Neck Pain More Prevalent Now

If you are suffering from persistent neck pain, you have good company. Many professionals and working adults suffer from nagging neck pain, a common ailment in developed countries. Neck pain can be caused by many factors. It can stem from conditions like poor posture, poor ergonomics, past injuries, long hours on the phone or screen, poor sleep, poor diet, genetics, etc.

Persistent neck pain can be debilitating, sap your energy and undermine your well-being. It will also affect the way you live your life and how you perform your everyday tasks.  According to HealthXchange.sg, 46% of Singaporeans suffer from Neck Pain. That is almost half the population! And the number of individuals suffering from neck pain will continue to increase in the years to come, as we become digital to the core in all aspects of our life.

Most people will ‘sleep off’ the pain. Once it becomes unbearable, they will start to self-medicate or see a doctor, who will likely prescribe Panadol/pain killers, muscle relaxants or put them in a neck brace to immobilise the neck. Some individuals may do stretching exercises. In severe cases, surgery may be warranted. According to the American Chiropractic Association, more individuals are choosing non-invasive methods like Chiropractic to treat neck pain.

Causes of Neck Pain

What are some of the causes of neck pain?

• Your Occupation makes you sedentary and is a major cause

With more individuals working from home and the life-changing experience of going more digital in our work, access to e-services and online shopping, it means spending longer hours at the desks, on the chair and our electronic gadgets. Repetitive stress and motions can influence your posture and put undesirable tension on your neck and shoulders. This can cause the spine’s vertebrae and bones to move, which can cause degeneration and alignment problems over time. In Chiropractic, this problem is called Subluxation, a condition added by D.D. Palmer, founder of Chiropractic, in 1907.  If left untreated, the Subluxations will affect your spine, nerves and brain. Getting adjusted by a Chiropractor will help you stay in proper alignment, help your posture to be adequately maintained and help reduce any forms of pain due to prolonged standing or sitting every day, which may cause your cervical, vertebra(e) or disc(s) to move. The earlier you seek help, the less damage to your neck in the long term.

• Headaches, headaches and more headaches

Headaches have many causes, which can be broken down into Tension, Cluster or Migraine Headaches. Or, it can be manifest as an ‘aura of combined mental-emotional’ issues. Headaches can be nasty and disruptive, causing severe pain, numbness and tingling, and interfering your everyday life at work, sleep, school or exercise regime. Headaches can also manifest underlying illnesses and diseases. So, it is good to monitor the triggers – when it happens, how it happens and how long has it happened – and seek professional help.

Regardless of what causes the neck pain and when conventional treatments have not solved your problems, you may wish to choose Chiropractic. Chiropractic care can help you remove nervous interferences in the spine and cervical to alleviate your neck pain. By doing so, you can achieve more vibrant health, achieving results differently from what normal methods could not help you.

 

References:

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Singapore: Symptoms and Stats – HealthXchange

Neck Pain and Chiropractic – ACA Today

 

Your Trusted Chiropractor

Dr. Nicholas Lim, D.C., ANutr, B.Sc. (Hons)

[Dr. of Chiropractic & Nutritionist &

Secretary of Chiropractic Association of Singapore]

WhatsApp :+65 9352 8828

Telephone : +65 6970 8152

Email : contact@drchiro.com.sg

A Common Modern-Day Problem

“Ouch!” is the term commonly used to describe the sensation or the feeling when you experience Low Back Pain. You are not alone. Furthermore, the pain can even be described as sharp, excruciating, throbbing, pulsing, which can be local, or it travels.

Lower Back Pain or lumbar spine pain is a common occurrence in developed nations according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA, 2017). Low Back Pain is the main leading cause of disability worldwide, with millions of cases reported yearly (ACA). What are the causes of such lumbar spine pain? Lower back pain can be caused by sitting posture, sedentary lifestyle, injuries, disc (spine) problems and muscle spasms.  Common over-the-counter relief methods at the first instance include taking pain relievers, heat treatments, muscle relaxants, icing the area or simply resting for a few days, and your body may heal on its own.

How Chiropractic Helps Low Back Pain

However, if your low back pain is chronic, long-term, have repeated flare-ups or have other underlying reasons, then you should consider other methods of healing, including natural non-invasive healing methods like Chiropractic. Chiropractic is a leading form of professional help sought by individuals for the assessment, management, and adjustment of low back pain. This is because Chiropractic does not simply focus on the pain as the reason for Chiropractic visits, but instead, the focus is on the restorative functions and the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Chiropractic is about the nervous system, which is the system responsible for all the other systems in the body to function (Gray’s Anatomy Textbook, 2013). Chiropractors are health professionals who understand the spine, bones, muscles, discs, and nerves in your back in details, and are able to narrow down and deduce the causes of pain and other symptoms. In chronic situations, the cause of the low back pain may not even be caused by the low back itself. It can be caused by other areas in the body because the body is intricately connected through a network of nerves and muscles.

Pain is not what it seems. Pain reflects what may be going on in other areas of the body. Usually, we can only feel what is happening in about 10% of our body, while the other 90% of the body is functional without us knowing what is going on in our bodies. By the time you can feel the pain, it is more serious than it seems. It is important to note that health is a journey, not an event, and it must be maintained. It is like cleaning your house: if you do so regularly, then you will have less build-up of debris and garbage and vice versa.

Better Late than Never to Avoid Long-term Harm

Chiropractic balances the source of pain and not simply dull the pain because of its restoration and healing principles. For chronic conditions, we recommend that individuals see the chiropractor for 12 visits before re-evaluation to determine if more visits are necessary. Each individual, however, represents an array of life experiences and lifestyle choices. Hence, this guideline varies based on an individual’s conditions.

