HEADACHES
SHOULDER PAIN
OSTEOARTHRITIS
HEADACHES
Headaches are a leading cause of missed workdays and can be classified into two: primary headaches (like tension headaches, migraines, and cervicogenic headaches), which aren't linked to any medical conditions, and secondary headaches caused by underlying health issues.
Tension headaches are the most common type, presenting as a consistent band-like ache, often triggered by stress, posture, nutritional factors, or sleep disruption.
Migraines result from changes to the blood vessels and nerve bundles in the brain, causing severe throbbing pain along with symptoms like visual disturbances.
Cervicogenic headaches arise from neck issues that can radiate pain to the head, and may include light sensitivity.
Our team at Marlborough Chiropractic Clinic will ask detailed questions about your headaches and perform a thorough physical examination. Treatment for migraines and cervicogenic headaches typically include chiropractic adjustments, exercise therapy, workstation assessments, and stress management. If an underlying cause is suspected, a referral to your GP will be made.
NECK PAIN
Most people experience neck pain at point in their lives due to the neck's complex structure of joints, discs, ligaments, and nerves. Common causes include sprains or strains from poor posture, awkward positions, emotional stress, and trauma. Aging can lead to disc dehydration and mobility loss, resulting in pain and possible nerve compression. Chiropractic care, involving chiropractic manipulation, mobilization, and exercises, is recommended to manage neck pain, tailored to each individual's needs.
SHOULDER PAIN
The shoulder joints (glenohumeral, acromioclavicular, and sternoclavicular joint) functioning through a balanced muscular system. Muscle imbalances can disrupt movement and increase tissue strain and irritation. Common shoulder conditions include rotator cuff disorders, which may arise from trauma or poor posture.
Frozen shoulder causes restricted motion and pain due to joint capsule stiffening.
Chiropractic care of shoulder conditions consists of chiropractic adjustments to the shoulders, neck and mid back as well as exercises, and soft tissue work. Adjustments aim o restore normal muscle balance and motion in the shoulder joints and surrounding areas for a more balanced and controlled motion.
LOW BACK PAIN
About 80% of people experience low back pain at least once in their lifetime. Although low back pain can be due to non-mechanical causes such as infection, it is mostly due to mechanical causes where there is a problem with the joints, discs or muscles. This can be a result of major trauma such as a car accident or fall, or repetitive microtrauma such as lifting, poor posture or muscular tension from emotional stress.
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The lower back is made up of 5 vertebra (bones) that are separated by shock absorbing discs. These are supported by multiple ligaments and controlled by deep, small and superficial large muscles. The spinal column sits on top of the pelvis which contains 3 main joints – a joint under each buttock and the pubic symphysis in the groin. These joints are also supported by many ligaments and muscles.
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Most cases of low back pain are the result of sprains and strains to the joints and ligaments in the spine and pelvis. These occur when they are put under too much strain from incorrect movement or overstretching. This simple low back pain is often caused by injury to a number of the structures that are all located very close together.
Another source of low back pain is the discs in between each vertebra. Discs are made of strong flexible fibres surrounding a soft jelly centre. Through the natural ageing process and other stresses, the discs can develop tears allowing the jelly centre to herniate producing a painful inflammatory response. They also dehydrate causing them to get thinner and alter the way individual joints move.
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Research has recently shown how effective chiropractic care is in the management of low back pain. A multidisciplinary approach using manipulation, mobilisation, exercises and education are recommended for the management of low back.
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SCIATICA
Sciatica is the term used to describe the symptoms that arise from compression of nerves in the lumbar spine such as pain, tingling and numbness. These symptoms are usually felt down the entire leg to the foot. In most cases the nerve compression is caused by a herniated intervertebral disc but in the older population it may also be due to bony degenerative changes which narrow the tunnels that the nerves sit in.
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To diagnose sciatica, your Chiropractor will assess the nerve function in different parts of the leg to work out where the nerve may be being compressed, as well as checking the surrounding and associated joints. They will also carry out other tests in order to rule out conditions that can mimic sciatica such as sacroiliac joint problems, piriformis syndrome or non-spinal causes of nerve dysfunction.
Evidence shows favourable outcomes for symptoms related to sciatica when managed by a Chiropractor. As chiropractic care is multimodal, different methods can be employed for the management of sciatica including manipulation, exercise therapy and advice.
OSTEOARTHRITIS
All joints in the body are placed under physical stress which can cause small amounts of damage. With increasing age or particularly high loads, the joint damage is not repaired as efficiently, the protective cartilage breaks down and becomes inflamed causing pain, swelling and reduced motion.
Factors increasing the likelihood of osteoarthritis include obesity, injury to a joint, age and also the type of joint. It is most commonly seen in the load-bearing joints of the body including the knees hips and spine. Unfortunately as osteoarthritis is due to ‘wear and tear’ damage to the joint, there is no cure so treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and maintaining quality of life.
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A multimodal approach to treatment is key in the management of osteoarthritis. Lifestyle advice, activity modification and exercise alongside manual therapy and manipulation is the recommended approach to help with the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Our Chiropractors will give you tailored advice, personalised exercise plans and shape treatment based on your needs, symptoms and goals.