The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) defines Chiropractic as the health profession that is concerned with the diagnosis, management and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health.
Many signs of mechanical disorders can present as aches or pains. Talk to us if you are suffering the following:
Headaches are defined as any pain in the region of the head – from your common headache to your sharp stabbing headache. Some headaches are actually migraines which are distinctive for their recurrent and throbbing nature. Migraines are usually one sided and can cause sufferers nausea and disturbed vision.
According to the Mayo Clinic, migraines causes aren’t understood, however genetics and environmental factors may play a role.
There are a few factors that can trigger migraines, these may include:
Headaches and migraines may also be caused by a misalignment or dysfunction of a vertebra in the top of the neck. This then may cause inflammation and tension of the joints and muscles at the base of the neck, which then transfers pain up into the skull.
Chiropractors may help by performing specific adjustments to the neck and upper back, and reducing soft tissue tension. This may allow the function of the muscles and vertebrae in the neck to ease and remove the tension that causes headache and migraine symptoms.
Consult us at Bateman Chiropractic in Perth, Western Australia for more information on headaches and migraines.
Back pain is a common occurrence in the Australian population. 80% of Australians experience back pain and 10% have significant disability as a result. People of all ages are affected by back pain, and although it generally clears up in a few days or weeks, sometimes back pain can be ongoing.
Amongst sufferers seeking back pain relief alternatives, chiropractic is a top choice. Back pain can come from numerous sources, such as poor posture, repetitive work strain, accidents, sports injuries and muscle stresses. Also natural processes such as pregnancy can also give low back pain to expecting mothers.
Chiropractors use a hands-on approach to help back pain. This may include a spinal adjustment, various soft tissue techniques and rehabilitation methods. Our aim is to promote correct alignment and allow your musculoskeletal structure to be at it’s best so you can recover without aids. Chiropractors may help with musculoskeletal back pain by allowing the joints to move well that have previously been restricted by injury, trauma or even tension (such as long term sitting).
Shoulder pain usually limits its movement and are caused by injuries of the shoulder joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body that it is supported and strengthened by the muscles, ligaments and tendons. When any of these structures are not working, pain may occur.
Since the nerves that supply the shoulder and arm originate from the neck and upper spine, it is common to see neck pain also associated with shoulder pain.
Chiropractors may assist with shoulder conditions such as:
Chiropractors will investigate the origin of the cause of the shoulder pain. This will include a history, physical exam and possibly imaging (such as x-ray, MRI, if indicated). Shoulder pain treatment may include spinal manipulation, joint manipulation and mobilisation, taping procedures, dry needling and rehabilitation exercises to decrease risks of reoccurrence.
Neck pain may result from abnormalities in the soft tissues – muscles, ligaments, and nerves, as well as in the bone and the joints of the spine. The most common causes that chiropractors identify and treat are soft tissue abnormalities from injury or prolonged wear and tear. In many people, this soft tissue abnormality is also the source of pain in the upper back, shoulders and arms.
Some individuals also experience neck pain that refers and spreads to the upper arm and forearm. This may feel like a shooting or burning pain down the arm, hands and fingers which may indicated a ‘pinched nerve’. Many suffers will also experience weakness in the arm and numbness and tingling in the fingers on top of the pain.
Another form of neck pain is from whiplash incidents. Whiplash is commonly associated with car accidents and motor vehicle injuries, however whiplash can also be sourced from sports injuries to rock concerts. Whiplash is the sudden propulsion of the neck forward and back (or side to side) to cause injury to the ligaments and muscles that support the neck. All whiplash incidents and neck injuries do warrant a thorough examination.
Sometime neck pain can originate from daily living activities. This can include poor posture at the desk, looking at a smart device, poor technique at your given sport or studying for an exam. Chiropractors may look into your daily lifestyle to investigate if one of these activities may be causing your pain.