Over the course of the series of Chiropractic adjustments, it will gradually help to balance the transmission of brain waves and nerves to the spine and vice versa. In the process, this helps to balance the back as well, as every cell in your body is connected to the spine and nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments will help balance and remove the interferences in the nervous system that caused the low back pain. Removal of nervous system interference will improve mobility and function. Individuals will feel a sense of relief and resolution of low back pain as a result. Results, however, vary among individuals, depending on the length of the pain occurrence and lifestyle of individuals. Complementary self- help stretches and exercises are also recommended.

In summary, Chiropractic helps to reduce low back pain, increases healing potential, shortens the duration of downtime of the individual, and reduces the chance of recurrence of injury. So the next time if conventional treatments have failed you, make an appointment to see a Chiropractor and you will be very glad that you did it.

 

References:

1. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics 2016; 39(1): 1-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2015.10.006.
2. Gray, Henry. 2013. Grays Anatomy. London, England: Arcturus Publishing.

 

Your Trusted Chiropractor for lower back pain treatment

Dr. Nicholas Lim, D.C., ANutr, B.Sc. (Hons)

[Dr. of Chiropractic & Nutritionist &

Secretary of Chiropractic Association of Singapore]

WhatsApp :+65 9352 8828

Telephone : +65 6970 8152

Email : contact@drchiro.com.sg

When you have completed your chiropractic and health treatment protocols, it is beneficial to continue with the following suggestions on items, food, gadgets and electrical devices to avoid. This will help you achieve optimal longevity, good health and habits to prevent further medical issues.

 

Harmful Materials

 

Wearing or having the following metallic items on your body can impair or void the effectiveness of proper health recovery protocols:

 

•   Any metallic objects, including jewelry, necklaces, rings, etc

• Most watches (battery operated and metallic watches)
• Any magnets, magnetic devices or objects, including magnetic strips on credit cards and other cards
• Wire rim glasses and glasses with metal bridges across nose, and/or with metal wire brace inside the front or side frame pieces. Titanium obstructs energy circulation more than any other metals
• Metal belt buckles, especially worn around the mid-line of the body

•  All under-wire brassieres (bras have negative effects due to synthetics and pressure, but some have proven to be much worse than others

• All synthetic or fabric blends and synthetic clothes (clothing labels and tags are usually synthetic or made from blended materials), synthetic bedding materials, including sheets, mattress pads, pillows, blankets and comforters. Fabric blends in clothing or bedding contain hybrid material blends, and have proven to be the cause of some health issues. Ideally, all materials that have contact with the body should be of 100% cotton, linen, genuine leather, wood, most animal hair products, ramie or
• Don’t carry battery-operated devices in or on your clothing or body
• Don’t operate Wi-Fi/wireless devices, or do not be near the vicinity for more than few minutes

Having the items above within few centimeters of your skin will impair the nervous system and nerve flow, and significantly hinder the effectiveness of health treatments and home-care programmes, including chiropractic care and exercise.

 

Water and Vitamin Intakes

 

• Contaminated water (chlorinated or fluoridated water) can hinder or nullify the benefits of many Drinking, showering, bathing or swimming in contaminated water (city water) can be toxic or can sabotage your health recovery protocol. It is important to drink clean purified water and to use properly filtered water for showering and bathing where possible. A suggestion for the shower and/or tub is Rainfresh Water Company or Berkey Purification Systems. You can shop and compare other quality filters (look for quality, not price). Your health is the primary focus and cutting corners shortcuts your health. Conversely, paying a higher price does not always mean better quality either.

 

• Don’t drink distilled water

 

• Vitamin C is a critical part of daily cancer recovery protocol (natural, non GMO, non-corn source, ). However, Vitamin C may impair the uptake of certain pharmaceuticals, herbals and heavy metal chelators (these are organic compounds responsible to remove metals from the body). If you are not taking a high-grade vitamin C during any period of your protocol, it is imperative that you drink the juice of one large lemon on even days of the month and one large lime on odd days of the month, to prevent scurvy. If instructed by an experienced health professional, you can take vitamin C while on herbal programmes. Plan separate timing for intake of herbs.

 

Electrical & Electromagnetic Waves

 

• Geopathic and Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Radiation impedes healing and creates a disease-friendly Studies reveal that we are exposed to 100 million times more EMFs than our grandparents are at the same age. If you are ‘geopathically’ stressed, we advise you to make corrections in your environment related to the suggestions made by Dr. Nicholas Lim, D.C. or your health professional concerning the Geopathic Radiations that emanate from the earth. Do this as soon as possible, if not immediately. This worldwide grid has correlated with many cancer-causing sources, immune disorders, neurological disorders, as well as other diseases. [Caution: Most of the devices designed to protect you from these grids have shown no scientifically tested benefits.]

 

• All plugged-in Electrical Devices should be at least three metres from your Switch off or unplug all television, radio, music and other media when you are sleeping. It is also important to switch off lights while sleeping. Exceptions are dim red lights (LEDs on most clocks are red). Light impedes proper melatonin release and prevents proper levels of sleep (Rapid Eye Movements) needed for restoring health and revitalising the immune system.

 

• Turn off the Wi-Fi when you are sleeping. Purchase a gauss meter (eg Trifield Meter 100XE model) to ensure that you are electromagnetically safe, wherever you are. A Gauss meter measures the magnetic field strength. The meter readings where you or your family spend time should be no greater than 0.2 milligauss A gauss meter is a very important device to have, and we highly recommend it. You can purchase online at www.trifield.com or Amazon. Great to use for home, office and to find healthy sleeping areas away from home, and more.

 

The above topics are available for further discussions and learning in special seminars. You may contact Dr. Chiro Clinic for special information and help.

