What We Treat
Chiropractic care is an effective, non-invasive approach to addressing a wide range of issues. It is suitable for people of all ages seeking to enhance overall wellness and mobility.
Mechanical Back Pain
Your spine, a robust structure made up of vertebrae, discs, ligaments, and muscles, is surprisingly resilient. Most people with back pain experience what’s known as ‘Non-Specific Mechanical Lower Back Pain’ at some point in their lives. This type of pain usually does not relate to any serious underlying condition, and there are no trapped or compressed nerves involved. There are multiple structures in the spine that can be pain generators — muscles, joints, and ligaments may all play a role. Causes include poor posture, prolonged uncomfortable sitting, and even emotional or work-related stress. As we age, wear and tear contribute to stiffness and discomfort.
Chiropractic care specialises in treating mechanical back pain. Chiropractors offer a comprehensive approach in assessing the back and providing treatment that includes manual therapies, exercise, rehabilitation, and therapeutic advice. If you’re dealing with back pain, seeking guidance from a Chiropractor can help you manage symptoms and improve your overall spinal health. Remember that staying active and maintaining mobility are essential for preventing further discomfort.
While distressing, mechanical back pain is rarely dangerous and usually resolves without treatment. However, if the symptoms worsen or persist for a period that you would deem unusual, it is worth getting it checked by a Chiropractor who can advise you properly.
Mechanical Neck Pain
Mechanical neck pain refers to discomfort that originates from anatomical structures in the neck. This pain manifests as soreness, stiffness, or tension in the neck area. It may remain localised to the neck or radiate to the head or upper arms. In such cases, faulty biomechanics of the neck play a role, and a proper assessment to identify the source of the complaint is essential for pain relief. Poor posture, excessive muscle tension, stress, and repetitive movements (such as work-related tasks) are considered some of the main causes.
Chiropractic management is well-suited to addressing mechanical neck pain. Neck pain can be particularly concerning, especially if it is a new symptom. Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat neck pain using a variety of techniques, including spinal mobilisation, manipulation, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitative exercises, lifestyle modification advice, and guidance on healthy habits. All these approaches are designed to improve mobility and minimise the risk of further neck discomfort.
Joint Pain
When discussing joint pain, we are usually referring to osteoarthritis, which primarily affects ageing joints. While there is no cure, Chiropractic management plays a crucial role. Staying active is excellent advice as you age, and Chiropractic treatments are designed to facilitate this. Chiropractic care provides a safe alternative to medication, naturally supporting the body’s smooth and consistent functioning. Alongside treatment, you will receive advice on safe exercises to avoid aggravating your condition and to promote longevity. Do not settle for joint pain as a result of ageing. Although morning stiffness and pain are hallmark signs of wear and tear, they do not have to diminish your quality of life. Consider visiting a Chiropractor to explore potential improvements.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a common condition that can cause pain, tingling, and numbness along the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down each leg. Whilst true sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed, similar symptoms can arise when nerves in the lower spine are also involved. Here are some common causes of sciatica or sciatica-like symptoms:
- Slipped Disc (Herniated Disc): The most common cause of sciatica.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Spondylolisthesis: Misalignment of the vertebrae.
- Pregnancy.
In some cases, sciatica can be straightforward to diagnose and treat. However, certain risk factors can make recovery more challenging. Age, diabetes, excess weight, and smoking can all increase the risk of developing sciatica and hinder recovery.
Another potential cause is a condition known as piriformis syndrome, where a muscle in the buttocks compresses the sciatic nerve as it runs into the leg. This is commonly believed to result from posture and alignment issues caused by poor biomechanics and is often diagnosed by Chiropractors.
Recovery from sciatica can take days or even months. Even when following the best advice, symptoms may persist, so try not to get disheartened. However, it is important to get it checked, as in most cases, great advice can significantly speed up recovery.
Hip Pain
A primary focus of Chiropractic care is restoring healthy function to the body through movement and alignment. Chiropractic is considered an alternative medicine because it uses non-invasive methods to treat the body. Hip pain is a common complaint in Chiropractic offices and can arise from various causes, such as wear and tear (osteoarthritis), hip dysplasia, or nerve impingement. It may also be referred pain from another part of the body, such as the spine or knee. Chiropractors are experts in assessing the hip and surrounding tissues to evaluate how well they are functioning.
Here are a few general tips for maintaining healthy hips and preventing wear and tear:
- Warm up and stretch before and after exercise.
- Practise proper posture.
- Incorporate resistance training into your workouts.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Cushion hips and knees while sleeping.
- Modify exercises as needed.
Remember, early intervention can make a significant difference, and looking after your hips helps the rest of the body move smoothly. Hip replacement surgery is the second most common type of joint replacement, after knee replacement. Scheduling an appointment with a Chiropractor to assess the origin of your pain can greatly speed up recovery.
Knee Pain
The knee joint is a robust hinge that primarily facilitates flexion and extension while bearing a significant load. However, issues can arise when it deviates from its optimal movement pattern. Notably, knee replacement surgery is among the most common orthopaedic procedures. Identifying the source of knee pain can be complex, as it may originate from muscles, tendons, ligaments, or the joint itself. Additionally, knee pain is not always localised and can stem from the hip or pelvis joints.
