Davide Festa è un osteopata diplomato in Osteopatia presso la Scuola Italiana di Osteopatia e Terapie Manuali di Torino. È laureato in Scienze Motorie presso l’Università degli Studi di Torino, dove ha anche ottenuto il Diploma in Educazione Fisica, inoltre ha conseguito la laurea in Scienze e Tecniche Psicologiche presso l’Università degli Studi della Valle d’Aosta. Oltre alla formazione di base, ha ampliato le sue competenze nel campo dell’Osteopatia Strutturale, area nella quale è anche docente per la Scuola Superiore di Osteopatia Italiana. Si è anche specializzato in Osteopatia Pediatrica, con un corso riconosciuto dalla Federazione Italiana Medici Pediatri (F.I.M.P.), e in Osteopatia in ambito Ortognatodonzistico. Crede che un buon insegnante debba saper trasmettere concetti complessi in modo chiaro e accessibile, utilizzando un linguaggio semplice che possa essere compreso da chiunque. Il suo approccio, infatti, si distingue per l’impegno a rendere l’osteopatia e le tecniche fisiche comprensibili per tutti, senza mai sacrificare la scientificità e la precisione della materia. Il suo obiettivo è fornire strumenti per un benessere duraturo, ponendo sempre al centro della sua pratica il rispetto per la persona e le sue necessità

Davide Festa

Davide Festa è un osteopata diplomato in Osteopatia presso la Scuola Italiana di Osteopatia e Terapie Manuali di Torino. È laureato in Scienze Motorie

This book was born from the desire to provide complete and accessible information for everyone, with practical advice for those suffering from back pain. Back pain is a condition that affects many people every year, and often symptoms worsen due to a lack of basic knowledge, proper exercises, and correct posture. For over twenty years, as an osteopath and teacher of osteopathy, I have always believed in the importance of explaining things in a simple and understandable way, so that information can be accessible to all. I decided to write this book using a straightforward communication style, while still respecting scientific standards and the accuracy of the information. Within these pages lies the wish to offer something that can help you feel better: to take care of your body and to give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing how to protect yourself. A small note of transparency: The QR codes labeled “Shopping Tips” will take you to Amazon through affiliate links, which allow me to earn a small commission on purchases, at no additional cost to you. I’ve only included products I truly recommend to my patients, but I wanted you to be aware of this detail.

Preface

Part I – Foundations for Understanding Low Back Pain

1 Anatomy and Pain Mechanisms

1.1 Essential Anatomy

1.2 Understanding Pain

1.3 Common Myths

2 Causes and Triggers

2.1 Problematic Postures and Movements

2.2 Everyday Risk Factors

Part II – Pain Management and Relief

3 Immediate Interventions

3.1 Managing Acute Pain

3.2 Basic Exercises

4 Daily Strategies

4.1 At Home

4.2 At Work

4.3 During Physical Activity

Part III – Prevention and Maintenance

5 Changing Habits

5.1 Daily Movements

5.2 Appropriate Physical Activity

5.3 Equipment and Supports

6 Maintenance Plan

Appendices

Pain Diary

Glossary

When to Consult a Professional

APPENDICES TA L K TO A N EXPERT This book has given you lots of tools to help you understand and manage your lower back pain. However, there are moments when you might need some professional help, and osteopathy could be just what you're looking for. Osteopathy is all about looking at the whole person. We osteopaths don t just focus on  a sore back,  but on the individual as a whole. We use our hands to help bring back movement and function to the body, believing that structure and function are closely connected. When I help someone with back pain, I don t only focus on the lower back; I also take a look at: The bowl Movement of the upper back and neck The role of internal organs (which can relate to back pain) The condition of the fascial tissues that link the whole body together Movement styles and posture habits 200 

W H E N ' S T H E B E ST T I M E TO SC H E D U L E A N O ST E O PAT H IC A P P O I NT M E NT ? It's a good idea to reach out to me when: Pain keeps hanging around even when you take it easy: If after 7-10 days of trying to manage it yourself, the pain still isn't getting better. Movement is a bit tricky: If you find it hard to bend, turn, or do everyday things. You have episodes that come back: If the pain shows up again and again, even after you ve had some time without it. After trauma or strain: Even if it s not serious, a quick movement or too much strain can lead to changes in how things work. Before it turns chronic: Research indicates that addressing it early on leads to better and more lasting outcomes. For prevention: Don t wait until you feel pain. Osteopathic treatment can spot imbalances before they turn into issues. When the exercises in the book just aren't cutting it: If you feel like your body is craving a little extra. O ST E O PAT HY AS A PA RT O F Y O U R H E A LT H A DV E NT U R E Think of the osteopath as a helpful friend on your path to a healthier back. I'm here to support you, not to take the place of your daily efforts. The exercises and tips in this book are super important, and osteopathic treatment can boost their benefits, help you tackle tricky situations, and make your journey even more personal. When you choose to see an osteopath, you're not giving up; you're actually taking a big step toward understanding and looking after your body. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my book! 201 

This book was created with the aim of providing complete and accessible information for everyone, along with practical advice for those who suffer fro