 

Why It Matters

 

Chiropractic can help you achieve good health and well-being by keeping your physical, mental, social and emotional health in balance. This is because each of these health aspects interacts with and affects each other, with the spine as the source and connector for the fountain of health. Our state of health, good or bad, emanates from all the cells in our body, which, in turn, connects to our nervous system. Moreover, the nerves and nervous system are all located within or linked to our spinal system. Materials, Devices & Electromagnetic Fields can affect your spinal health. If your spinal health is off, it will affect your nervous system, your brain, your health – physically, emotionally and mentally. Ultimately, your healing, wellness and well-being are impacted. With better spinal health, your body is also able to withstand more optimally the negative effects of various materials, devices, and electromagnetic fields.

 

 

 

Your Trusted
Chiropractor Singapore

 

Dr. Nicholas Lim, D.C., ANutr, B.Sc. (Hons)

[Dr. of Chiropractic & Nutritionist &

Secretary of Chiropractic Association of Singapore]

WhatsApp :+65 9352 8828

Hard-to-treat’ health labels like cancers are becoming increasingly common. Among your circle of family and friends, you are likely to know of people who are suffering from cancer or other serious health conditions, and undergoing treatments.

Emotion is the Main Culprit of Health Labels

Cancer or hard-to-treat labels are diseases that occur when we have not maintained our entire nervous system and physical body properly. The mind is under stress, the nervous system is out of alignment, and the body is ‘contaminated’ physically, through emotions, poor dietary habits, lifestyle and ‘exposure’ incidents. Therefore, it is vital to treat the CAUSE (lifestyle) rather than focusing on the EFFECT (cancer or hard to treat labels/conditions). Our emotional life is a lifestyle as well. Toxic emotions can literally create toxic chemicals in our body and make us vulnerable to numerous diseases. The priority is to deal with emotional and mental stress in the past and present properly and effectively. Emotionally, all cancers start from the stomach and is linked to the emotions of grief and sadness.

To paraphrase: As a man/woman thinks in his/her heart and feels (emotions), so he/she will be…What do you think about most of the time and what are your perspectives of those thoughts? How do you feel (emotionally) most of the time? Thoughts and feelings are always a choice. Deep SADNESS and GRIEF can create cancer or other serious diseases. Moreover, FEAR is cancer’s best friend and our enemy.

Useful Tips to Better Recovery

Besides your treatment protocols, there are equally important protocols vital for proper recovery, like what you eat, drink and think, and how you act and live, as well as prioritisation of life–enhancing activities, aa well as materials and things to avoid. In this article, we will focus on the diet and lifestyle, while the next article will focus on harmful materials, things and devices to avoid.

In today’s high social media influences and competitive F&B industry, highly processed, fried and crispy food, or sauce- and preservative-laden food are very popular. Instant gratification is often more important than long-term health. Here are some dietary tips for those recovering from serious health labels.   

DON’Ts

• NO fried foods, grease or heated oils (NO heated oils whatsoever, no matter the type of oil)
• NO dairy (cow) products: milk, cheese, ..

Ø NO cold beverages and cold food… Only room temperature or above

• NO eating within 4 hours of bedtime (average); try to eat within the same 8–9 hour interval period each day, except in a weakened state of health
• NO SALT or any Sodium resources: it essentially feeds cancer cells, causes inflammation and raises This is vital for proper cancer recovery
• NO processed, artificial and natural SUGARS, including fruits (except from plant Stevia and FOS). SUGAR feeds cancer cells
• NO black pepper
• NO caffeine or decaffeinated drinks
• NO carbonated drinks/liquids
• NO canned and processed food; eat only fresh, frozen or dried Ideal is to have ratio of 80% raw vegetables and 20% cooked food intake
• NO food preservatives and MSG
• NO high starches in diet (most cancers are fungal base and starch feeds fungus) Fungus must GO!
• NO Microwaved food, not even water – absolutely nothing!
• NO or limit MEAT intake, especially red meat; eliminate or minimise all animal source products
• NO soy products, unless you are of pure Asian origin
• NO or minimal gluten intake: wheat, barley and rye
• NO Tuna

DOs

• Maintain proper pH balance (Urine and Blood)
• Drink 3–4 litres of clean water per day (find out about truly clean water)
• Cook and bathe in filtered/clean water
• Maintain 2 or more healthy bowel movements each day
• Test all substances consumed for any level of allergy reactions, which cause inflammation and help cancer growth
• Maintain 8–9 hours of actual sleep per night
• Maintain active lifestyle with exercise routine
• Take supplements to boost immunity and recovery. Avoid changing brands and dosage without good reasons…
• Seek Chiropractic Adjustments (Zone Technique) to balance the nervous system

In order to receive the full benefits of your recovery protocol, it is beneficial to consider complementary treatments and protocol like chiropractic, homeopathic and other health recovery programmes. The root cause of all diseases start from the nervous system, which is the Master System of your body, controlling your networks of nerves, your brain and the cells in your body.  You may contact the Dr. Chiro Clinic for special information and help.

 

Your Trusted
Chiropractor Singapore

Dr. Nicholas Lim, D.C., ANutr, B.Sc. (Hons)

[Dr. of Chiropractic & Nutritionist &

Secretary of Chiropractic Association of Singapore]

WhatsApp :+65 9352 8828

Telephone : +65 6970 8152

Email : contact@drchiro.com.sg

Make Time for Wellness, Not Illness

 

 “If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.” – BJ Palmer, American Developer of Chiropractic (1882-1961) & son of Chiropractic Founder, DD Palmer (1845-1913)

 

Although BJ Palmer was born more than a century ago, his advice is still very apt and a timely reminder to all of us amidst today’s fast-changing world and stressful life. Many individuals often regard wellness as of lower or even least priority in their life. Instead, career and corporate success and being ‘financially rich’ are key priorities and life pursuits. Many want to accomplish as much as they can, as efficiently as possible, as quick as possible, both professionally and personally. With burnout and uncontrolled stress on the rise, this mindset can quickly lead to serious and long-term health problems.

