Alternative to Osteopath

[anyonefortea]

My boyf went to his GP yesterday becuase of some neck pain he has been getting. He's been complaining of it for a while, but figured it was just due to sleeping funny. He has limited use of it when he tries to turn it, or tilt it to the side (his head i mean)

His GP said it is likely to be the cartilage between the vertebrae either being worn, or overlapping and causing tthe pain and restricting the movement.

The GP said he should try and lie as flat as possible at night, ie. thinnest pillow possible, and a hot shower on his neck in the mornings but taht an osteopath would be able to help.

My question is: has anyone had similar experiences and found something that helps that doesnt cost the earth.
We live in Guernsey in ths cHannel Islands and all our health care is private and so we have to pay for everything and a single visit to teh osteopath will be £61 on top of the GP visit of £36!
The pain isnt unbearable, but its enuf to want to do something.
so if anyone has any ideas of cheaper treatments, lotions, potions, exercises that we can do before shelling out so much nmoney, we'd be grateful.

Thank you.

[Toothsmith]

The thing is - you could end up shelling out on lotions and potions, and then still need to see the osteopath anyway.

Also, in the time you spend trying alternatives, things might get worse and need more sessions to get right.

There would be no reason for the Dr to recommend one thing, if something else would do the same job for less money. He's had his fee after all.

I would just take the advice you've paid for and follow the recommended course.

[dbs]

http://www.hsa.co.uk/hsa/pages/products/healthcash.jsp join before 31st of May get one month free.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/healthcare-cash-plans

http://www.backcare.org.uk/

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=3587989#post3587989

HSA pay monthly claim back half of treatment up to your limit can be used for eye care and dental care aswell.

[mr_rush]

A physiotherapist

[Alcmene]

I go to an osteopath and I have to tell you that she is worth every single penny, it is not worth messing around with your health.

[tbs624]

See a chiropractor :smiley:

[melbury]

I agree, chiropractors are great at sorting out this type of problem.

[Mojisola]

I have been helped enormously by a cranial osteopath and would recommend that therapy but if you can't afford it, have a look at "Treat Your Own Neck" by Robin McKenzie (and his first book "Treat You Own Back"). My GP recommended them to me.