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Osteopath for back pain: when should you see one?
For back pain, I work alongside your medical care. But sometimes it’s better to see a doctor first. Here I explain who to turn to depending on your situation, then how I approach back pain in a session. I also give you some general tips for days spent sitting.
By Nicolas Acquié, osteopath D.O.
Looking for an osteopath for back pain in Montréal? You’re not alone. Many people in the city live with tension or pain in the lower back that affects their comfort day to day. As a complementary, gentle, hands-on approach, osteopathy can support those who want to regain mobility and well-being naturally.
Back pain: a common reason to see an osteopath
An urban lifestyle (long hours at the computer, stress, sedentary habits) can encourage tension to build up in the back. The lower back (lumbar region) is often under strain, as are the neck and the area between the shoulder blades.
This tension can show up after unusual exertion, a long car ride or simply gradually, over time.
For back pain, I also see pregnant women and athletes.
Who should you see for back pain?
I don’t make diagnoses, and osteopathy doesn’t replace seeing a doctor.
Good to know
If your pain follows a fall or an accident, if it comes with other symptoms or if it worries you, see a doctor first or call Info-Santé 811. In an emergency, dial 911.
On the other hand, if your discomfort:
- comes back in cycles,
- comes with feelings of stiffness or physical fatigue,
- or affects your quality of life,
then an osteopathic assessment could be beneficial for you, as a complementary approach. I’ll assess your posture, your movement habits, your breathing and other factors to offer hands-on support suited to your situation.
What does an osteopath do for back pain?
In osteopathy, every session starts with an in-depth conversation about your history, your habits and how your discomfort shows up. From there, I use various gentle hands-on techniques to help the body regain better mobility. These techniques can include joint mobilizations, stretches or targeted pressure on certain tissues. The goal is to support the body’s natural ability to self-regulate, without medication or forceful manipulation.
Every person is unique, and the same pain can have different origins. That’s why osteopathy takes the whole person into account: posture, daily habits, activity level, work environment, etc.
Osteopathy can support you in managing your tension, as a complementary approach. It doesn’t replace a medical diagnosis, but it can help improve your comfort and your mobility.
What happens in a session for back pain?
A session lasts 1 hour. The first one costs the same as the ones that follow. A session includes:
- a detailed interview,
- an observation of your posture,
- palpation of areas of tension,
- hands-on techniques adapted to your profile.
On the First appointment page, I go through each step of a session, what happens afterward and how many sessions to expect.
When you spend your days sitting
Sitting for hours without moving can encourage stiffness and tension in the back. The neck and lower back are the regions usually most affected when you stay seated for long periods, says the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Some general tips:
- move every hour, even for a few minutes: it’s not the length that counts, it’s the regularity,
- change your work position, standing, on a chair or on a ball,
- and breathe with your belly rather than your shoulders: your belly goes out when you breathe in and comes back in when you breathe out.
Dealing with back pain in Montréal? You’ll find me at 910 rue Bélanger Est, in La Petite-Patrie, for a session adapted to your needs.
Nicolas Acquié, osteopath D.O.
I’m an osteopath D.O. (graduate in osteopathy). I earned my diploma at the Institut Toulousain d’Ostéopathie (France) in 2013. I also teach at the IEOQ, the Institut d’Enseignement de l’Ostéopathie du Québec. You’ll find me at my practice in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie.
My backgroundAlso worth reading
Book an appointment for back pain
When the time is right for you, book online on GOrendezvous, or by text at 514-663-3826.
A few more questions about your back
Is osteopathy painful?
The techniques are generally gentle and respectful. If an area is sensitive, I always adjust my movements to your tolerance.
What should you avoid when you have back pain?
According to Santé Québec, if the pain is acute, it’s important to rest without staying in bed for long periods, and to avoid movements that put too much strain on the back, such as lifting heavy objects or bending forward (“Mal de dos” page, in French).
Can you see an osteopath for back pain during pregnancy?
Yes. During pregnancy, people come to see me for, among other things, discomfort in the lower back. I can see you in any trimester. These sessions come in addition to the pregnancy care you receive from your doctor or midwife, never in place of it. My Pregnancy osteopath page explains what I offer before and after giving birth.