Chronic fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, dehydration, high blood pressure, numbness, tingling and pain are some common health issues that can arise when we do not put our wellness amongst our top priority. When these conditions persist, it may lead to more serious chronic or life-threatening diseases. As BJ Palmer said, if you think you do not have time to put your wellness first, it will be a rude awakening when you need to double your time, efforts and even resources towards treating physical or mental illnesses later in your life.

 

According to a 2022 United Nations Report, Singapore has the fifth highest Life Expectancy in the world in 2022, at 83.93 years, behind Switzerland (84.11), Macao (84.55), Japan (84.91) and top spot Hong Kong (85.16). In another World Health Organisation Report, Singapore’s Healthy Life Expectancy in 2019 was 73.6 years, 10 years shorter than the life expectancy in 2019 (83.5 years). This means that, on average, Singaporeans lead 10 years of unhealthy life in their life span.

 

Do you want to lead a happy and healthy life or suffer from ill health for an average of 10 years in our life span?

 

Chiropractic as Fountain of Health 

 

Chiropractic can help you achieve good health and well-being by keeping your physical, mental, social and emotional health in balance. This is because each of these health aspects interacts with and affects each other, with the spine as the source and connector for the fountain of health. Our state of health, good or bad, emanates from all the cells in our body, which, in turn, connects to our nervous system. Moreover, the nerves and nervous system are all located within or linked to our spinal system. If your spinal health is off, it will affect your nervous system, your brain and your health, physically, emotionally and mentally.

 

When you place priority in having regular chiropractic checks and adjustments just like your regular fitness regime, you will have better long-term health and well-being.  We can help you check for nervous system interferences that can help you prevent health problems or improve your health. If you wish to live a happy and healthy life, you will have the time for health, healing, wellness and well-being. Make a wise choice to ‘be adjusted’ and your ‘future self’ will thank you for giving higher priority to your health and well-being.

 

As Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine said, “Look well to the spine for the cause of disease.” So, let us keep our spine clear and free of any blockages or nervous system interferences so that we can live with not only higher but healthier longevity and better quality of life.

 

 Your Trusted
Chiropractor Singapore

 

Dr. Nicholas Lim, D.C., ANutr, B.Sc. (Hons)

[Dr. of Chiropractic & Nutritionist &

Secretary of Chiropractic Association of Singapore]

WhatsApp :+65 9352 8828

Telephone : +65 6970 8152

Email : contact@drchiro.com.sg

AK, AO, ART, BEST, NET, NIMMO, NUCCA, SOT, and more. What are all these terms? Patients and even Chiropractors get confused about these terms and techniques. There are about a thousand chiropractic techniques to treat different conditions. Today, we will attempt to talk about some of the more common and/or more effective techniques.

 

I learnt Chiropractic from the original Chiropractic College in the world, Palmer College of Chiropractic, USA, founded by Dr Daniel David Palmer, in 1895.  While I learnt many techniques in school, mentors and practitioners advised me to study with world-renowned Chiropractic mentors. Through my almost four years at Palmer, I took over 70 seminars in various states in USA and Europe to deepen and enrich my understanding and practice of the profession. I am humbled that my learning in this field is and will continue to be a lifelong journey.

MOST COMMON TECHNIQUES: At Palmer, they teach the ‘Palmer Package’, which is the core curriculum, and includes techniques like Diversified, Gonstead, Thompson, and Toggle (Upper Cervical Specific). In terms of electives, they also offer Activator Methods, SOT (Sacro Occipital Technique), Logan Basic, AO (Atlas Orthogonal), NUCCA (focuses on correction of misalignment of the upper cervical spine) and other techniques.

 

Diversified: This is the most common technique used in the chiropractic profession. About 97% of DC (Doctors of Chiropractic) adopt this technique. Most chiropractic colleges teach this as their core technique. Most Randomised Controlled Clinical Trials (RCTs) on chiropractic use the Diversified technique, too. It is a manual or hands-on technique, known by laypersons as the ‘cracking’ of the spine. It does often involve cavitation or moving bones in a way that makes a ‘popping’ sound.

Gonstead: This technique is common at Palmer, and is one of the top five most common techniques used in the field (57% of chiropractors use this technique for some patients). This is also a manual technique and involves cavitation, too. For neck adjusting, this technique often involves the patient seated on a specialised chair.

Thompson:  This technique is a low force option within the ‘Palmer Package’. Thompson uses a specialised table with ‘drop pieces’, to facilitate the adjustment of the spine. Thompson Technique is an elective course at Palmer. Thompson is one of the top five most common techniques used in the chiropractic field (61% of DCs use this technique for some patients).

Toggle/UPPER CERVICAL SPECIFIC KNEE CHEST: Dr Bartlett Joshua Palmer, the Founder’s son, developed this technique to address the upper cervical spine (1^st and 2^nd vertebrae in the neck) specifically. This technique uses a specialised table with a drop piece, in which the patient lies on one side. Less commonly, DCs may also employ this technique (or Kale Technique) using a Knee-Chest Table.

ZONE THERAPY/ZONE TECHNIQUE: Thurman Fleet from San Antonio, Texas, developed this technique in 1931. He was a Chiropractor and metaphysical healer. He had to move his practice three times in order to comply with fire safety codes, as his offices/clinics were ‘overcrowded’ with people that posed safety risks. Patients traveled from everywhere to see Dr. Fleet to heal from all types of health conditions.

