Believe it or not, but "poor" posture does not cause pain. When we think of "good" posture we envision a straight spine, head held up high, shoulders back and looking like a soldier. Science now shows us that it is the extended time sitting in one position/posture that causes pain. We call it postural strain. We all have different shaped spines and naturally so, different postures. Some of us are hunched, others twisted, others straight. All are normal. So I work with what I have been given. Acupuncture, deep tissues work, spinal clicking, stretching and advice on strengthening is all part of treatment plus a lot more. People always feel lighter after each treatment, due to the amount of tension dispersed during the session. They also report of improved sleep and well being.

Headaches are debilitating. I had terrible migraines in university from over reading. Bright screens, bright lights, dehydration, tight muscles in the neck, poor sleep, too much processed foods, are common triggers for headaches in the office. Chiropractic identifies the triggers in the consultation and we then decide what the best treatment is going forward.

I won't lie, pain is complex, multifactorial and mystifying. If we knew everything about pain we would have a special tablet that stops it forever. We have emotional pain, physical pain, pain from chemicals, we know what it would feel like to stand on a nail, so we can predict pain too. Pain is produced in the brain, but there are also parts of the spinal cord that are involved in pain too. It's why we treat the person as a whole and not just the symptoms. For instance lower back pain can be the result of a previous sprained ankle, neck pain can be caused from a shoulder injury and headaches can be caused from prolonged phone use. What we do know is that by relieving tension and reducing triggers, patients get quality pain relief naturally.

Pain is distracting, even stressful. Lowering pain gives a patient a break in pain, and that focus can go back to the job in hand.

I know when I see my chiropractor I get a great nights sleep. Sleep is one of the pillars in reducing pain along with exercise and a healthy diet. Poor sleep increases the stress hormone cortisol. That increase stress in the body, causes fatigue, lowers mood and causes weight gain. Chiropractic treatment helps calm the nervous system. Ever had a hug that felt amazing? Ok we don't give free hugs out, but human touch and being cared for is therapeutic. The brain responds to hands on treatment. It lowers that beep on the fire alarm (you'll know what in mean by that in number 6). Better sleep also mean more energy for your job, friends and loved ones.

We only have one body, one mind and one life. When we work with people early in their pain journey, the chance of helping their issues quickly is high. When pain has been lingering for an extended period of time it's still helpable but they are in what we call a chronic pain cycle. Chronic pain is pain that has been consistent for three months +. Most injuries heal in 6-8 weeks. Yet some people feel pain for years. It is believed that the brain is at fault. Imagine your brain is a sensor, like a fire alarm. An injury happens and the brain fires off the alarm. After a period of time the brain says it's safe and the pain start to go away. For some people that annoying alarm keeps beeping. The brain is over protecting the injury and is still on high alert. These patient will need a little extra. Pain science, getting them to push themselves a little and treatment can bring great, and even life changing results.

Paracetamol, ibuprofen, co-codamol, tramadol, gabapentin, morphine, amitriptyline, naproxen, just a few of the common pain medications given by GP's. Now I am not anti medication at all. Pain medication is great for an initial injury and short term pain relief. Sadly after around 6 weeks they do not work as well. Humans build a tolerance to drugs and they can start to wear off, they can also start to do damage. The beauty of chiropractic car is there are no drugs involved and only natural stimulation of the body's own pain relieving chemicals endorphins (The class of endorphins consists of three endogenous opioid peptides: α-endorphin, β-endorphin, and γ-endorphin.). I have lost count how many of my patients are now pain free (along with their GP's say so of course).

It's not free but it also does not break the bank. Not only do you get pain relief naturally, but also tools that you get to keep for the rest of your life. Chiropractors love to help, it brings joy to us getting people better and out of pain. When I take on a new patient, I do advise them on specifics, but I also want for us to work as a team, set and reach goals and mile stones. Like getting back to the gym, referrals for a nutritionist or mental health practitioners. We train for 4 years and never stop training. If you go to a health professional and they tell you they know everything, run! I am a nerd and love learning. I'm in my 9th year of practice and still learning about pain, psychology, mental health, wellness, neurology and chiropractic.