“Active X Backs sorted out my low back pain when I was playing and I still see them on the rare occasion I have an issue. I would highly recommend them to help with your back problem.” Gavin Hastings OBE 

Gavin Routledge
Osteopath & Chief Back Officer

Edinburgh Osteopath, Gavin has specialised in the treatment of lower back pain and sciatica for nearly 30 years.  From mild strains, right through to prolapsed discs, compressed nerves and a myriad of other possible diagnoses. Gavin has also authored two books on lower back pain, and created an online course for lower back pain and sciatica.

If you are looking for specialist back pain treatment in Edinburgh, or you want the reassurance of consulting clinicians specialising in lower back pain and sciatica, give us a ring or book online.  You can consult us in-person in Edinburgh’s West End, or you can consult an osteopath online via Skype.

The Active X Backs Rules – you don’t have to follow them, but we recommend you do!

1. Use it or Lose it, But Don’t Abuse it

Be as active as you can be, but don’t push into the pain.

2. Get healthy habits; ditch the bad ones

The things you do most frequently and regularly will determine your future health.

3. Focus on what matters

If you want to change something, you need to give it sufficient attention for long enough.

“Why choose Active X Backs?” Gavin answers…

If you are looking for an Edinburgh Osteopath that aspires to run the best possible Back Pain Clinic, you’ve found me.  I’ve run an Edinburgh osteopathic clinic since 1993.  And although osteopaths don’t refer to themselves as a “doctor of osteopathy“, it would certainly be fair to describe me as a back pain specialist doctor.  Just go easy on the use of the term “doctor” – I am NOT medically qualified.  I mean doctor in the literal sense – teacher.  Whether I’m an osteopath, chiropractor or physiotherapist or doctor shouldn’t really matter.  What matters is that back pain and sciatica are my professional passion.  I had a Lumbar 4/5 disc herniation when I was 20.  It plagued me on and off through most of my twenties. Eventually I understood my back problem in detail.  AND I stuck to my own advice (see rules 2 & 3 above).  My back is stronger now than it was 30 years ago.  What I learned in studying for a Masters Degree in Pain Management years later, confirmed the approach I developed.

I have been focused for a long time, having specialised in low back pain and sciatica for nearly 30 years.  I’ve written 2 books on the subject.  And created numerous online courses for back pain and sciatica.  And built an app for lower back pain sufferers.  I spent the dissertation period of my MSc in Pain Management reviewing the 230 apps on the app store for lower back pain.  Then I scoped the features for my own “digital intervention” for lower back pain sufferers.

We now focus on in-clinic and Skype consultations. Because our experience is that people suffering lower back pain and sciatica want the reassurance that comes from consulting a professional who specialises… We’re not the best at elbows and knees (better than many).  But we’re very good at backs!  And because the majority of the value we bring to you is our knowledge, this can be shared via a Skype call.  I think we’re very good at applying manual techniques too – this helps you to heal faster.  Every member of the AXB team had to put their hands on me as part of their interview. And further training during their trial period is compulsory.  They are all very good with their hands.  But remember healing can occur without therapy, so long as you follow our 3 rules (above).

We adhere to lower back pain guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, are registered with the General Osteopathic Council and are members of The International Association for the Study of Pain.