Chiropractic

 

I have been using chiropractic adjustments for my lower back problem for the past three years and found that it works for me.  Hence giving some information here.

History : 

More than ten years ago, there was an occasion where I bent my body to pick up a carton of drinks, and my lower back gave way. I had problem moving my body. The next morning, I went to see a Chinese Sensei who did cupping for me. He also held me from the back and "adjusted" the spine.  My back got better after about two days.  I just didn't like the cupping, because it comes with needles poking on the leg, which sent electrical feelings down the leg. Ever since then, about once a year, the problem came back, and I continued to see the Chinese sensei when it happened.

Discovery : 

Eager to find a way to get rid of my lower back problem, I did a lot of research on the internet, and came across Chiropractic Adjustments.  When it happened again one day, I called up a Chiropractor (saw his Youtube Channel).  I went, had consultation, he adjusted me, and I got better.  I signed up for a package, and continued to see him once a fortnight, for about two years.  However, my problem still came back about once a year.  I asked him whether an X-ray is needed, to see what the problem actually is. He said "no need".  So, when it happened again, I went to another Chiropractor.  After consultation, he checked and adjusted me, and sent me to get an X ray done.  I have been going to this Chiropractor for the past three years, and the problem didn't come back, although at times I still feel a bit of sensation on the lower back. 

What I understand now : 

My case is likely due to Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD). The discs are gel-like substances in between the vertebral bodies (on the spine) that act like a cushion.  So, due to wear-and-tear or other reasons, they can collapse, causing the two adjoining vertebral bodies to come close to each other.  When these vertebral bodies compress on the nerves, pain and paralysis can occur.  Good thing is, the disc will fill up again soon after we wake up and the situation will get better during the day.   

The experience : 

1.  During an adjustment, the doctor will feel/check our spine, from neck to lower back, and even our feet, to look for abnormality and to see whether our body is tilted to one side.  They will then do various adjustments from the neck to lower back (typically).  There is no pain from the adjustment, unless one already has pain issue on that day.

2.  Sometimes, we can hear "clicks" on the spine when the adjustment is being done.  This clicking sound some how makes us feel good, and the outcome is also usually good.  Our mobility is better, and muscles less tense.

3.  A typical adjustments can take between 5 and 30 minutes.  My first Chiropractor would require me to rest on the adjustment table for about 20 minutes after the adjustment, but the second Chiropractor didn't require this resting time.  I am usually done within 5 minutes.

4.  I now see the Chiropractor weekly/fortnightly for "maintenance". 

Learning Points :  

1.  Never bend down to pick items up.  Always squat to pick up, and stand up with body straight up. 

2.  Too much inactivity (sitting for too long at the computer, for example) can lead to improper growth of the vertebral bodies.  Too much improper sitting posture also degenerates the discs because of improper loading on the discs.  Hence, we need to get up from the computer at least once every half an hour and walk around, and check our sitting postures at the computer, as well as on the couch.  (It is easy to search for these on the internet)

3.  Chiropractic may not work for some and may not be suitable for some, but no harm giving it a try if you have lower back or neck problems. It is not cheap though.  They are between S$50 and S$100 per session, if you sign up a package.