What We Treat & How
Common conditions treated at NW3 Chiropractic:
- Headaches (See Research for clarification)
- Back pain
- Neck pain & stiffness
- Rib pain & pain on inspiration (breathing in)
- Pain down the leg or through the buttock
- Spinal pain
- Joint & muscle problems
- General loss of joint range of motion
- Feelings of imbalance
- Peripheral joint problems – ankle, elbow, wrist
- Pins & Needles
- Numbness
- Stiff or tight muscles & joints
Some of these conditions may involve elements of nerve compression and boney misalignment. Additionally, tight ligaments and muscles can compress nerves and pull bones out of alignment. Therefore our treatments take into consideration all elements and usually commence with the least invasive approach. Our methods of treatment include various soft tissue techniques such as trigger point therapy, vibration therapy, massage as well as chiropractic adjustments(manipulation) of the spinal vertebral and skeletal bones. Initially all patients undergo thorough neurological and orthopaedic examinations followed by treatment depending on their problem. Exercises are usually prescribed; specific to each individual’s condition and structure.
The duration and number of treatments required for resolution of complaints depends on the type of complaint and the response to treatment over time, by each particular patient.
Should you have any questions about whether chiropractic treatment is right for you then please contact us.
Back Pain
Back pain, also called Backache or Lumbago, is one of the most common medical problems and is the most regularly presented problem at NW3 Chiropractic. Back pain affects approximately 80% of people at some point during their lives and according to the NHS, is the largest cause of work-related absence in the UK. Back pain issues can range from a dull ache to a sudden sharp pain occurring constantly or intermittently.
Anyone can be affected by back pain, but there are some things that increase your risk such as age, poor fitness levels or weight. Some types of back pain can be inherited and in other cases may be impacted by particular jobs e.g. if your work involves lifting or pushing or if you work at a desk, incorrect posture can cause back pain.
Back pain can be caused by a number of different things. For example, a mechanical issue with the back itself (e.g. ruptured disc, facet joint injury or tense muscles), a previous injury or fall, or a particular medical condition. All possible causes are investigated in an initial consultation and ongoing treatment at NW3 Chiropractic.
We will also work with you to provide you with the information and tools to minimise the likelihood of your problem recurring.
Sciatica
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is often the name given to the symptoms of inflammation of the sciatic nerve running to the lower limb from the lumbar nerve roots. The Sciatic nerve is a large trunk of nerves that runs from the lower back, through the pelvis and down the back of each leg, providing innervation to a large proportion of the lower limb.
What are the symptoms?
Characteristics of sciatica are pain, numbness, weakness or pins and needles. It will normally occur on one side of your body and may include the lower back and possibly the leg. The pain may be dull, sharp, burning, or intermittent shocks of shooting pain.
The causes of sciatica may include spinal disc compression, muscle compression or tension due to spinal curvature or other conditions putting pressure on the sciatic nerve or its tributaries. These forces may cause pain and other symptoms. If you are experiencing sciatica, sitting and trying to stand up may be painful, whilst coughing and sneezing may make the pain worse if the sciatica involves a problem with a disc.
Treatment at NW3Chriopractic
To try to pin point the cause of sciatica we would first take a full history with the patient followed by Orthopaedic and Neurological tests. Assuming nothing untoward is suspected, we would use muscle vibration techniques, trigger point therapy and deep tissue and chiropractic adjustments (manipulation).
Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common issue presenting at NW3Chiropractic. Neck pain can be caused by a number of issues including whiplash, compression injuries, desk-based static postures and computer repetitive strain.
Additionally, lower spine and pelvic distortions can establish spinal curvatures that manifest as neck pain. Neck pain can also arise from other physical and emotional health issues.
Pins and Needles
‘Pins and needles’ is a form of paraesthesia (altered sensation) due to neural(nerve) compromise. It may manifest as a tingling or prickling sensation usually in the extremities of the upper or lower limb.
One of the first questions to ask when a patient presents with these symptoms, is whether they are experiencing the issue on both sides of the body. This will help to define if it is a chiropractic issue or not. If the symptoms are bilateral, it is more likely to be a systemic or central problem. This can be discerned by a thorough history prior to neurological and orthopaedic tests; either by your chiropractor or GP. Both may seek imaging investigations such as MRI or x-ray, where necessary.
