In my Toolkit to Recovery, osteopathy for back pain and paresthesia has been one of the therapies that truly made a difference.
After my Tarlov cyst flare-up, I waited several months before trying it. I was very hesitant — I had read many negative stories online from people with Tarlov cysts who had unpleasant experiences with osteopathic treatment. But deep down, I remembered how much osteopathy had helped my children in the past, and even me, years before. Eventually, I decided to trust my instincts.
FINDING THE RIGHT PRACTITIONER
I didn’t go to just anyone. I chose an osteopath I already trusted — the same practitioner who had successfully treated my babies (one of them couldn’t move his neck properly after birth).
She is highly trained, having completed six years of study in osteopathy, and she has extensive experience treating all kinds of patients, including newborns. Her approach is gentle, precise, and deeply attentive — she never cracks bones or uses harsh manipulations. Most importantly, she listens. She took the time to understand my illness, how I was feeling each week, and adapted every session accordingly.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN MY BODY
She explained that my Tarlov cysts had irritated the nerves leaving my sacrum, including the sciatic nerve. On top of that, the ongoing pain had caused my sacrum area to become extremely tense and stiff — almost like a rock. That tension was feeding a vicious cycle: the more pain I felt, the more tension built up, and the more tension there was, the stronger the pain became.
By working carefully on that area, she helped it relax and regain mobility, which allowed the nerves to move more freely. As the tension eased, my deep pain and paraesthesia began to lessen. She also explained that keeping the sacrum area mobile and balanced would be key to preventing symptoms from returning — and she was absolutely right.
TANGIBLE PROGRESS AND GENTLE HEALING
Unlike other therapies I tried, I could actually feel tangible results after just a few sessions. The improvement wasn’t instant or dramatic, but it was real and steady. Over nearly a year of treatment, my comfort, posture, and mobility gradually improved. I learned to tune into my body and recognize when tension was building up again.
Osteopathy didn’t cure my cysts — but it helped my body work with the condition instead of constantly fighting it. It eased the pressure, improved nerve flow, and gave me space to heal. For this, I’ll be forever grateful to my osteopath.
MY ADVICE IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING OSTEOPATHY
If you’re thinking about trying osteopathy for back pain, paresthesia, or Tarlov cysts, I recommend doing your research carefully. Talk to others who have tried it and gather different perspectives.
Check your practitioner’s training — ideally, they should have completed a full six-year osteopathy program. I would also recommend finding someone who has experience treating babies, as this often indicates a high level of skill in gentle and precise manipulation. Choose someone who listens and takes the time to understand your pain and adapt their treatment accordingly. And most importantly, trust your instincts.
Osteopathy can be a wonderful complement to medical care when done safely and by the right hands. It’s not a quick fix, but in my case, it became one of the most powerful tools in my recovery journey.
Have you tried osteopathy or another gentle therapy for nerve pain or Tarlov cysts? I would love to hear your experience — sharing our stories helps others find hope and options on their own path to recovery.