In 1931, Dr. Fleet had an illuminating experience that resulted in him bringing to the world a phenomenal chiropractic healing technique and an unparalleled correlation of the world’s Truth, Wisdom, and Knowledge called Concept Therapy. He founded a new technique called the Zone Therapy, which focuses on Five Zonal Areas that could be the cause(s) of one’s health issues or projects. Later on, his Grand student renamed his technique as the Zone Technique, and taught this around the world, helping to start a re-birth of the Zone Technique Movement globally.

Activator Methods: Activator Methods uses a hand-held instrument to give a very high speed, low force adjustment to the spine or extremities. This technique uses leg checks to assess where to adjust, and if the adjustment was successful. Activator Methods is the second most commonly used chiropractic technique in the field, and may be the most common technique used for older patients or physically frail patients (70% of DCs use this technique on some patients.) This technique is an elective at Palmer College.

Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT): This technique focuses on the sacrum (the bone that makes up the foundation at the bottom of the spine) and the occiput, the bony part of the base of the skull. This ‘top and bottom’ approach is very low force and is known for using padded wedges or SOT ‘blocks’ under the patient’s hips for a low force adjustment using gravity and the patient’s weight over a longer time (1-2 minutes or more.)  This is the sixth most common technique used in the field (50 % of DCs use this with some patients), and is taught as an elective course at Palmer.

Logan Basic: This is a very low force adjustment focusing on the sacrum, and addresses postural imbalances throughout the spine (used by 26% of DCs). This technique is suitable for frail or older patients, infants or young children, or those who cannot (or do not wish to) tolerate a more ‘forceful’ adjustment. This technique is an elective at Palmer College.

Applied Kinesiology (AK): This technique, used by 38% of DCs (not taught at Palmer) uses muscle testing to assess where and how to adjust. AK also focuses on the relationship among muscles, nerves, and organ systems, and incorporates some elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to balance energy/metaphysical forces in the body.

Atlas Orthogonal (AO) Technique:  AO is an upper cervical technique that uses a special table and instrument to perform very specific low force adjustments to the atlas or 1^st vertebra of the neck. This technique is an elective at Palmer College.

NUCCA (abbreviation for National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association). NUCCA is a very low force upper cervical technique, taught as an elective at Palmer College, focusing on adjustments of the atlas vertebra. It uses very carefully measured X-rays to determine the specific vector of the adjustment, done manually by hand.

Pettibon: This full spine technique also relies heavily on X-rays for analysis of spinal misalignment and issues. This technique uses high velocity, low amplitude adjustments to the spine, along with exercises and stretches to rehabilitate the spine and improve the posture. The technique also uses specialised tables, and handheld instruments, blocks, wedges and traction to assist in the adjustment of the spine.

OTHER CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE TRIVIA: About 95 % of DCs use ice packs, 91% do trigger point therapy and 90% offer nutritional advice to patients. Over 80% of DCs recommend braces or neck collars, massage therapy and/or heat packs. The majority of DCs also use complementary therapies, such as traction, electrical stimulation, heel lifts, therapeutic ultrasound, acupressure and more in their practices.

What is the Best Option for Individuals?

There is no ‘One-Size-Fits-All’ Technique/s in Chiropractic Care.  Chiropractic is a very diverse field; techniques evolve or new ones discovered over time. Hence, ALL of the above-mentioned techniques and therapeutic interventions help some patients some of the time. None of it helps every patient every time. This is because every person’s anatomy, brain, nervous system, health conditions and thinking are not similar.

At Dr. Chiro, Dr. Nicholas Lim has chosen to use mainly the Zone Technique after extensive studies and research. He still uses other methods and techniques, but 80% of the time, he uses the Zone Technique. He will choose the technique(s) that is/are Patient-centered, and considered the best option for the patient after assessment.

References

The Practice Analysis of Chiropractic 2010: A project report, survey analysis and summary of the practice of chiropractic within the United States. National Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Technique Systems in Chiropractic: Edited and Authored by Robert Cooperstein and Brian Gleberzon. Churchill/Livingstone. 2004, Toronto.

http://www.drthurmanfleet.com Assessed 24/1/2022

 

Your Trusted
Chiropractor Singapore

 

Dr. Nicholas Lim, D.C., ANutr, B.Sc. (Hons)

[Dr. of Chiropractic & Nutritionist &

Secretary of Chiropractic Association of Singapore]

WhatsApp :+65 9352 8828

Telephone : +65 6970 8152

Email : contact@drchiro.com.sg

Chiropractic theories and treatments are scientific, based on our Human Anatomy, Physiology and Physics. One of the fundamentals of the Science of Chiropractic is the Melzak-Wall ‘Pain Gate Control’ Theory.

What is Melzak-Wall ‘Pain Gate Control’ Theory?

Using the ‘Pain Gate’ Theory, Chiropractic deactivates the nociceptive receptors {nociceptive signals relate to the perception or sensation of pain} that inhibit the transmission of nociceptive signals in the dorsal or posterior horn of the spinal cord, ‘gating out’ painful stimuli (Vigotsky & Bruhns, 2015). In other words, Chiropractic helps to open the gates of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, which contains neurons that receive somatosensory information {somatosensory is the cortex of the brain that receives and processes information} from the body, transmitted to the brain via ascending pathways.}

 

From the law of specific nerve frequencies, impulses conveyed to the central nervous system by nociceptive afferent fibres {those that send information to, rather than from, the brain and travel back to the spinal cord} would be ‘deemed as painful’. Those impulses conveyed via contact-sensitive fibres would be ‘interpreted as mechanical stimulation’ that are non-injurious.

