Do you suffer from Text Neck?

Technology has changed how we work, communicate, and entertain ourselves. But using devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones all day has also led to more health problems — especially those related to poor posture and spinal issues. The problem we see most often in practice has been coined “Text Neck”. Sitting for long hours, hunching over your phone, or carrying heavy bags can all cause muscle strain, neck and back pain, and even long-term spinal damage. Let’s explore how technology affects your spine and share simple tips to help you stay healthy in today’s digital world.

How Technology Can Harm Your Spine and cause Text Neck.

One of the biggest ways technology affects spinal health is through poor posture. Using a computer, laptop, or tablet often means sitting down — sometimes for hours. When you sit or hunch over a screen for too long, your body weight puts pressure on your spine, especially your lower back. This can lead to back pain, muscle strain, and more serious spinal issues over time.

Smartphone use can also cause posture problems. Constantly looking down at your phone puts stress on your neck and shoulders — a condition known as “text neck.” This can cause headaches, neck pain, and sore shoulders. On top of that, staring at small screens can strain your eyes, which often adds to headaches and neck tension. Even carrying your devices can be a problem. Laptops and their chargers often go with us to work or school. If you carry them in a bag over one shoulder, it can cause your spine to bend unnaturally. Over time, this creates back pain and muscle imbalances.

Side Effects of Too Much Tech Use

While technology makes life more convenient, it also has some downsides —especially if used too much or in the wrong way.

Spinal Problems
Sitting all day and slouching in front of a screen affects your posture — and bad posture doesn’t just look bad. It can cause serious issues like

• Herniated discs: When the cushion between your spinal bones bulges or slips, pressing on nerves and causing pain or numbness.
• Pinched nerves: This happens when too much pressure is placed on a nerve by bones, muscles, or tendons, leading to tingling, pain, or weakness.

Eye Strain
Staring at screens for too long can make your eyes tired and sore. You might notice

• Blurry vision
• Dry or itchy eyes
• Headaches

Screens also give off blue light, which can disrupt your sleep by tricking your brain into thinking it’s still daytime.

Social Isolation
Tech helps us stay in touch — but mostly through screens. This kind of “virtual connection” can’t replace real face-to-face time with friends and family. Over time, spending more time on screens than with people can lead to loneliness, anxiety, or depression.

Tech Addiction
Social media, messages, and apps can be addictive. Constant notifications make it hard to focus, and you might find yourself checking your phone even when you don’t need to. This can:

• Increase stress
• Reduce productivity
• Make it harder to relax or concentrate

How to Protect Your Spine in a Tech-Filled World

Here are a few tips to help you keep your posture strong and your spine healthy — even if you use tech every day:

• Take regular breaks – Stand up, stretch, or walk around every 30–60 minutes.
• Adjust your screen – Keep your screen at eye level to avoid hunching.
• Use a proper chair – Choose one that supports your lower back.
• Hold your phone higher – Instead of bending your neck down, bring the phone up to eye level.
• Wear both backpack straps – This helps distribute weight evenly across your shoulders.
• Limit screen time before bed – Reduce blue light exposure to help your body prepare for sleep.
• Visit your chiropractor regularly – Regular spinal manipulation has been proven to effectively improve forward head posture and the muscle strain that it causes

Final Thoughts

Technology isn’t going away — and that’s okay. It’s part of modern life. But how we use it matters. By staying mindful of your posture, limiting screen time, and taking care of your body, you can enjoy the benefits of tech without sacrificing your health.

If you would like to schedule a consultation to explore whether you can benefit from chiropractic care contact Dr Andrea Rohrbeck on 087 265 4297 or send an email to bookings@alignchiropractic.co.za

If you’re living with chronic back or neck pain, constantly feeling stiff and tight, you will know exactly how this impacts your quality of life. Whether it’s the inability to enjoy your favourite activities or struggling to complete simple tasks, spinal problems can severely limit your movement and overall health. One powerful treatment that has helped countless individuals around the world regain their health and improve their quality of life is spinal decompression therapy.

Great news! At Align Corrective Chiropractic in Durban, we have state of the art spinal decompression therapy available. I have seen first-hand how spinal decompression consistently gets our patients results quicker, especially those suffering with disc bulges. It can lead to lasting relief, better mobility, and overall improved health. But what exactly is spinal decompression, and how can it make a difference in your life? Let’s take a closer look at how this therapy works and how it can help you.

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression is a non-invasive treatment aimed at relieving pressure on the spine, particularly in areas where bulging or herniated discs may be pressing on nerves. This gentle, mechanical traction treatment targets the spine and provides controlled stretching, creating space between the vertebrae. It is comfortable and soothing, to the point that patients often fall asleep during the therapy.

For individuals suffering from lower back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, or sciatica, spinal decompression can be an excellent option. It’s a safe, effective alternative to more invasive procedures like surgery. We often use it in conjunction with other chiropractic treatments for even better results.

