Spinal Rejuvenation

The Backcare Clinic was the first osteopathic clinic in the world to use powered mobilising instruments, so we havew a lot of experience using this method (based on Maitland's mobilisations a physiotherapy technique). The key to the treatment is that we don't focus on pain relief but on restoring back function.  If function is restored, the majority of patients can lead an active and painfree life, assuming there is no other medical condition causing the pain.  This will also involve maintenance treatment from time to time to maintain the spine's new found suppleness.

The problem.

To function correctly the spine must be supple and elastic. Loss of this supple elasticity is natural with time and age and can be greatly accelerated by inflammatory conditions and injury. As the spine stiffens, the joints of the lumbar-sacral and dorsal-cervical junctions become increasingly overworked and overstressed. Pain, stretched ligaments, excessive wear and tear, and disc prolapse are a natural consequence of overwork and overstressing of these joints.

Ideally, supple elasticity should be restored before structural damage occurs. Failing that, the restoration of supple elasticity allows healing processes to do their work unhampered by the continual overwork and overstressing of the affected joints. The ability of the system to heal itself and adapt is remarkable, providing that the overwork and overstressing is halted. Conversely, if the overwork and overstressing is allowed to continue, then further joint degeneration is inevitable. 

Traditionally, osteopaths use their hands to restore mobility. The problem is that in order to achieve optimum effectiveness this requires more strength and stamina than is humanly possible. This is where TAMARS comes in.

What is back pain?

The theory page goes into more detail about what back pain is, but Robert Taylor's four stages are summarised  below:

1. The lower back is usually the first to complain about over-stressing. The patient may experience a few twinges or the sudden onset of debilitating pain and it might occur when the patient is doing a low gain activity, like bending to pick up soap in the shower. The patient may appear to make a recovery with or without treatment. Over time the problem may reoccur set against a background of backache and morning stiffness.

2. Here the affected joint shows the classic signs of excessive wear and tear and degeneration. The joints are vulnerable at the concentration of stresses in the spine, mainly in the curve of the neck and low back. The patient may complain of restricted movement and pain. They may feel they have to give up hobbies which aggravate their condition such as gardening, tennis, squash, golf, or even their career.

3. The stresses in the spine continue and may result in a prolapsed disc. It may be at this later stage they go and see a therapist who might give them instant relief. However unless suppleness and elasticity can be brought back to the spine, the relief may be temporary, and the over-stressing of the joints continues.

4. The patient becomes old before their time, and avoids activities that aggravate the problem. They may not be able to sit or stand for long. Life is generally full of pain and not much fun for them or their family. By this stage they may be on disability benefit.

The solution.

The image to the left shows how the PAMM device activates a deep spinal reflex by tapping specific points of the vertebrae to move apart and then alternatively back towards correct positioning, thus springing the spinal joints back towards their normal physiological range, in other words, it helps to realign the spine quickly and effectively and with remarkable ease and comfort.

The patient lies down on their stomach on the special Mantiss plinth and the device is used up and down the spine. It is also particularly good for loosening up tight, tense spasmodic muscles.

The first consultation.

As you would expect, your first consultation begins with an assessment of your condition and a general examination. Obviously, it is vital to check that your problem is biomechanical and that there is no reason why you shouldn't undergo physical therapy. If there is any cause for concern you will be referred to your GP.

Assuming that the therapist believes treatment will be effective you will then have your first session with TAMARS.

The procedure is gentle, passive and progressive - in many respects like having a massage. The key benefit of the motorised fingers is that they always exert the required pressure. The therapist controls the strength, nature and location of this pressure but does not have to worry about fatigue. You will lie on your front and the TAMARS equipment will be applied to the appropriate areas of your back and neck.

Subsequent consultations.

For some people one treatment brings considerable relief and is quite sufficient, although it is better not to stop at this as most people need at least 3 - 5  treatments to make the spine supple so that the problem does not return.  It is recommended  that patients come back on a regular basis for a spinal reconditioning programme in order to optimise their spine's suppleness and elasticity.

Each treatment lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.  Our first consultation takes an hour to include a case history and subsequent sessions are 45 minutes.  We may recommend for severe scoliosis patients a double or triple session.