Melzak/Wall pointed out that these signals are often ‘blocked, inhibited, unexcited or confused’. Pain, numbness, tingling, neuralgia {pain in a nerve pathway} and causalgia {severe pain in a limb caused by injury to peripheral nerve} are some sensations that could happen even with gentle touch or vibration. Often, sensation of pain due to tissue damage may ‘disappear or diminish’ in emotional excitement or outbursts when ‘counterirritants’, such as ointment or heat used to counter underlying pain or discomfort, are present. Do not be misled by such temporary relief!

Impulses of the brain in the large mechanoreceptive fibres {mechanoreceptors respond to ‘mechanical’ pressure, converting them into electrical signals for the central nervous system} and those in the small nociceptive fibres come together as specialised nerve cells (T-cells). These cells are present in the posterior horn of the gray matter [ie the darker tissue of the brain and spinal cord] in the spinal system. The posterior horn processes somatosensory information {sensations such as pressure, pain or warmth, which can occur anywhere in the body and not associated with the primary sense organs}, and transmits it to the brain through the ascending tracts.

How Does the Pain Gate Control Theory Work? 

When movement in T-cells reaches an elevated level, it is ‘construed’ as a sign of potential tissue injury and responded to as if it were painful or aggressive. This signals a demand for awareness and action. If this were true, any extreme somatosensory stimulation would be painful. The Gate Control Theory propounds the existence of a ‘Sensory Gate’ that controls the signals, and may give you a false perception of “I’ve no pain; hence, I’ve no problem.” However, the pain is latent and may be ‘manifested’ when the nerves undergo chiropractic adjustments and healing.

Both the large and small fibre inputs (nociceptive and non-nociceptive inputs) can be ‘hindered by inhibitory interneurons’ {association neurons exclusively found in the central nervous system} in the substantia gelatinosa area of the dorsal gray matter. The substantia gelatinosa of Rolando or SGR is a gray matter structure of the dorsal spinal cord involved in transmitting or modulating pain, temperature or touch. These inhibitory interneurons act immediately at the sensory nerve endings of the afferent neurons near the skin surface. Once its effectiveness declines, it hinders information transmission to the T-cells. These inhibitory interneurons, due to the descending influences from the brain, are always in force, tending to hold the Sensory Gate partly closed (law of centrifugal influences). This is not ideal, as it will compress the nerve pathways and cause pain, numbness, tingling etc.

The large mechanoreceptive fibres initiate the inhibitory cells, and are inclined to close the Sensory Gate. The small nociceptive fibres, on the other hand, impede the substantia gelatinosa inhibitory cells. By this ‘inhibition of inhibition’ principle, they open up the Sensory Gate. If the spinal cord is free from subluxation {that is misalignment-free}, large mechanoreceptive fibres carry constant impulses to the spinal cord and maintain the Sensory Gate in a closed position. With subluxation, there is a compression factor on the spinal nerve root, and that compression selectively blocks large mechanoreceptive fibres. As a result, the signs of pain may occur due to the opening effect of the Sensory Gate. On the other hand, the removal of compression-causing subluxation may allow the return of the large mechanoreceptive fibres impulses, closing the gate and alleviating the symptoms of pain. This is one of the scientific theories explaining the cause and benefits of Chiropractic.

‘Nature Needs No Help, Just No Interference’

Chiropractic founded and propounded by Dr. Daniel David Palmer in 1895 in Davenport USA has come a long way since. Chiropractic is about removing nervous system interference rather than fixing it. BJ Palmer (Developer of Chiropractic) said and I quote: “Nature needs no help, just no interference.” Today, we have many scientific explanations on why and how Chiropractic works, and with evidence validating the philosophy, principles, and practice.

 

Reference:

Vigotsky, A. D., & Bruhns, R. P. (2015). The Role of Descending Modulation in Manual Therapy and Its Analgesic Implications: A Narrative Review. Pain research and treatment, 2015, 292805. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/292805

 

Your Trusted Chiropractor

 

Dr. Nicholas Lim, D.C., ANutr, B.Sc. (Hons)

[Dr. of Chiropractic & Nutritionist &

Treasurer of Chiropractic Association of Singapore]

 

WhatsApp :+65 9355 8828

Telephone : +65 6970 8152

Email : contact@drchiro.com.sg

“This the Season to be jolly!” With the year-end festivities just round the corner and Singapore moving towards endemic Covid status, we can once again look forward to having mealtime bonding with family and friends.

Good Mealtime Habits without Television and Electronic Devices

A study published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology in April 2016¹ found that the positive effects of eating together as a family are often negated by watching television or videos at the same time. Overall, TV diners miss precious interaction time with family members and should consider switching off the television and all electronic devices during mealtimes. As a modern and first world country like the United States, Singapore is increasingly facing similar issues. In modern times, many individuals neglect mealtimes. Eating together with sacred connections and shared conversations has become a privilege rather than a norm. This is a worrying trend.

Mealtimes together are important social interaction times for both children and adults. People need to connect with and talk to one another while they eat, opening the way for meaningful communication and personal bonding. Parents with busy work schedules and children with multiple extracurricular activities often have difficulty finding common time to connect, resulting in distance relationships, isolation and even depression.

There is evidence to suggest that individuals who spend more time watching television and videos have worse diets, while families that frequently eat together have better wholesome meals and eating habits. Another culprit of bad diets is eating deep-fried or junk food during screen time. In addition, certain television viewings can affect digestion while eating. Anything with extremes, especially violence, suspense and comedies that illicit emotions and tensions can put more stress on an already busy digestive system. Moreover, our digestive system is ‘intricately linked’ to the nervous system, which is explained below.

Let us make the best of meetings with families and friends by being present with them and eliciting conversations that are meaningful and memorable. These shared memories will last a lifetime than wasting our precious time on television, social media and watching too much videos that may not be ultimately beneficial to our health and well-being.

