Back & Neck Pain Treatment in Plymouth

Helping you move more comfortably and get back to everyday life.


Back and neck pain can affect almost everything you do, from getting out of bed in the morning to working, exercising and enjoying your free time.


Whether your pain has appeared suddenly, has been bothering you for months or keeps returning, our osteopaths at First Touch Osteopathy will take the time to understand your symptoms and how they're affecting you.


We provide individual assessment, hands-on treatment where appropriate, and practical advice and rehabilitation to help you manage your symptoms and work towards your goals.



Understanding Back And Neck Pain

Back and neck pain are common problems, but the way they affect each person can be very different.


You might experience stiffness first thing in the morning, discomfort after sitting at a desk, pain during exercise or difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position. Sometimes symptoms develop following an injury or a change in activity, while on other occasions there is no obvious cause.


Our approach begins with understanding your symptoms, assessing your movement and considering the factors that may be contributing to your problem.

What Types Of Back And Neck Problems Do We Assess?

Lower Back Pain

Sciatica & Referred Pain

Neck Pain & Stiffness

Pain or stiffness in the lower back that may affect bending, lifting, sitting or everyday movement.

Neck Pain & Stiffness

Sciatica & Referred Pain

Neck Pain & Stiffness

Discomfort or restricted movement in the neck, sometimes associated with tension around the shoulders.

Sciatica & Referred Pain

Sciatica & Referred Pain

Upper Back & Shoulder Discomfort

Pain that travels from the lower back or buttock into the leg, sometimes accompanied by tingling or altered sensation.

Upper Back & Shoulder Discomfort

Upper Back & Shoulder Discomfort

Upper Back & Shoulder Discomfort

Pain or stiffness around the upper back, shoulder blades and surrounding muscles.

Recurring Back & Neck Pain

Upper Back & Shoulder Discomfort

Work & Activity-Related Pain

Problems that settle down but keep returning, affecting your confidence in movement and activity.

Work & Activity-Related Pain

Upper Back & Shoulder Discomfort

Work & Activity-Related Pain

Discomfort associated with prolonged sitting, physical work, changes in training or other everyday demands.

These are examples of symptoms we assess, not a guarantee that osteopathic treatment will be appropriate for every underlying condition.

Our approach to back and neck pain

There's no single treatment that works for everyone. We take an individual approach based on your symptoms, assessment, preferences and goals.


1. Understanding your problem

We'll discuss your symptoms, medical history, work, lifestyle and activity levels before carrying out an appropriate physical assessment.

We'll explain what we find and discuss whether osteopathic treatment is suitable for you.


2. Hands-on treatment

Where appropriate, treatment may include joint mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques and other osteopathic approaches.

We'll explain the treatment options, discuss your preferences and adapt our approach to your individual needs.


3. Movement & rehabilitation

Treatment doesn't have to end when you leave the clinic.

Depending on your assessment, we may recommend exercises, changes to your activity or practical strategies to help you manage your symptoms and return to the things you enjoy.

Experiencing Sciatica?

Additional Information

Sciatica describes symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots. It commonly causes pain that travels from the lower back or buttock into the leg and may be accompanied by tingling, numbness or weakness.


If you're experiencing symptoms suggestive of sciatica, we'll take a detailed history and carry out an appropriate assessment to help determine the next steps.


Depending on our findings, we may recommend exercise, advice on managing your symptoms, appropriate hands-on treatment or referral to another healthcare professional.

Important: when to seek urgent medical help

New bladder or bowel problems, numbness around the genitals or bottom, or severe or worsening weakness in both legs alongside back pain require emergency assessment. 


Go to A&E or call 999 rather than booking a routine osteopathy appointment.

Helping You Get Back To What Matters

Whether your goal is to get through a working day more comfortably, return to the gym, play with your children or get back to your favourite sport, we'll work with you towards what matters most.


Where appropriate, we'll provide guidance on movement, activity and exercise that fits around your lifestyle.


We want you to feel involved in your recovery and leave with a clearer understanding of your symptoms and how to manage them.

Osteopathy Prices

Our Plymouth Clinic

Our Plymouth Clinic

£85

Initial osteopathy appointment

Includes consultation, assessment and treatment where appropriate.


£50

Follow-up osteopathy appointment

Book an appointment

Our Plymouth Clinic

Our Plymouth Clinic

Our Plymouth Clinic

First Touch Osteopathy

John Moore Dental

51 Houndiscombe Road

Plymouth PL4 6EX


Street parking is available nearby.

Get directions

Back & Neck Pain FAQs

Please reach us at hello@firsttouchosteo.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Osteopaths assess and manage a range of musculoskeletal problems, including certain types of back pain. Whether treatment is appropriate will depend on your symptoms, medical history and assessment. We'll explain your options and recommend another healthcare professional where necessary.

Complete bed rest is generally not recommended for ordinary back pain. Remaining active within your tolerance and gradually returning to normal activities is often helpful. The most appropriate advice depends on your symptoms and any underlying condition.

Not usually. Many people with back or neck pain do not need imaging before an initial clinical assessment. If your symptoms or examination suggest that further investigation may be necessary, we'll discuss the appropriate next steps.

There isn't a standard number of appointments. Some problems improve relatively quickly, while others require more ongoing management. We'll discuss a plan based on your assessment and review your progress as you go.

Often, yes, although the type and intensity of activity may need adjusting. We'll discuss which movements and activities are appropriate for your individual situation and how you can return to your usual routine.

Osteopathy

Sports Injury & Rehabilitation

Headaches & Jaw / TMJ

Learn more about our general osteopathic assessment and treatment.

Osteopathy

Headaches & Jaw / TMJ

Sports Injury & Rehabilitation

Headaches & Jaw / TMJ

Find out about our assessment of certain headaches and musculoskeletal jaw problems.

Headaches and Jaw

Sports Injury & Rehabilitation

Sports Injury & Rehabilitation

Sports Injury & Rehabilitation

Assessment and rehabilitation for sports and exercise-related injuries.

Sports Injury & Rehabilitation

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