Whether you’re stuck behind a desk all day or are engaging in strenuous sports activities, occasional body aches are unfortunately a part and parcel of everyday life. Unhealthy behavioural habits can often result in physical and mental stressors that can affect the nervous system over time, causing spinal pressure and symptoms such as chronic neck pain and headaches. Joint paint and inflammation can also occur, according to the Australian Spinal Research. Although a relaxing day at the spa or massage parlour can often have you feeling refreshed in the aftermath of a session, other times, long-term discomfort and strains are usually a sign of much more serious underlying issues in the bones or nervous system. This, in turn, calls for more professional help, likely at the hands of a trained chiropractor. If you’re not sure what issues actually herald a need to visit the latter, here are some ways to tell.
The difference between a chiropractor and a massage therapist
Massage therapists are trained to relieve immediate muscle pain, tension and stiffness via the process of kneading, pressing and rolling flesh, while chiropractors focus on subluxations in the spine that are more often caused by the misalignment and dislocation of the spine and body. Chiropractic treatments are meant to ensure the body and nervous systems are at optimal levels. Anything from accidents, sport injuries, sleeping positions, repetition of poor form and movement and even emotional stress can cause bones in the spine to twist and misalign. Although such discomfort can easily be shrugged off as a temporary strain, if untreated it cause long-term pain and deformities.
What chiropractors can treat
Trained and licensed chiropractors either use their hands or small instruments to perform what is called manual therapy, or ‘manipulations’, on different parts of the body. This apparently can aid in relieving a range of discomfort and pain such as joint and muscle pain, headaches and even chronic constipation, according to a study in The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. Each patient’s treatment varies between symptoms, causes and practitioners. For example osteoarthritis, the most common kind of arthritis can be relieved or avoided with joint mobilisation therapy by gently working the joint through natural range of motions. Alternatively, ultrasound treatments can help relieve pain and swelling in joints and soft tissue. Which treatment is best for your condition will depend on the advice of your doctor and the consultation with the chiropractor.
Rare side-effects of chiropractic adjustments
Discomfort or side-effects such as soreness, fatigue or headaches are common reactions to chiropractic adjustments, though these effects are usually temporary and disappear as soon as the session is done, according to a study on the side effects of chiropractic treatment published on Pub Med. However chiropractors are not medical doctors and cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe medications, so it is advisable to consult with a doctor before visiting a chiropractor to treat any chronic pain or underlying health issues. Though rare, severe risks of this form of therapy include herniated disks, nerve compression and can even lead to strokes in some cases. As such, this type of treatment is best avoided by those who have spinal instability, severe osteoporosis, or spine cancer.
Which chiropractors to visit:
Drs. B. S. Vaughan & Associates
The Drs. B. S. Vaughan & Associates Clinic was established in 1966, leading an example for chiropractors in the city. The clinic has a team of five overseas-trained chiropractors qualified in treating pains such as frozen shoulder, bone spurs, scoliosis as well as lower back and neck pain.
Hong Kong Sports Chiropractic
Dr. Ian Shaw founded this clinic to help athletes and sports enthusiasts reach their performance goals and recover from injuries effectively. He a registered Hong Kong chiropractor and former performance therapist for the Chinese Olympic Committee and both Chinese and Hong Kong National Sport Climbing Teams.
Atlas Chiropractic Hong Kong
This chriopractic studio belives that a healthy nervous system is the key to mental and physical wellness. They treat patients of any age group, from babies and children to adults. The studio’s regular chiropractic adjustments go beyond symptom-based treatments. With a holistic approach, they guide patients with a custom plan for lifestyle habits and exercise correction that effectively combat the causes of their physical, mental and chemical stress.
Hong Kong Spine Centre
This clinic uses a number of techniques including acupuncture, trigger-point shockwave therapy to treat chronic myalgia, tennis elbow and frozen shoulder as it stimulates cell regeneration and restructuring. They also provide electrotherapy to treat spasms and ultrasound therapy for damaged tissues and promote blood circulation.