Here at BodyViva, we have recently expanded our services to include chiropractic care. As such, we thought it was about time we shed some light on this immensely helpful practice, and explain how it can assist to relieve pain and stiffness for our clients.

Chiropractors use their hands to realign muscles, joints and bones so that the body can function as it should. Chiropractic works on the principle that when the musculoskeletal structure of the body is aligned correctly, it will be able to heal itself without the assistance of medication. Let’s take a closer look at why you may benefit from chiropractic care, and what you can expect from this treatment.

What causes the misalignment of your spine and joints?

Many everyday actions can result in the misalignment of your musculoskeletal structure. You’ll often hear people say that they’ve ‘put their back out’ undergoing tough physical tasks such as digging or playing a sport that focuses on twisting the upper body, such as tennis. But your spine can also experience misalignment from merely sitting the wrong way in your chair. This is one of the reasons why people who work in offices are constantly harassed with information regarding proper posture! Chiropractic treatment is often recommended for repetitive straining injury in the back, neck and shoulders. When your spine and joints aren’t aligned properly, this can alter your nerve and muscle function, cause tissue damage and result in immense pain.

How can a chiropractor help with lower back pain or stiffness?

Chiropractic care is a common treatment for acute lower back pain or stiffness. When spinal manipulation is performed by a chiropractor to adjust the alignment of the spine, it can restore a wider range of motion in the back, relieve pain and reduce nerve irritability. It is a natural treatment that many people who have allergies to particular medical drugs choose to undergo, rather than risk a reaction.

How can chiropractic care assist with neck pain or stiffness?

If you experience problems with neck pain or stiffness, visiting a chiropractor may be the best course of action. Abnormal movements such as lifting, falling or whiplash can result in neck pain that may worsen with looking side to side or up and down. This may be because the vertebrae in the neck have become restricted or misaligned, placing stress on your muscles and joints, even resulting in the feeling of a pinched nerve. A chiropractor will assess your neck and ascertain how it needs to be adjusted to restore normal movement and alleviate pain or increase movement.

What to expect at a chiropractic consultation.

There’s no need to be nervous about seeking help from a chiropractor for neck or back pain. When you arrive at your consultation, the first thing your chiropractor will do is sit down with you to discuss the problem you are experiencing. If they believe that your discomfort stems from musculoskeletal misalignment, they will then talk you through the treatment that they can provide for you to alleviate the pain or restriction. This may include spinal manipulation (using either their hands or special equipment to adjust the alignment of your muscles, joints and bones with short, sharp movements) or chiropractic mobilisation (the gradual movement of your joints into different positions or stretching of your muscles). Your chiropractor may also discuss your lifestyle, diet and medical history with you before beginning treatment, to establish a plan that will assist with your chiropractic sessions.

BodyViva in Springwood is a multidisciplinary clinic with a range of health practitioners ready to ease your pain through physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, podiatry and pilates. Contact BodyViva today to secure your booking.