopath can very effectively help with back and neck pain. Through various techniques, the osteopath focuses on improving joint mobility, relieving muscle tension and promoting better blood circulation, which contributes to pain relief and recovery.
After an osteopathy treatment, it is advisable to avoid heavy physical exertion and not engage in intensive sports for at least 24 to 48 hours. It is also wise to avoid alcohol and other therapies that can overload the body to allow it time to recover and respond to the treatment.
With a blocked lower back, it is advisable to consult an osteopath. While waiting for treatment, it may help to continue light movements that feel comfortable such as walking. It also helps to apply heat to relax muscles. Avoid sitting or standing in one position for long periods of time.
A pinched nerve in the back can cause various symptoms, such as sharp, stabbing pain, tingling, a burning sensation or numbness radiating to the legs. The pain may worsen with certain movements or postures.
An osteopath treats a pinched nerve by applying techniques aimed at reducing pressure on the nerve. By mobilizing joints, relaxing muscles and improving overall posture, further compression on the nerve is prevented. Treatment is aimed at addressing the cause of the constriction and supporting the body’s natural healing process.
An osteopath looks for the root cause of complaints. This involves looking at the whole body and considering it as an integrated system. A physical therapist focuses only on the region where the symptoms are located and makes greater use of exercises to reduce these symptoms. Osteopathy takes a more “hands-on” approach. This is done by moving tissues (e.g., joints, muscles and connective tissue around organs) with the hands.
Yes, osteopathy is substantiated by research demonstrating its effectiveness for certain conditions such as abdominal pain, headaches, back pain, neck pain and other musculoskeletal complaints. Research in osteopathy is constantly growing and evolving.
No, a doctor’s referral is not necessary to visit an osteopath. Clients can make an appointment right away.
Osteopathy is often partially covered under supplementary insurance policies. It is advisable to check your policy or contact your insurer for specific coverage.
Erik van Leeuwen
"For years, I struggled with severe back, neck, shoulder, and headache issues following a serious car accident. Doctors quickly prescribed medications, and various therapies only provided temporary relief. At some point, I resigned myself to living with this pain, despite how heavy and unpleasant it was. I had never considered osteopathy until my partner suggested it. That’s how I found Vincent. I wish I had known about this years ago—it would have saved me so much unnecessary pain. For the first time, someone paid attention to my extensive scar tissue, something no other therapist had ever addressed in all those years.
Thanks to the treatments, I can now say that my lower back is completely under control. The neck, shoulder, and headache issues have significantly reduced and are sometimes entirely gone. Vincent is highly skilled and solution-oriented. He focuses on the areas that need attention at that moment to achieve the best possible outcome, making each treatment unique. Moreover, he is a genuinely kind person with sincere interest, humor, and empathy. All this makes me look forward to every treatment session, knowing that it will truly help."
Sofia Monfardini
"I cannot recommend Vincent strongly enough. I came at the beginning of 2023 with pain in my lower back and legs due to a year-long hernia that I had been treating with physiotherapy and gym exercises. After a few regular sessions with Vincent I finally started noticing less pain and increased mobility and by now (6 months after) my pain is entirely gone! In addition to his awesome technical skills he is also a very nice and empathetic person. Thank you Vincent"
Margot van Stee
"Vincent has helped me tremendously. For six years, I suffered from severe pain in my right hip and back, which severely limited my ability to walk, sit, and even lie down comfortably. Although physiotherapy and muscle strengthening exercises provided some relief, it was ultimately insufficient and temporary. Now, after four months of treatment with Vincent every three weeks, I can sit and work again. I can also walk longer distances without pain and feel relaxed in the evenings. I highly recommend osteopathy and especially Vincent!"
Celeste van Ingen
"Highly recommended! For a long time, I suffered from back, side, and pelvic pain. I first tried physiotherapy, but unfortunately, it didn't help. Eventually, I reluctantly started taking painkillers, which only masked the pain temporarily. Through word of mouth, I heard positive things about Vincent. Having never seen an osteopath before, I was skeptical. But I was desperate to sleep normally and live without pain. After the first treatment, my opinion completely changed. I was amazed at Vincent's findings and had 100% confidence in his approach. Now, my back and pelvic pain are gone. It's incredible what he has achieved."
Sasja Walstra
"I tried everything for my neck, back, and shoulder pain, from physiotherapy to Mensendieck. Unfortunately, none of it helped. Osteopathy provided the solution. Vincent doesn't just focus on the pain spot but looks for the underlying cause. Once, a muscle in my neck was extremely tight, and by releasing my foot, the muscle in my neck also loosened up. It seems almost like magic! The body is interconnected, and Vincent understands exactly how it all works. He helped alleviate my pain and clearly explained the origins of my issues."
Laura Bindar
"Vincent helped me significantly with my recovery after a car accident. He listens attentively and is very empathetic, which made the treatment process much more comfortable. His manipulations were highly effective and beneficial for my body. Before seeing him, I was completely stuck, but now my spine feels more stable, I have increased mobility, and my pain has significantly reduced. I highly recommend Vincent for anyone needing osteopathic care."