Q I have recently been diagnosed with sciatica, could osteopathy help?

A Yes. Osteopaths treat patients with this condition nearly every day. Sciatica is a term used to describe the symptoms of pain radiating down the back of the leg, often associated with acute low back pain. It can be caused by a number of things, commonly an inflamed facet joint or, in severe cases, by a prolapsed invertebral disk. Whatever the cause, osteopathy is very helpful.

Your osteopath will need to carry out a full examination of your spine to determine the possible cause and locate the affected segment. He will stretch the muscles around the area to release any spasm, after which he may gently manipulate the affected joint to encourage normal movement to allow healing to take place. A follow-up visit will be arranged and advice given on after care.

Q My son plays a lot of football and suffers from frequent groin strains, is it just a "sports injury" or could there be an underlying problem?

A Obviously, the benefits of a good warm-up routine cannot be over stressed and it's important not to push yourself beyond your abilities and skills. However, sports injuries often occur when a joint is already under strain due to a muscle imbalance.

In the case of your son's groin strain, your osteopath would be checking your son's sacro-iliac joints, his lumbar spine and all the muscles that attach to his pelvis. Often a simple osteopathic procedure can free him of any restrictions that may be predisposing him to injury.

Q I'm in my seventies and have suffered with my back for some years. My friend suggested seeing an osteopath but I've heard it's quite physical and they "crack" your back. Surely it's not suitable for me?

A On the contrary, osteopathy is of benefit to young and old. Many of my patients are in their seventies and eighties. Osteopathic treatment uses many very gentle techniques and treatments are tailored to the individual patient's needs, taking into account age and medical history. Even patients of quite advanced years report improvement in their general mobility as well as reduced symptoms.

Q If I have hurt my back and unable to see an osteopath immediately, is there anything I can do to relieve the pain and prevent it getting worse?

A Firstly, try and find as comfortable a position as possible. This may be on your back with your knees supported by a pillow or lying on your side, don't forget to also put a pillow under your head. Then every hour or so, put an ice pack on your back - a bag of frozen peas works very well - but place a piece of kitchen paper between the ice pack and your skin. Whatever you do, don't be tempted to have a hot bath because this will often make the problem worse.

Q I suffer from terrible headaches. I work for a large company and use a computer at work and I suspect this is contributing to the problem. What would you advise?

A Many large companies have the use of the services of trained ergonomic consultants to advise on the layout of work stations, but if not your osteopath can offer some tips about the ideal position for your screen and keyboard. Because eyestrain can lead to headaches, it is always advisable to visit an optician to have your eyesight tested too. Your osteopath will want to examine and treat the whole of your spine because poor posture will have a profound effect on all sections of your back. Often a low back problem can be the cause of symptoms in the upper back and neck and vice versa. Osteopathic treatment combined with adjustment of your desk and posture will reduce the likelihood of your headaches recurring. Remember, however, that even the most ergonomically-perfect work position will cause discomfort if you spend too long in one position. The best advice here is to take frequent breaks and move around.

Find out more about Osteopathy from the Osteopathic information service. Telephone 020 7357 6655 or on the Internet www.osteopathy.org.uk

John Nield, 16 Market Place, Pocklington YO42 2AR. 01759 306226

Updated: 09:19 Monday, September 02, 2002