As a chiropractor, one of the best parts of my job is helping people overcome painful conditions and limitations. We all suffer from musculoskeletal pain at some point—that is, pain that affects your bones, joints, and muscles.
This type of pain and related conditions can seriously impact your quality of life. Things like back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and hip pain are all common reasons why people seek out chiropractic care
As a chiropractor and a busy mum of three, I understand how restrictive pain conditions can be. So in this article, I’ll discuss some of the common ways chiropractors help treat a range of musculoskeletal pains, and I’ll give you some tips on helping to address these on a daily basis.
Let’s discuss musculoskeletal pain
When I refer to musculoskeletal pain, I’m typically referring to pain that comes about from injuries like heavy lifting, poor posture, repetitive stress, or even things like the wear and tear that comes with ageing. Common musculoskeletal pains include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Joint and muscular pain
- Muscle strains
- Sciastica
- Scoliosis
- Sports injuries.
And for me, being a mum with two young boys, I know that constantly being on the go, chasing after them, picking them up, moving heavy prams, etc can often lead to my body aching.
Even chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and joint dysfunction also contribute to this type of discomfort.
If you can relate to any of this, then there are a number of things you can do to address these painful conditions. One of them, and the one closest to my heart, is chiropractic care.
How chiropractors help musculoskeletal pains
If you visit a chiropractor to address muscular pain, your first consultation typically begins with a detailed discussion with the chiropractor, followed by a chiropractic assessment. This assessment often includes a review of your medical history, any history of accidents or injuries, a physical examination, and the use of diagnostic tools like X-rays or MRIs. Additionally, it may involve a posture check and static palpation to evaluate your condition.
The aim of the first visit is to identify the cause of your pain and work out if chiropractic care can offer you relief and treatment.
Every patient should be offered a unique treatment plan that addresses their specific concern. Here are some of the techniques I use to treat musculoskeletal pains.
Chiropractic adjustments
The most famous technique chiropractors use is the chiropractic adjustment. It’s a precise controlled use of force, applied to the spine or a problematic joint or an area that’s not moving properly. The aim of the adjustment is to help restore movement, reduce pressure on nerves, and improve flexibility.
Chiropractic mobilisations
Another version of the chiropractic adjustment is the chiropractic mobilisation. This can be used for patients with a lot of body stiffness, or those who have limited range of motion, or who require a gentler approach to treatment. The mobilisation is a gentle movement of the joints to increase flexibility and reduce pain.
Soft tissue therapy
Many musculoskeletal issues involve tight or inflamed muscles and soft tissues. I use techniques like massage, trigger point therapy, and stretching to release tension and improve circulation in these areas.
Dry needling
Chiropractors also use dry needling, which targets muscle trigger points to relieve pain, release tension, and improve mobility. Using a Western anatomical approach, this technique complements chiropractic care and addresses conditions like chronic pain and sports injuries, distinct from traditional acupuncture.
Our role in the health system
Chiropractors often work with a range of other health practitioners to help address patient concerns. We can work with your local G.P., allied health practitioners, and specialist healthcare providers. Chiropractors play a valuable role in the healthcare system and definitely make a contribution into addressing musculoskeletal pain conditions
Four home-based tips to help you address musculoskeletal pains
Here are four things you can do from home to help address musculoskeletal pain
Keep active
The first is to stay active. As the famous quote goes, “motion is potion” so the more active you are, the less likely your joints are to be stuck and cause pain.
According to a new study published on June 19 in The Lancet, people had less frequent episodes of low back pain when they walked regularly.
Almost everyone can benefit from daily walks in some capacity.
Stretch daily
It’s a great idea to get into the habit of stretching daily, maybe first thing in the morning or at the end of your working day
There are numerous benefits to daily stretching, including increasing your range of motion, promoting better posture, alleviating stress, and preventing injury by preparing muscles for activity. Regular stretching also boosts circulation, aids recovery, and contributes to overall physical well-being.
If you can try to make this a daily habit well in your way to addressing muscular pain.
Practice good posture
Practicing good posture is a habit that should be part of your daily routine. Good posture helps maintain proper spinal alignment, reducing strain on your muscles and joints. Maintaining good posture can also help reduce back and neck pain, improve breathing, and support overall well-being.
As a chiropractor, I know that cultivating good posture habits is key to preventing many common musculoskeletal pains we experience.
See a physical therapist
If you suffer from musculoskeletal pains, seeing a physical therapist may be beneficial. This may include a chiropractor, a physiotherapist, a remedial masseur, osteopath, exercise physiologist, and more.
Key points
- Chiropractors play an important role in treating musculoskeletal pain, which affects bones, joints, and muscles.
- Common causes include back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and hip pain.
- Chiropractors use a range of different techniques to address musculoskeletal pains such as chiropractic adjustments, mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and dry needling.
Disclaimer: This article is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.
Author: Dr Kirsten Strudwick (Chiropractor) is a Doctor of Chiropractic with 15+ years of experience in Marrickville, Sydney, and runs Marrickville Chiropractic Care. Holding a BSc and M.Chiro from Macquarie University, her practice focuses on holistic, patient-centred care. Kirsten has a clinical interest in a range of areas including women’s health, paediatric care, and pregnancy-related treatments.