Osteopathy - Conditions commonly treated with osteopathy

Osteopathy is most commonly used to treat conditions that affect the muscles, bones and joints.

These conditions include:

• lower back pain
• neck pain
• shoulder pain
• arthritis
• problems with the pelvis, hips and legs
• sports injuries
• problems with posture caused by driving, work or pregnancy

Some osteopaths may also claim to be able to treat conditions not directly related to muscles, bones and joints, such as headaches, migraines, painful periods, digestive disorders, depression and excessive crying in babies (colic). However, there is not enough evidence to suggest osteopathy can treat these problems. 

Read about the evidence for osteopathy.

NICE recommended uses

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines to the NHS on the use of treatments and care of patients.

Currently, NICE recommends that osteopathy can be considered as a treatment option for persistent lower back pain.