During a Chiropractic assessment, various tests are performed to evaluate knee biomechanics and challenge the surrounding tissues to identify the source of pain. Common causes include direct trauma, ligament damage, overuse (such as osteoarthritis), poor biomechanics (e.g., patella tracking issues), hip joint dysfunction, and conditions like Osgood-Schlatter disease in younger individuals.
Restoring normal movement patterns and treating damaged tissues is a priority for Chiropractors. Joint manipulation and mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, laser therapy, and ultrasound are some of the modalities used to help promote optimal knee function.
Ankle Pain
The ankle joint is significant as it bears a considerable load throughout our lives while allowing for a wide range of movement. Consequently, it is the most frequently sprained joint in the body. Identifying the source of ankle pain can be complex, as it may originate from muscles, tendons, ligaments, or the joint itself. All these tissues play a crucial role in helping the ankle adapt to our environment and provide a stable foundation for activities such as walking, running, and jumping.
A Chiropractor conducts a biomechanical assessment to determine the origin of pain and whether the ankle is the primary source or if the pain is referred from elsewhere. Common causes include direct trauma (such as ligament strain), overuse (such as osteoarthritis), poor biomechanics (e.g., flat feet or high arches), neurological conditions (like diabetes), and conditions such as Achilles tendinitis.
A Chiropractor’s expertise in understanding the ankle makes them well-suited to assess and treat ankle conditions. If necessary, they can also refer patients to the appropriate specialist.
Headaches and Migraine Prevention
Dealing with headaches can be challenging, especially given the abundance of information available. Let’s break it down: there are two main types of headaches—primary and secondary. Primary headaches originate within the head itself, such as tension headaches or migraines. Secondary headaches, on the other hand, result from external factors affecting the head. Interestingly, the neck plays a significant role in head pain, as neck joint issues (such as facet joint dysfunction) and trigger points in neck muscles can directly contribute to headaches.
Chiropractors are experts in assessing headaches. They skilfully perform biomechanical (posture and alignment) and neurological assessments to identify the source of your discomfort. It is not uncommon for headaches to be the primary reason people visit a Chiropractic clinic. If you are experiencing tension in the neck joints and muscles causing headaches, Chiropractic treatment can be highly effective.
Remember to consult your GP about headaches to ensure they are aware of the issue, but also consider visiting your local Chiropractic clinic for additional relief.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can be a very painful condition, and if the cause is biomechanical in origin, a Chiropractor is an excellent professional to assess it. This condition typically involves pain on and around the heel, which can spread along the underside of the foot. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue on the underside of the foot. It does more than aid movement; it also protects the arch of the foot to ensure smooth movement and acts as a shock absorber, resisting uneven movements of the ankle and foot. It is no surprise that when this tissue is distressed, it can be difficult to resolve!
Some of the main causes of plantar fasciitis include poor footwear, previous trauma (such as a fracture or ankle sprain), poor alignment (extra stress from the knee, hips, or even pelvis), a sudden increase in activity, obesity, and high arches in the feet.
A Chiropractor can assess and treat plantar fasciitis using a variety of techniques. Identifying the source of dysfunction is the first step (which does not always involve the plantar fascia itself). Combining treatment techniques with advice on home therapies is essential for improving your symptoms.
Inability to Relax / Generalised Aches and Pains
In our fast-paced lives, the demands of work and family often lead to tension and an inability to relax. Factors such as poor posture, extended periods of sitting, stress, or chronic conditions can contribute to this lack of relaxation. When we don’t take time to alleviate these stresses, our joints can become tense, and the surrounding muscles may dysfunction. One common area where we experience pain and tension is the upper shoulders and neck.
Chiropractors adhere to a Biopsychosocial model of healing. This means that we help people alleviate symptoms from not only physical trauma but also mental stress as well. At our clinic, we offer consultations with Chiropractors who specialise in Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy. These treatments help realign the spine and reduce muscle tension, ultimately promoting relaxation and well-being.
Chiropractors follow a Biopsychosocial model of healing. This means that we help people alleviate symptoms caused by not only physical trauma but also mental stress. At our clinic, we offer consultations with Chiropractors who specialise in Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy. These treatments help realign the spine and reduce muscle tension, ultimately promoting relaxation and well-being.
Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries
Most people don’t immediately think of Chiropractors when it comes to treating issues beyond the spine. However, Chiropractors are experts in the biomechanics and proper functioning of all the joints in the body. One area they frequently address is the shoulder.
The shoulder joint is remarkable for its extensive range of motion, allowing us to perform various activities. However, inherent in this mobility is the fact that the shoulder is naturally quite unstable. It’s a delicate balance. The movement of the rotator cuff muscles allows the shoulder to function smoothly. When this balance is disrupted, certain tissues work harder than others, leading to pain.
- Direct trauma: Impact or falls can damage the rotator cuff.
- Repetitive overuse: Sports like tennis or badminton often involve repetitive shoulder movements.
- Poor posture: Incorrect posture can strain the shoulder.
- Dislocation: Shoulder dislocations can cause significant damage.
- Natural wear and tear: Over time, the shoulder joint may experience wear and tear.
Chiropractors have a deep understanding of shoulder biomechanics. Identifying when the shoulder isn’t functioning properly is vital to restoring normal function. They use conservative methods to treat shoulder issues and rehabilitate the muscles, providing long-lasting relief.