Chiropractic

Chiropractic is commonly associated with treatment of back and neck pain. But chiropractors also focus on problems and injuries which affect the extremities – including knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders -If you are not sure whether we can help your specific injury or condition give us a call. A Chiropractor will look to restore the motion and function of joints by using a chiropractic adjustment to promote normal movement. Chiropractors may use different methods of adjustment to manipulate the joints.

Chiropractic Techniques

A lot of people assume chiropractic treatment involves being manoeuvred around on a treatment couch, and audible cracks heard as the adjusted joint is released.  Other techniques may be used by your chiropractor. One such chiropractic technique was first developed by chiropractors Dr Arlan Fuhr and Warren Lee over 40 years ago. This technique is called Activator chiropractic, which uses a small mechanical adjusting instrument (see photo below) with a trigger release mechanism to produces a low force and high speed thrust to the joint to make the necessary adjustment. Using this technique the patient does not have to be manoeuvred around on the couch and no audible crack is heard, the adjustment is very fast and specific.

Chiropractic and Back Pain

At some stage or other most people will suffer with a bout of back pain and is one of the main reasons for taking absence from work. Back pain can be different in nature from a dull nagging ache to acute pain that leaves you immobilised for a few days. It can affect people of all ages. It seems to come on for many reasons; like bending over tying a shoe lace, lifting a heavy object, just sitting at a computer or from a knock in a sports game.

There is no single mechanism that seems to triggers common back pain; it can come from muscle, tendon, joint, ligament or disc. If a nerve in the back becomes irritated then it can cause pain into the buttock or down the leg.

Initial treatment depending on severity may need rest ice and anti inflammatory medication if appropriate to use for the patient. (See inflammation response to trauma)

Recovery depends on the severity of the back pain and the structures affected. A lot of common back pain patients we treat, suffer with muscle spam and joint dysfunction where chiropractic and rehabilitation exercises using a combination of mobility and strengthening exercises help to stabilise the back to normal function. Keeping up back exercises regularly can help keep the back healthy and may prevent the condition from returning.