Link between Digestive System and Nervous System

Our digestive system is linked to the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS or our intrinsic nervous system consists of mesh-like neurons that govern our gastrointestinal tract or gut. It is our second brain. Chiropractic is about the entire nervous system, with many neurons connecting to the brain and a bigger neural capacity than the actual brain itself.

A huge issue I encounter in my practice today is inflammation. Many people consume deep fried foods every day, which cause increased inflammation in their bodies.  Higher susceptibility to inflammation affects muscle tonicity or spasticity, which might cause the spine to misalign. Symptoms include pain, numbness, stiffness, tingling, fatigue, and digestive issues.

With another year ending soon, do make time for family and friendship meals and wean off electronic distractions, deep-fried and inflammatory foods. Have a ‘belly happy’ meal with your family and friends!

Your Trusted Chiropractor

 

Dr. Nicholas Lim, D.C., ANutr, B.Sc. (Hons)

[Dr. of Chiropractic & Nutritionist &

Treasurer of Chiropractic Association of Singapore]

 

WhatsApp :+65 9355 8828

Telephone : +65 6970 8152

Email : drchiro@gmail.com

 

Reference:

Blake, C., Rosemond, T., Bernal, J. and Frongillo, E., 2016. The role of television during family meals: Enable or disrupter of communication. J. of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology April 2016

Core of Chiropractic

The fundamental concepts of traditional chiropractic philosophy may seem daunting upon initial exposure. The complexity of such concepts is paradoxical due to the inherent simplicity once you have good understanding of how your brain and body function. One of these concepts is subluxations.

Chiropractic is a deductive science: we make chiropractic deductions based on the premise that life is ‘intelligent’. In turn, an ‘intelligent creator’ exists. The intelligent creator is the creator of all matter that manages and organises our existence, providing matter to maintain our existence. This is the concept of universal intelligence, where life is a manifestation of movement. A part of this universal intelligence is our innate intelligence, which can constructively adapt the forces and matter from the universe. Chiropractic theories and hypotheses are generally deductions from these universal truths, supported by clinical findings.

Innate Intelligence within Our Body

Innate intelligence in humans exists within our brains. The brain controls our emotional, mental and physical functions through the spinal cord and nervous system components. Innate intelligence is a self-regulating system that maintains our state of health through mechanisms of adaptation. Our innate intelligence helps us adapt to the elements of the universe associated with the human body. Good health is a result of a perfect adaptation. Conversely, imperfect adaptation results in disease(s).

It is imperative to understand that, as a component of universal intelligence, innate intelligence ‘cannot be flawed’. It is ‘intrinsically perfect’. Any imperfect adaptation of our human system is a result of improper transmission of innate forces in the nervous system rather than a result of innate intelligence errors. Alterations of the spinal column indirectly interfere with the transmission of these innate forces. We can trace the root of all disease(s) to the effects of alterations of the spinal column on nerve tissues. Interference of neurological functions arising from spinal column alterations may negatively affect the adaptive mechanisms of the body. This causes disruption of the homeostatic balance and, in turn, displaces segments of the spinal column and subsequently the state of health. Chiropractic refers to the displaced segments of the spinal column as subluxations. A subluxation is the state of a vertebra that has lost its proper alignment in relation to the vertebra above and below or both. This misalignment of the vertebrae allows for the interference of nerve transmission and results in the state of disease.

Nerve transmission is a cycle consisting of many nervous system components. The brain sends and receives messages from all parts of the body via the spinal cord, spinal nerve roots, and the nerves themselves. Efferent nerves transmit information leaving the brain to all parts and cells of the body and transmit information perceived by the body back to the brain. This information pathway to and from the brain centre and tissues of the body are like the ‘mental current’ and ‘mental impulses’. Transmitted by nerves, mental impulses are the connection between intelligence and matter. They are therefore necessary for life. For example, if we damage one of our nerves, the tissue it supplies loses function and consequently dies. When a subluxation compromises the nerve transmission of mental impulses, the associated tissue cells adopt a weakened state of dysfunction. To restore the proper functions of tissue cells, we must remove the disruption of transmission. The removal of this interference and consequent restoration of function is the purpose of chiropractic adjustment.

What is Subluxation in Chiropractic?

Subluxation is the adaptation of a system that is protecting itself, a form of defence physiology.  When the system does not have a strategy to process an experience or stimulus, then it does not have the energy or resources either. Hence, it resorts to binding its energy in an attempt to protect itself and give itself more time to create the change or shift in a more authentic and thermodynamically efficient manner.  Without this mechanism, many systems would lose their energy and crash. Crashing in a biological sense can possibly lead to dis-ease or, in serious cases, death.

Subluxation is a diminished state of being, not just a bone out of alignment. The human body has an amazing ability to maintain its own health when provided with the right amounts and the right types of healthy signals. When we remove harmful or unhealthy signals and enhance appropriate signals, the body system creates a healthy outcome and vice versa. Unhealthy signals can come by way of physical, mental/emotional/social, or chemical imbalance. Subluxation could possibly prevents dis-ease and even death. It is the “silent killer”.  It is like a circuit breaker in an electrical box.  It is a form of adaptation, just not the most thermodynamically effective or efficient one, but the only option available to the system at that level of energy.

Chiropractors can recognise the root cause of disease by adjusting the displaced segments of the spinal column, thereby removing the interference of innate force transmission. The beauty of chiropractic is its ability to restore the normal transmission of forces, allowing proper homeostasis and adaptation without adding any force or material to the body in order to restore health. Chiropractic adjustments facilitate the proper functioning of the body without causing undue harm or unwanted adverse effects.