How Spinal Decompression Therapy Works

The goal of spinal decompression is to create negative pressure in the affected area of the spine, which pushes water back into the discs and encourages the discs to retract to their proper position. This is similar to pumping air back into your cars flat tyre. This process helps:

• Relieve pressure on pinched nerves, which can be the source of pain and discomfort.
• Promote better circulation to the discs, allowing for better nutrient exchange and faster healing. This is essential in helping the discs to heal long term.
• Reduce inflammation that can contribute to pain and stiffness.

By gently stretching and realigning the spine, decompression therapy can assist with healing and provide lasting relief from conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and sciatica.

Research and Evidence Supporting Spinal Decompression

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of spinal decompression therapy in treating conditions like back pain, herniated discs, and sciatica. For instance, a study by Gionis TA, and Groteke E in 2003 concluded, “symptoms were restored by subjective report in 86% of patients previously thought to be surgical candidates and mechanical function was restored in 92% using objective data.”

In addition, a study by Gose et al. noted that “spinal decompression therapy decreased pain and increased mobility and showed statistically significant effects in MRI images”. The research backs up what we see in practice every day, that there is strong evidence that spinal decompression is a safe, non-invasive option for treating spinal conditions and improving quality of life. It has helped us save many of our patients from spinal surgery.

Why Choose Spinal Decompression?

If you’re in the Durban area and struggling with pain, disc issues or nerve compression, spinal decompression therapy may be just what you need. If you are considering surgery, please do yourself a favour and explore if Spinal Decompression is an option for you first. At Align Corrective Chiropractic, we utilise spinal decompression therapy regularly to help people heal from whatever condition plagues their spine.

One of our Chiropractors, will assess your condition thoroughly, and create a tailored treatment plan based on your individual results. We’re here to help you get back to a pain-free, healthy life.

Ready to Improve Your Health and Functioning?

At Align Corrective Chiropractic in Durban, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve long-term relief and improved spinal health.

Call us today at [0315629180] or book an appointment online to find out how spinal decompression therapy can help you. You don’t have to live with pain – let us help you get back to enjoying life with a healthy spine!

I want to share with you my personal experience of Chiropractic care during Pregnancy. Embarking on the journey of motherhood often brings with it a multitude of questions and considerations. One such question that many expectant mothers ponder is:

Is it advisable to seek chiropractic care during pregnancy, even if I don’t experience significant pain?

Drawing from my personal experiences and professional background, I can confidently share that chiropractic care offers numerous benefits during pregnancy, regardless of the presence of pain.

A Personal Perspective on Chiropractic Care during pregnancy

Having been raised in a family where chiropractic care was a regular practice—thanks to relatives who studied chiropractic in the USA—I was always aware of its potential benefits. When I first became pregnant, I had no reservations about seeking chiropractic treatment, believing it would support both my well-being and that of my unborn child.

The physical changes during pregnancy, such as shifts in the pelvic girdle in preparation for childbirth, can lead to common discomforts like low back pain, sciatica (click here to read about Dr Palmers experience with Sciatica), hip and buttock pain, leg pain, and foot pain. Additionally, as the abdomen grows, the center of gravity shifts, potentially affecting posture and leading to neck and upper back discomfort, including headaches.

The Role of Chiropractic Care during Pregnancy

Incorporating chiropractic care into your prenatal routine can offer several benefits:

• Pain Relief: Alleviates back, neck, and joint pain associated with pregnancy.
• Improved Posture: Helps maintain proper posture as your body changes.
• Optimal Baby Positioning: Supports pelvic balance, reducing the likelihood of breech presentations.
• Shorter Labour Times: Some studies suggest chiropractic care may reduce labour duration.
• Postpartum Recovery: Assists in recovery after childbirth by addressing musculoskeletal discomfort.

Being part of a chiropractic practice allowed me to receive regular adjustments, ensuring my spinal and pelvic alignment was optimal. I believe this contributed significantly to the ease of my first birth, which was a natural water birth without pain relief.

A Different Experience with Twin Pregnancy

However, my experience during my second pregnancy with twin girls was markedly different. Managing a busy solo practice and caring for an active toddler left me with less time for self-care. The added weight and loosening of ligaments led to increased discomfort. One of the twins remained in a breech position until the 37th week, necessitating a caesarean section. While it’s difficult to say definitively, I believe that regular chiropractic care could have alleviated some of the discomforts and potentially influenced the positioning of the babies.

Final Thoughts

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is not only about addressing pain but also about supporting the body’s natural changes to promote overall well-being. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort or simply wish to ensure optimal health during this special time, consulting with a chiropractor can be a valuable addition to your prenatal care routine.

If you would like to schedule a consultation to explore whether you can benefit from chiropractic care contact Dr Andrea Rohrbeck on 087 265 4297 or send an email to bookings@alignchiropractic.co.za

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