How to Relieve Back Pain: Understanding Low Back Pain, Upper Back Pain and the Role of Fascia – Osteopathy NDG | Vincent Beaugrand-Champagne

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people consult an osteopath. Whether the discomfort appears as low back pain (lumbar pain) or upper back pain (pain between the shoulder blades or in the upper spine), it can greatly impact posture, breathing, sleep, and even mood.

Low Back Pain and Upper Back Pain: Two Frequent Sources of Discomfort

Acute or chronic low back pain often occurs after repetitive movements, long periods of sitting, stress, lack of mobility, or a sudden strain.

Upper back pain, on the other hand, is often associated with limited breathing capacity, rounded posture, chronic muscle tension, or imbalances between the spine and the rib cage.

The Fascia: Their Role in Back Pain and Their Importance in Osteopathy

Fascia are connective tissue membranes that wrap every muscle, organ, nerve, and joint.

When fascia lose elasticity due to stress, lack of movement, or trauma, they can create:

• restricted mobility

• referred pain (felt away from the original source)

• postural compensation

• constant tension that contributes to low back pain or upper back pain

In osteopathy, fascial techniques help:

• restore tissue mobility

• reduce tension that compresses nerves

• rebalance the body globally

• improve breathing and posture

Neurology and Back Pain: How the Nervous System Contributes to Pain

The nervous system plays an essential role in the perception of back pain.

Nerve irritation—whether in the lumbar or thoracic region—can amplify discomfort or cause symptoms such as:

• burning sensations

• numbness

• radiating pain in the legs or arms

• muscle spasms

Neurological causes of back pain may include:

• nerve compression

• inflammation of nerve roots

• fascial tension that restricts nerve gliding

• mobility imbalances in the pelvis or rib cage

Osteopathic techniques that target the nervous system aim to:

• improve nerve mobility

• reduce tension around nerve roots

• support the regulation of the autonomic nervous system (stress, breathing, digestion)

Which Approach to Choose? Fascia or Neurological Work for Back Pain?

An osteopath chooses the appropriate approach depending on the dominant cause of the pain.

When to prioritize fascial work?

• chronic muscular tension

• scars or adhesions

• rounded posture (desk work, working from home)

• diffuse, hard-to-localize pain

• back pain linked to stress

When to prioritize neurological techniques?

• sharp, precise pain

• radiating symptoms (sciatica, intercostal neuralgia)

• numbness or tingling

• major mobility loss after a sudden movement

• pain triggered specifically by flexion or extension

In practice, both approaches are often combined, because fascia and nerves work together.

A tight fascia can irritate a nerve. An irritated nerve can tighten a muscle.

Conclusion: A Complete Osteopathic Approach to Relieve

Back Pain

Whether your discomfort comes from low back pain, upper back pain, fascial tension, or neurological imbalance, osteopathy offers a global approach that treats the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Osteopathy helps restore balance between:

• the structural mechanics of the spine

• the mobility of fascia

• the function of the nervous system

If you're experiencing back pain, a personalized osteopathic assessment is the first step toward restoring comfort and mobility.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is back pain?

Back pain refers to discomfort in the lumbar, dorsal, or thoracic region. It can be acute or chronic and may originate from muscles, joints, nerves, or fascia. Osteopathy helps identify the cause and provide targeted treatment.

2. What is the difference between low back pain and upper back pain?

Low back pain affects the lower spine and is often linked to poor posture, physical strain, or muscular tension.Upper back pain affects the middle or upper spine and often involves posture, stress, or tension between the shoulder blades.

3. How do fascia influence back pain?

Fascia are connective tissues surrounding muscles and organs. When they become tight or rigid, they may reduce mobility and cause pain. Osteopathy uses fascial techniques to release tension and improve flexibility.

4. What is the role of neurology in back pain?

The nervous system controls how we perceive pain. Nerve irritation or compression can cause sharp pain, radiating symptoms, or numbness. Osteopathy can help reduce nerve tension and improve communication between nerves and muscles.

5. Should fascia or nerves be treated first?

It depends on the main cause of the pain. Most situations benefit from a combined approach:

• fascial work to release tissue tension

• neurological techniques to improve mobility and reduce pain

6. Can osteopathy quickly relieve low back pain and upper back pain?

Yes. Many patients experience relief after the first session. Lasting improvement usually requires a series of treatments and personalized advice regarding posture and home exercises.

7. When should I see an osteopath for back pain?

You should consult when:

• the pain lasts more than a few days

• your movement becomes limited

• symptoms include numbness or tingling

• traditional treatments (rest, medication) don’t help

8. Is osteopathy a natural solution for back pain?

Yes. Osteopathy is a non-medicinal approach that treats the cause rather than just the symptoms by working on fascia, muscles, joints, and the nervous system.