Treating a cold Osteopathically

With the cold and flu season in full swing we thought it would be worth discussing how osteopaths treat the common cold. We have all suffered at some time from colds – in fact adults average 2 to 3 colds per year while children average 6 to 10 colds per year. While full-blown flu can be more severe, colds are harmless but also one of the most aggravating conditions to have. You may have a sore throat, aching muscles, lack of appetite and fatigue, but all you or your family are prescribed by the doctor are cold and flu tablets and told to rest. In contrast, osteopathy provides a medication-free and non-invasive approach which addresses the underlying causes of the cold and offers long term benefits rather than temporary relief.

To get a full understanding of how osteopathy can help, we first need to look at what causes colds. The symptoms of colds are caused by viruses which embed in the linings of the nose and throat. These viruses create inflammation of previously healthy cells which, in turn, irritate the surrounding nerves. The messages to the brain from these irritated nerves result in muscle tightening and aching – particularly in the neck and upper back. The lymphatic system (a system which recycles and detoxifies most of the fluid in the body) also becomes congested and thick mucus is produced leading to a blocked nose and sinus problems.

Osteopathy addresses all these symptoms through treatment using a number of techniques, including soft tissue massage, muscle stretching, joint mobilisation and articulation or cranial osteopathy. In addition to giving you advice on diet and stress management, the osteopath’s ultimate aims of treatment are to: