Peripheral neuropathy is a condition affecting the peripheral nerves, often causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness, primarily in the hands and feet. People struggling with peripheral neuropathy often complain of burning feet that is worse at night. Now, you might be wondering “How does a Chiropractor help people with peripheral neuropathy?” and whilst the most common cause is diabetes, there are other causes related to the spine and nervous system that Chiropractors can absolutely assist with. Stenosis, Disc bulges, Sciatica can all lead to neuropathy.

There are also other common causes including chemotherapy, drug side effects, alcoholism, metabolic issues, infections, and even trauma. Managing peripheral neuropathy effectively should not be focused on purely addressing the symptoms but should include understanding and managing the underlying root cause of the neuropathy and creating an environment in which the damaged nerves can heal.

Why Early Management of Peripheral Neuropathy is Essential

Left untreated, peripheral neuropathy can lead to severe complications such as chronic pain, loss of balance, difficulty walking, and in severe cases, sores or ulcers that may result in amputations. This causes a dramatic decrease in quality of life. Falls and injuries are also more common when balance is affected. That’s why early assessment and management are vital to prevent long-term consequences.

At Align Corrective Chiropractic we take a proactive and holistic approach to neuropathy management. Our initial consultation and examination are focused on assessing your overall health and functioning. We use the modified Toronto Clinical Scoring system to evaluate the severity of your nerve damage and use thermal imaging to assess temperature differences related to blood flow in your feet or hands. Recent research has shown that thermal imaging is useful in diagnosing diabetic neuropathy early ¹ and predicting diabetic foot ulcer risk ².

Our Modern, High-Tech Approach

We pride ourselves on being a modern, high-tech chiropractic clinic, equipped with on-site digital X-rays and advanced diagnostic tools. Our services also include spinal corrective care and spinal decompression for patients whose neuropathy is spine-related. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of your health is considered when crafting your treatment plan.

How Can We Help You Manage Peripheral Neuropathy?

Managing peripheral neuropathy at Align Corrective Chiropractic in Durban involves several cutting-edge therapies that encourage nerve healing naturally so that you don’t have to rely on medications to merely mask your symptoms. Here are our primary treatment options:

Class 4 Laser Therapy: This non-invasive therapy uses high-powered laser light to penetrate deep into tissues, promoting blood flow and stimulating nerve regeneration. It is particularly effective in reducing pain and inflammation.

Red Light Therapy: Known for enhancing cellular function, red light therapy aids in reducing pain and improving nerve function, offering a natural way to support nerve repair and regeneration.

Whole Body Vibration: Stimulating circulation and promoting nerve activity, whole body vibration helps improve balance and muscle strength, which is crucial for patients at risk of falls.

Nutrition: Good nutrition is fundamental to nerve health. We work with you to ensure your diet supports healing, emphasizing foods rich in vitamins B1, B6, B12, and antioxidants.

Exercise: Tailored exercises can enhance mobility and improve blood flow to affected areas, reducing symptoms and helping maintain muscle tone.

At-Home Tips for Managing Neuropathy

In addition to professional care, there are several steps you can take at home to support nerve health. Maintaining good foot hygiene is essential—clean your feet daily and use a soft brush to stimulate circulation. Contrast baths (alternating warm and cool water) can help improve blood flow. Using a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) device may reduce pain by stimulating the nerves. Incorporating these simple practices into your routine can complement your in-clinic care.

Book Your Assessment Today

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, don’t wait for the condition to worsen. Our natural, conservative treatments aim to address the root cause without relying on potentially harmful medications. As a trusted chiropractic clinic in Durban, we are dedicated to helping our community manage neuropathy effectively and safely.

Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive assessment on 0315629180. Let us help you regain your comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Together, we can take the first step toward managing peripheral neuropathy naturally!

The effects of Laser Therapy on healing. How different wavelengths can make all the difference.

The possible effects of Class 4 Laser therapy on healing are largely dependant on the power of the machine (wattage), the ability to pulse, and the wavelengths available. Not all Laser therapy machines are created equally. This blog post will discuss the different wavelengths that we have available, and how each wavelength can impact your cells in unique ways.

There is a therapeutic window between the ranges of 600nm (red light) and 1080nm (near infrared). Most Class 4 Lasers used in treating musculoskeletal conditions are within this range. At Align Corrective Chiropractic we use the GBOX Plus. This comes with 4 different wavelengths that can be used individually or simultaneously to give you the best results.  

635nm – The effect of Laser on Surface Healing.

At 635nm, laser light is in the red spectrum, and it primarily affects surface-level tissues. This wavelength has a shallower penetration, targeting the skin, mucous membranes, and shallow tissues.

Cellular effects: When the body absorbs light at 635nm, it stimulates the mitochondria—the powerhouse of the cell. The mitochondria absorb the light and increase the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP provides the energy cells need for growth, repair, and regeneration. This increased energy helps fibroblasts (cells responsible for collagen production) work more efficiently, leading to faster healing of wounds, cuts, or skin conditions like scars or burns. Additionally, it enhances circulation in the treated area, helping reduce swelling and promoting the delivery of nutrients needed for healing. We utilise this wavelength the most with wound healing and post-surgical cases.

810nm – The effect of Laser on Muscle Recovery.

The 810nm wavelength is known for its deeper tissue penetration. This near-infrared light is particularly effective for musculoskeletal injuries, such as muscle strains, ligament sprains, and joint pain.

Cellular effects: When 810nm light reaches deeper tissues, it penetrates the skin and reaches muscle fibres, tendons, and ligaments. The laser energy is absorbed by the mitochondria, again boosting ATP production. This leads to an increase in cellular metabolism and an accelerated healing process. Specifically, the increase in ATP stimulates the production of growth factors, which are proteins that support tissue repair. Additionally, the light helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation at the cellular level, which is key for relieving pain and discomfort.

We use this wavelength to reduce recovery time from musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain by accelerating tissue repair and reducing inflammation.

980nm – The effects of Laser Therapy on Pain Relief and Healing.

The 980nm wavelength provides a balanced penetration, reaching deeper tissues while also stimulating therapeutic responses in more superficial areas. This wavelength is often used for treating medium-depth injuries such as deep tissue bruising, tendonitis, and inflammation in muscles and joints.

Cellular effects: 980nm light helps enhance microcirculation in the treated area, which increases the oxygen and nutrient supply to damaged tissues. At the cellular level, this results in enhanced collagen synthesis, which is critical for tissue repair. It also reduces inflammation by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping to alleviate pain and swelling.

We use this wavelength to promote anti-inflammation and reduce pain.

1064nm – The effects of Laser Therapy on Chronic Conditions

The 1064nm wavelength is one of the most penetrating wavelengths, able to reach deep tissues, including muscles, joints, and even bones. This wavelength is commonly used for chronic pain, deep muscle injuries, and conditions such as arthritis.

Cellular effects: The 1064nm wavelength stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins essential for tissue regeneration and strength. Furthermore, the 1064nm wavelength promotes vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the area, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the cells for faster healing. It also helps reduce pain by modulating the activity of sensory neurons and decreasing the transmission of pain signals.

For best results we will often use a combination of all the above wavelengths.

As you can see all the above wavelengths fall within the therapeutic range and have the potential to help you heal and recover faster, and we therefore will often use a combination of multiple wavelengths so that you can get the best results.  If you think Class 4 Laser Therapy may be what you are looking for then please give us a call or whatsapp on 0315629180.

If you’re looking for a modern, effective way to manage pain and promote healing, you may have come across Class 4 Laser Therapy. As a chiropractor in Durban, I’ve seen firsthand the remarkable benefits of this treatment for a variety of conditions, from musculoskeletal pain to chronic inflammation. In this blog post, I’ll take you through what Class 4 Laser Therapy is, how it works, and why it can be a game-changer for your health.

What is Class 4 Laser Therapy?

Class 4 Laser Therapy is a form of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing in tissues and reduce pain and inflammation. The term “Class 4” refers to the classification of the laser device, indicating that it is a high-powered therapeutic laser, capable of penetrating deeper into the tissue compared to lower-class lasers. This is a game changer as it allows for much shorter, more effective treatments.

At our clinic in Durban, our Class 4 Laser is able to utilise 4 different wavelengths, which allows us to treat a wide range of conditions. We have had great success in helping our patients manage the debilitating effects of a variety of conditions including spinal disc disease and peripheral neuropathy.

How Does Class 4 Laser Therapy Work?

Laser therapy is based on the principle of photobiomodulation (PBM). When the skin and tissues are exposed to the laser light, it penetrates the surface and is absorbed by the cells. This energy promotes various biological processes within the cells, including:

• Increased circulation: The laser helps stimulate blood flow to the treated area, which enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues.
• Cell regeneration: Laser light accelerates the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy source that cells need to repair themselves.
• Reduction of inflammation: It also helps to reduce the activity of inflammatory molecules, leading to decreased swelling and discomfort.
• Pain reduction: The laser can help release endorphins and other neurochemical agents that block pain signals to the brain.

In simple terms, Class 4 Laser Therapy works by promoting healing from the inside out. The light energy stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, allowing it to repair and regenerate damaged tissue more quickly. It also helps reduce pain and inflammation, making it a powerful tool in any chiropractic treatment plan.

Why Choose Laser Therapy?

At Align Corrective Chiropractic in Durban, one of our goals is to stay up to date with modern, cutting-edge treatment options like Class 4 Laser Therapy to support your health and healing. It is a safe, non-invasive therapy that can be used alongside corrective chiropractic care to help you recover more quickly, feel less pain, and regain full function. We also have on site digital X-Rays and Spinal Decompression therapy.

Our team of experienced chiropractors works with you to design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, so that you can function at your best. Contact us on tel:0315629180 to book an assessment.

Spinal Decompression Traction for Pinched Nerves

A safe, non-surgical treatment to effectively treat low back pain, neck pain and nerve compression.

Have you ever found yourself thinking that your entire spine just needs a good stretch? If so, spinal decompression traction may be exactly what you have been looking for. Spinal Decompression Traction is an effective treatment option for both neck and lower back pain, especially when it radiates into the arms and legs. At Align Corrective Chiropractic we have a highly advanced spinal decompression table that has helped many patients (with debilitating pain) avoid surgeries.

 

Spinal Decompression Traction is an especially effective treatment option for:

Herniated or bulging discs
Nerve Compression
Sciatica
“Slipped Disc”
Degenerative Disc Disease
Spinal Stenosis

Have you ever experienced a sore, radiating or nagging pain in your arms or legs? Maybe it was a sharp shooting pain, or numbness or tingling? These are all common symptoms of a nerve compression, commonly known as a “pinched nerve”. These symptoms can be so severe that they stop you from performing the most basic day to day tasks. This becomes exhausting and debilitating which often leads people to think that surgery is their only option.

If you have been diagnosed with any of the above conditions and are looking for an alternative to surgery, please give Spinal Decompression Traction a try.

 

At Align Corrective Chiropractic we run a specialised program called the ‘Spine Relieve and Restore’ TM program, which was created in order to help people with pinched nerves, get long term relief. We will complete a thorough initial assessment with a variety of neurological and orthopaedic tests to help us determine if you are a candidate for Spinal Decompression Traction. We also have on site Digital X-ray services available. With this information we will put together a treatment program to help you get back to functioning at your best.

Should you require any further info in this regard, please give us a call or Whatsapp us on (031) 5629180

Pinched Nerve in the Lower Back.

There is nothing quite as debilitating as a pinched nerve in the lower back. It can cause extreme pain, affect your basic movements and make the simplest of activities a nightmare. Fortunately there is a lot we can do to help, and it is actually something we see commonly in practice. Read further to discover what causes a pinched nerve in the lower back and how we at Align Corrective Chiropractic can help you specifically.

A pinched nerve in the lower back (also called a lumbar radiculopathy) is when the nerves from the lower portion of your spine get irritated or compressed. I see this most commonly at the L4/L5/S1 vertebrae of the lower back. These nerves control the muscles of your back, hips, legs, ankles and feet. Pinching of these nerves can cause a variety of symptoms from your waist down to your toes.

How does a pinched nerve affect you?

Some patients report extreme stiffness or restriction in their movements. They may find difficulty in bending forwards or backwards, or a sharp catch when moving suddenly. Severe, sharp shooting pain in the lower back, into the buttocks and down the legs is also very common. These nerves control sensation, so you may have no pain, but instead you may experience numbness, tingling or pins and needles. A severe pinched nerve may result in weakness of the leg muscles, inability to lift the toes or foot, and can even affect bladder and bowel functioning. Nerve compression’s are no joke, they can have a severe impact on your quality of life and cause a lot of problems over a long period if not treated correctly.

What causes it?

The most common underlying cause of a pinched nerve in the lower back that I see in practice is related to alignment and poor posture. The structures of the lower back, hips and pelvis function best when they are all in an ideal balanced alignment. Misalignment results in extra strain on the discs, joints and nerves. Over time this can lead to degenerative changes in the spine known as arthritis or spondylosis. This causes weakening of the structures, thinning of the discs and extra bony changes (bone spurs) which can all pinch the nerves.

How do we assess a pinched nerve?

We begin with taking a thorough history. We will listen to you, because we want to know exactly what is happening with you. Your symptoms will usually give us a fair idea if you are suffering with a pinched nerve. We will then perform some specific neurological tests, such as reflexes, sensation and strength. We will also take a good look at your posture and use specific X-Rays to measure the shape and alignment of your spine.

How do we treat a pinched nerve?

Patients will often be given strong painkillers, anti-inflammatory’s or receive injections to reduce the pain that they experience. I do not always agree with this approach, as these drugs often have serious long term side effects, and do not actually fix the underlying problem. It’s often the case that as soon as the medications wear off the pain returns. We develop a specific corrective program based on your individual findings and unique needs. The focus of a Corrective program, is to correct the underlying cause of your pinched nerve. We use a combination of corrective chiropractic adjustments, muscle release, exercises and traction to correct structural misalignment.

If you want to get your life back and solve the underlying cause of your pinched nerve then please give us a call or Whatsapp us on 031 562 9180.

DO YOU NEED CORRECTION POTENTIAL X-RAYS?

Correction Potential X-Rays are an extremely valuable tool in assessing the efficacy of a specific corrective treatment intervention. If you are spending your valuable time performing a specific corrective exercise, you want to make sure that it is achieving the desired outcome.  Correction Potential X-Rays are used predominately by Corrective Care Chiropractors. The goal of a Corrective treatment plan is to see a long term structural change in the shape of the spine that can be objectively measured on X-Rays. Correction potential X-Rays are a game changer.

WHY CORRECTION POTENTIAL X-RAYS?

Any deviation of the spine, away from the ideal shape, is worth correcting. This is exactly what we focus on at Align Corrective Chiropractic in Durban. It’s very possible that the shape and alignment of your spinal structures are the underlying cause of your symptoms. I very frequently see people who are battling with neck problems. An X-Ray of their neck will very often reveal a loss of the normal neck curve. This is called a loss of the cervical lordosis. We know that the cervical lordosis is very important in the normal functioning of the neck. We know that a loss of the lordosis (curve) causes more strain on the structures of the neck. So it makes sense to correct it.

CERVICAL CURVE

Any deviation of the spine, away from the ideal shape, is worth correcting. This is exactly what we focus on at Align Corrective Chiropractic in Durban. It’s very possible that the shape and alignment of your spinal structures are the underlying cause of your symptoms. I very frequently see people who are battling with neck problems. An X-Ray of their neck will very often reveal a loss of the normal neck curve. This is known as a loss of the cervical lordosis. We know that the cervical lordosis is very important in the normal functioning of the neck. We know that a loss of the lordosis (curve) causes more strain on the structures of the neck. So it makes sense to correct it.

SHORT LEG

In the following example, this patient had an anatomical leg length inequality (short leg). This cannot be fixed with chiropractic adjustments alone, and will require an appropriate sized heel lift to be fitted in the shoe. The before picture shows his pelvic alignment without a lift, and the follow up X-Ray is taken with him wearing the lift. The correction potential X-Ray allows us to see if the size of the lift we have prescribed is correct and if it is having the desired effect.

SCOLIOSIS

In this last example this patient presented with Scoliosis. We wanted to know what kind of home-based traction wedge would have the greatest effect on her scoliosis. We had her lie down on two different devices and took X-Rays of her spine in this position. You can see that both devices help to straighten the spine but the second device allows the greatest correction potential.

If you are undergoing corrective chiropractic care, have been struggling with an issue that is just not coming right, or you want to confirm that a corrective exercise you have been prescribed is having the desired effect, then you may benefit from a Correction Potential X-Ray. Contact Align Corrective Chiropractic on 031 5629180 for more information.

Choosing Your Best Sleeping Position

I can’t tell you how many of our patients have woken up with back or neck aches all because they have not chosen the best sleeping position.

This post is going to explain how you can choose the best sleeping position, so that you wake up feeling great. If you find yourself often waking up feeling sore or achy then there is a good chance that you are not sleeping in the best position. It could also be due to a low quality pillow, or mattress, but we will cover those topics in future posts.

The main thing to keep in mind when choosing the best sleeping position is the alignment and shape of your spine. Our spines are designed to be straight from the front and have three gentle curves from the side.

 

So if you sleep on your side you want to aim to keep your spine straight, and if you sleep on your back you want to keep your curves supported.

This is why we recommend that you shouldn’t sleep on your stomach. Stomach sleepers have to twist their necks to be able to breathe comfortably, which causes the spine to twist and stretch. If you sleep for 8 hours in a twisted, stretched position then this could absolutely leave you waking up with body aches in the morning.

The Best Sleeping Position For Side Sleepers

If you prefer sleeping on your side, the main thing that you want to be aware of is the alignment of your upper back and neck. If your pillow is too thin, your neck will lean to the side, and if your pillow is too thick, it will push your neck to the opposite side. Both of these positions are not great for your neck.

 

Ideally you want a pillow that is just the right thickness to keep your neck and upper back straight and neutral.

 

The other issue to consider when sleeping on your side is what to do with your legs. We tend to roll our upper leg forward to take the pressure off our knees, this then ends up twisting the lower back and increases the strain on the lower back. So the best thing to keep your spine in a neutral position is to place a small rolled up towel, or cushion between your knees.

 

The Best Position For Back Sleepers

If you prefer sleeping on your back, the main thing that you want to be aware of is maintaining the curve of your neck and not pushing your head into a forward head posture. If you sleep with pillows under your head it tends to push you into a forward head posture, and this is something we really want to avoid. Forward head posture is a major cause of back and neck pain, as well as headaches. We tend to spend most of our day hunched over our computers and phones, so the last thing we want to do is spend our nights in this position too.

 

The better option is to use a rolled up towel or round pillow under your neck, this will support the curve of your neck but not push your head too far forward. It is also beneficial to place a cushion or pillow under your knees, this will help take the pressure off your lower back.

 

If you are waking up with body aches, then please pay more attention to your sleeping position and follow the tips above. If you are looking for a Durban Chiropractor to help you with your aches and pains then give us a call on 0315629180 or email reception@alignchiropractic.co.za

Have you been told that you have a pinched nerve in the neck? Are you not sure what to do about it? Well carry on reading.

This post will give you a better idea of what a pinched nerve in the neck is, how it affects you and what you can do to fix it.

What is a pinched nerve in the neck?

A pinched nerve in the neck, otherwise known as a radiculopathy, occurs when a nerve from the neck gets compressed or irritated. I see this happen most commonly at the C5/C6/C7 region of the neck. These nerves supply the muscles of your neck, shoulder and arm. Any damage to these nerves can cause a variety of symptoms into the upper back, shoulder and arm regions.

How can a pinched nerve in your neck affect you?

Some people experience a sharp shooting pain down the arm, others may have a deep, nagging pain or even a burning sensation. Many people won’t experience any pain but may have numbness, tingling, pins and needles or weakness of the arm. Many of our patients battle to find a comfortable position and have trouble getting a good night’s sleep. The longer your nerves are pinched, the more serious damage is likely to occur, and the worse your symptoms can become. Whatever you experience, it is a cause of concern and can become very debilitating.

What causes pinching of the nerves in your neck?

There are a few causes of a pinched nerve that I see commonly in practice. The most common is misalignment of the structures of the neck. The neck has an ideal C-shaped curve (Cervical Lordosis). This ideal curve is often lost due to trauma, poor posture and bad habits. This places more strain on the discs and joints, which leads to wear and tear (degenerative changes) known as arthritis or spondylosis. This also leads to flattening of the discs, extra bone growth, often referred to as bony spurs, and narrowing of the canals that the nerves travel through. All of these changes can result in increased pressure or pinching of the nerves.

The above X-Ray on the left shows an ideal neck curve (Green Curve). The above X-Ray on the right shows a neck that has lost its ideal curve with severe degenerative changes at the C5/C6/C7 vertebrae. This is most likely where a pinched nerve would occur.

How do we assess a pinched nerve?

At Align Corrective Chiropractic we perform a variety of neurological and orthopaedic tests to determine how well your nerves are functioning. These may include reflexes, sensory tests and strength tests. We also take a good look at your posture and use X-Rays to measure the shape of your spine, determine how healthy your spine is and assess if you have any degenerative changes.

How do we fix a pinched nerve in the neck?

The common approach for a pinched nerve in the neck is to take strong painkillers. Lyrica is a common drug prescribed for nerve pain, but it has a long list of serious long-term side effects and only offers short term relief. These medications may make you feel better, but don’t do anything to improve your posture or the shape and alignment of your neck. It’s very common to hear a patient report that their pain returns as soon as they stop taking their medication.

We take a very different approach. Firstly, we need to determine if the alignment of your neck is “pinching” the nerve. If it is, then we can develop a specific Corrective Care program for you to improve your alignment, take the pressure off your nerves and get you feeling better.

The before and after X-Rays above show the corrective changes that are possible when following a specific Corrective Care program.

If you have a pinched nerve in your neck and want a better approach than relying on harmful medication, then please give us a call or Whatsapp us on 031 562 9180.

Have you ever had chronic pain? Pain that just won’t go away. You thought you had treated it successfully only for it to return?

We actually see this quite a lot in practice. While there are a number of causes for chronic pain, it could be because the goal of treatment was to relieve the pain and not to correct the cause of the pain.

At Align Corrective Chiropractic one of our big goals is to give our patients a long-term solution for their chronic pain. This is why we focus on Corrective Chiropractic Care.

We find that many of our patients’ on-going problems are due to the shape and alignment of their spinal structures. Their spines may have become misaligned due to various traumas. Car accidents, whiplash, sports injuries, slips and falls are very common physical traumas for many of our patients. For others it’s the repetitive day-to-day trauma of sitting at a desk, sleeping in awkward positions or bad postural habits that create the underlying problem. These factors increase strain on the spine, which leads to weakness and eventually dysfunction.  It’s often only at this point that the patient notices a problem – pain. Some people will live with this pain unnecessarily for years before doing something about it.

The difference between Corrective Care and Relief Care for Chronic Pain

Many of our patients initially book a consult with us because of pain. Pain that is preventing them from living the life they want to live. They have had enough of it, and they just want to feel better.

Relief care is focused on relieving this pain, which is very often a short-term approach. We call this the “Quick Fix”.

Imagine you wake up with a headache, so you take a painkiller, or go for treatment, or use an ice pack, and it helps. You feel great afterwards.

If your goal is purely relief from the headache, then you have achieved your goal. But what if you wake up the next morning with another headache, and then the next day and so on? What if you continue to have chronic, debilitating headaches?
How long do you keep taking painkillers for, before you look for the cause of the headaches?

In this example the “Quick Fixes” are not actually fixing the problem but they are offering short term relief. Many people stop at this point of relief and get stuck in a cycle of trying all sorts of different treatments when the pain returns, only to relieve the pain temporarily, but never really addressing the cause.

From a Corrective perspective we want to take it a step further and determine why you are waking up with headaches.

Neck problems are often the underlying cause of headaches, so we would begin with assessing your spine. Through various tests, posture assessments and spinal X-rays we may discover that your upper neck is misaligned and that you have lost the ideal neck curve. This is creating strain and tension at the top of your neck and base of the skull, which is being aggravated by your sleeping posture and flat pillow and causing you to wake up with a headache.

Now that we know what is causing your problem, we can focus on correcting it.

How do we fix it?

Firstly, we would want to reduce the strain and tension in your neck and reduce those headaches. We would also want to address your lifestyle choices and sleeping habits that may be aggravating the problem. However, the real long-term benefits come when we focus on the underlying cause – changing the shape of your neck.

Below are two Before and After Neck X-rays of our patients following a short Corrective Chiropractic Program.

We often find that as a patient’s spinal alignment improves, so does their pain, but not only their pain. Many of our patient’s start to feel more energetic, sleep better, move better, their posture improves and they notice an overall improvement in their quality of life.

That is one of our major goals at Align Corrective Chiropractic. To help our patients improve their quality of lives. If you have chronic pain or feel like your quality of life could be better without the current pain you are experiencing, then please give us a call on 031 5629180 or email us at reception@alignchiropractic.co.za

It seems that nowadays just about everyone suffers with back pain, but did you know that there are many common causes of back pain that are quite easily preventable?

At Align Corrective Chiropractic we help people with back pain every single day.

We are strong believers that preventing back problems from developing in the first place, is a far better approach than treating the symptoms of a back problem. This post will outline a few, very common causes of back pain and what you can do to minimise them.

1. Sitting Too Much Is One Of The Most Common Causes Of Back Pain

Most people sit way too much. For a lot of people, a typical day looks something like this: They get out of bed and sit for breakfast, they sit on their commute to work, and then they sit at their desk the whole day. After a long day of sitting, they come home to sit on the couch. Prolonged sitting results in a lack of movement, placing an enormous amount of extra strain on the spine, which can cause back pain.

TIP – Be conscious of the amount of time that you spend sitting and take measures to minimise it. I recommend that you should try avoid sitting for longer than 20 minutes at a time. Set a timer at your desk/couch, and make sure you stand up and move every 20 min. Stand whilst you eat breakfast. Learn a few basic stretches that you can do at your desk.
You want to interrupt your time spent sitting by changing your posture and including movement.

2. Sitting Position

It’s no secret, sitting slouched or hunched over your desk/computer/book/food/phone is going to strain your spine. It’s far better to sit in an upright, relaxed posture. I have had a few patients recently notice that their neck hurt after some reading in bed. Turns out they were half lying, half sitting on multiple pillows, pushing their head forward for hours at a time. No wonder their necks were hurting!

TIP – This may mean changing the height of your monitor, using a support for your lower back or sitting in a more appropriate chair whilst reading.
You want to be more aware of the postures that you are in.

3. Sleeping Position

Many people wake up feeling stiff and sore. Sometimes it’s because of an existing spinal problem or an inappropriate bed or pillow, but for many people, it’s down to their sleeping position.

TIP – If sleeping on your side, make sure your pillow is the correct height to keep your neck in a supported position, and place a small cushion between your knees.
You want to keep your spine as neutral as possible whilst sleeping.

4. Lifting

I can’t tell you how many people hurt their backs gardening. Often due to crouched postures, strenuous activity and incorrect lifting.  Moving that awkward, heavy pot to the other side of the garden is just not worth hurting your back.

TIP – If you have to lift something heavy, squat down and lift by straightening your legs, make sure you keep your back straight and don’t twist whilst lifting.
You want to be aware of your posture and your weight limits whilst you lift.

What should you do if you have back pain?

Even though these above factors are common causes of back pain, they are often just the final straw that triggers off or aggravates a more serious underlying spinal condition. There are many other causes of back pain that shouldn’t be ignored.

If you are battling with any spinal problem, such as headaches, neck pain, lower back pain or nerve compression you should have them appropriately assessed. Many of our patients’ spinal problems are due to poor posture or structural misalignment. Having these issues properly assessed and addressed is exactly what we do at Align Corrective Chiropractic. This could improve your symptoms and have a dramatic impact on your quality of life.

If you want a healthier spine, give us a call on 031 5629180 or email us on reception@alignchiropractic.co.za to find out more. Click here if you would like to book a new patient consult.