Your Trusted Chiropractor

 

Dr. Nicholas Lim, D.C., ANutr, B.Sc. (Hons)

[Dr. of Chiropractic & Nutritionist &

Treasurer of Chiropractic Association of Singapore]

 

WhatsApp :+65 9355 8828

Telephone : +65 6970 8152

Email : contact@drchiro.com.sg

Have you ever experienced pain and discomfort around your chest, ribs, sternum and upper back?  If yes, you could be suffering from one or more of the following conditions:

• Costovertebral joint dysfunction (‘costo’ means ‘rib’)
• Costotransverse disorders
• Costochondritis
• Tietze syndrome

Patients with extreme and rigorous physical activities like sports, yoga, and gymnastics; or had injuries, accidents and infections usually experience these conditions. The conditions may appear related, but affect different areas of the chest, ribs, sternum, shoulders and spine.

Costovertebral Joint Dysfunction

The costovertebral joint is the section where the head of a rib articulates with a vertebra of the thoracic spine. Costovertebral Joint Dysfunction could occur when there is damage to the connective tissue that surrounds the joint due to sudden movement involving bending, lifting or twisting through the thoracic spine; or due to a fall, accident or injury.  It may also happen when the upper thoracic region is provoked by ‘pump handle’ movements like reaching, bending or carrying loads on the shoulder, while mid and lower costovertebral problems are provoked by ‘bucket handle’ motions of bending, lateral flexion, and rotation. Usually, the sudden impact will cause muscle spasm, pain and stiffness the following day(s). The disorders cause a dull ache in the upper back. Deep breathing, coughing, or rotation of the trunk and rib cage could worsen the pain. Costovertebral and rib cage pain is a common complaint during pregnancy.

Complaints of costovertebral joint dysfunction range from focal and burning to sharp, stabbing, and radiating pain.  Patients sometimes describe concurrent costovertebral and costosternal pain as if they were “shot by an arrow.” Costovertebral joint dysfunction presents clinically as localised pain, 3-4 cm lateral to the spine with possible radiation of symptoms along the associated rib.  The pain usually occurs between the shoulder blades and one side of the spine. Radiating complaints may include hyperalgesia or paraesthesia.

Costotransverse Disorders

The Costotransverse Disorders occur at juncture where the neck and tubercle (small rounded point) of a rib is ‘joined’ with the transverse process of its corresponding vertebra.  Ligaments connect the costovertebral and costotransverse joints. The juncture between the costotransverse and costovertebral joints must fall in place together so that the rotational axis passes both joints, mostly as ‘coupled’ motions. For example, during respiration, as the ribs rises, the neck gets depressed. This movement is akin to a ‘pump handle’ elevation for the upper ribs, while the lower ribs move in an anterior to posterior manner like a ‘buckle handle’ movement.

Disorders in these joints account for pain in the thorax or functional impairments. When subjected to severe trauma, these joints can subluxate or dislocate. Being located at the top of the rib cage, the first costotransverse joint is the most vulnerable. Persons with spondylitis usually have costotransverse joint disorders. 

Costochondritis and Tietze Syndrome

 Costochondritis, sometimes called chest wall pain or Costosternal Syndrome, is a condition where there is inflammation of the cartilage that joins your ribs to your sternum (breastbone). It could mimic an experience of a fracture for younger adults. Tietze Syndrome is less common, but also involves inflammation of the costochondral joint, with chest swelling which may last even after any pain and tenderness is gone.  Costochondritis tends to affect those above 40, while tietze syndrome usually affects younger adults below 40.

The causes of costochondritis and tietze syndrome could be due to injury to your chest from sudden or prolonged physical exertion. The inflammation may create moderate localised chest pain to sharp and severe stabbing pain that radiates to your shoulder and upper back. Often, the pain is on the left of the sternum; hence, some may think that they have a heart attack. Symptoms of costochondritis may begin following sudden, unguarded, or explosive movements like coughing or sneezing.  Patients will often report a history that includes twisting, reaching, pushing, or pulling; repeated strenuous exercises like yoga and gymnastics; or bacterial, fungal, viral or respiratory tract infections.

Persons involved in wrestling, rugby, football, golf, swimming (butterfly strokes), rock climbing, yoga, singing, carrying of heavy weights and whiplash injury may be predisposed to costochondritis and tietze syndrome. Persons with biomechanical deficits, including a forward head posture, upper cross syndrome, hypokyphosis, scoliosis, or dysfunctional respiration may also be predisposed to thoracic and rib dysfunctions.  Undiagnosed rib dysfunction or costochondritis often cause unnecessary worry about more sinister diseases like cancer, heart attacks, strokes etc, and procrastination or failure to diagnose and treat a threatening origin have serious consequences.

Generally, chiropractic and manual therapy can alleviate and treat the above dysfunctions without need for imaging scans in the initial stages of pain. Radiographs may be necessary in cases of significant trauma, suspicion of fracture or instability, those ages over 50, or cases with lack of improvement with conservative care, or neuromotor deficits. The presence of red flags, including unexplained weight loss, history of cancer, corticosteroid use, osteoporosis, fever, or drug/alcohol abuse, also warrant further investigation.

Chiropractic adjustments and manual therapy are mainstay treatments for Costovertebral Joint Dysfunction, Costotransverse Disorders, Costochondritis and Tietze Syndrome. If you are experiencing rib pain, search ‘costochondritis chiropractor’, call our office, or visit our website for more information.

 

Your Trusted Chiropractor

 Dr. Nicholas Lim, D.C., ANutr, B.Sc. (Hons)

[Dr. of Chiropractic & Nutritionist &

Honorary Treasurer of The Chiropractic Association of Singapore]

WhatsApp :+65 9355 8828

Telephone : +65 6970 8152

Email : contact@drchiro.com.sg