May 22

Do your feet need support from a custom made insole/ orthotic?

Do your feet need support from a custom made insole/ orthotic? by Olivia O’ Leary D.C BSc Hons 

custom made orthoticsWe spend so much of our time on our feet; walking, running, working or playing sports it’s no wonder that the number of people who suffer foot pain or knee pain from the stress and strain put on their feet is quite staggering. Throw some bunions or collapsed arches into the mix and its an eventual recipe for disaster. Foot pain can be quite crippling when it strikes…so where does it come from?

 SOME FOOTY FACTS & FIGURES:custom made orthotics

  • An average person walks approx 12,000 steps per day (or 4 miles)
  • A person will walk 4 times around the earth circumference in a lifetime
  • A person places 500,000 kilos of pressure on their feet in a lifetime
  • 83% of Irish Population will suffer from an acute episode of foot or foot related pain, the majority of which are treatable and even preventable with proper foot care and Orthotics.

How do feet affect other areas of your body?

custom made OrthoticsThe feet have a direct impact on the rest of a person’s body.  Like the foundation of a house, your feet support the weight of everything above them.

When a small problem develops in your feet, a subtle change in the way you walk will cause a chain reaction of adjustments in your posture and way of walking.  These changes can put stress on joints higher up in your body like those of the knees, hips and lower back which leads to the development of muscular and skeletal problems and pains elsewhere. It can be pointless to treat these other injuries without considering where the root of the problem lies. This brings us on to the topic of orthotics and their use as a treatment.

What do Orthotics do and how can they help?

Tog Custom made Orthotics work on your feet much like glasses work on your eyes- they reduce stress and strain on your body by bringing your feet back into proper alignment.

Custom made Orthotics are designed in such a way that they fit comfortably like an insole in your shoe and but have the advantage of having been custom made for exact imprints of your feet.

Custom made Tog orthotics are biomechanical medical appliances which are made to correct your own specific foot imbalances rather than the generic off the shelf model model which is not specific.

How are Orthotics Created?Orthotics

We offer  TOG Gait Scan technology at Gorey Family Chiropractic which allows a scan of an individual’s foot to be taken and from this information a custom made insole is created which works both correctively and preventatively.   This state of the art technology therefore looks beyond just treating symptoms but determines the root cause of the problem and addresses the malfunction of the foot that has led to the foot pain or problems.

This also relieves abnormal strain off other tissues and structures further up the leg, which can lead to knee pain, hip pain and even contribute to lower back pain. By balancing and buffering the forces exerted during walking, orthotics help to restore normal balance and take pressure off other muscles and joints.

This is particularly helpful for runners or sports people where small foot malfunctions are more pronounced and influential in causing injuries whilst running.

Common conditions where orthotics can be necessary or beneficial in the overall management include

  • Plantar Fasciitis,Heel spur
  • Shin Splints
  • Ilio-tibial band Syndrome,
  • Fallen arches
  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Metatarsalgia
  • Heel Spurs

Lifetime Guarantee:

Tog Orthotics carry a lifetime guarantee against cracking to the supportive Orthotic shell.

If you are suffering from any of the types of  problem mentioned and are based around Gorey, Wexford, Arklow or Carlow it may be time to be checked.  Why not call Gorey Family Chiropractic today speak to one of our friendly team who will be happy to arrange a Tog Gait Scan assessment  to evaluate the need or benefits to be gained from Tog orthotics specific to your own individual requirements.

For further information on this product, please see the Tog Orthotics video on the practice videos section on our website http://www.chiropractor.ie/5,gallery,orthotics_patient_education_dvd.html

For your convenience all of our clinical team are registered with VHI, Aviva and Laya Healthcare allowing clients claim reimbursement from a wide range of private healthcare Insurance providers.

Opening hours Mon 8-7, Tues 9-5, Wed 8-7, Thurs 9-5, Frid 8-7

T : 053 94 83338  or alternatively email info@chiropractor.ie.

Gorey Family Chiropractic Clinic, Railway Road, Gorey, Co Wexford.

 

May 08

Don’t let ‘text neck” get the better of you

Don’t let ‘text neck” get the better of you by Olivia O’ Leary D.C BSc Hons 

Text Neck

Text Neck

LEARN THE RIGHT WAY TO USE YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET

Click, swipe, pinch, expand. With smartphones and tablets, we find the information we want in a flash. But what happens to our bodies when we constantly look down at smartphones ipads?

Put simply our neck muscles become seriously unbalanced which can lead to poor posture, neck pain, numbness, headaches and, in time even arthritis through repetitive wear and tear.

A PROBLEM WAITING TO HAPPEN

Five years ago, the chiropractors at Gorey Family Chiropractic began seeing more and more teens and adults with neck pain. We noticed clients sitting in the waiting room with their chins on their chests, looking into their smartphones.

This problem has been popularly dubbed “text neck”. Today with the widespread use of these devices amongst young and old, patients of all ages are seen developing the problem with neck pain, stiffness and the associated problems that go with it.

TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE

Text neck

A classic example of good neck alignment with a c shaped curve.

Our neck’s normally have a “banana-like or C shaped curve” that helps   distribute the weight of our heads (about 10 to 12 pounds) onto our discs between the neck vertebrae. Constantly looking down at a smartphone or or ipad causes the neck to straighten and lose this curve.

The result is uneven distribution of the head’s weight on the neck. The extensor muscles on the back of the neck become overstretched. The flexor muscles on the front of the neck become over strengthened.

Text neck

Notice how the curve in this neck has reversed and straightened hindering normal function including shock absorption.

As Chiropractors we correct this imbalance by prescribing muscle and spinal joint treatments as well as exercises that strengthen the extensor muscles and stretch the flexor muscles of the neck.

But that’s just the beginning. Our Chiropractors educate our clients in how they need to change their behavior so that they don’t undo the benefits of the Chiropractic treatment they are receiving.

HOLD THE PHONE HERE’S HOW

The Gorey Family Chiropractors offer these neck-friendly tips for viewing your smartphone or tablet:

  • Smartphones: Rest your right elbow on your side, and hold the phone with your right hand. Use your left arm to support the right so you can hold the phone comfortably.
  • Tablets: Sit with your back against a couch, chair or wall. Bring your knees up and rest your elbows on them as you hold the tablet.
  • Remember when using either device to take regular breaks to correct your posture and do some stretching if you are inclined to suffer neck strain or neck pain.

If you can correct a few of these habits and spend more time with good posture rather than poor posture, you will aggravate your neck less often.

Awareness is the best solution. Computers are never going away, so we have to try to adapt and become ergonomically sound and more posture aware to prevent neck pain and injury.

GOREY FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC: SUPPORTING YOUR RECOVERY, MAINTAINING RECOVERY AND PREVENTING INJURY

Our specialist Chiropractic team are trained and hold extensive experience both in Ireland and the U.K  in the diagnosis and treatment of back pain, neck pain, nerve and disc disorders as well as treating and managing sports injuries and conditions like osteoarthritis. No GP referral is necessary.

On site x ray is offered and for your convenience all of our Gorey Family Chiropractic team are registered with VHI, Glo, Aviva and Laya Healthcare allowing clients claim reimbursement from a wide range of private healthcare Insurance providers including the GAA Scheme.

For further information on our range of services to private individuals or specialist occupational health services to companies contact info@chiropractor.ie or alternatively call 053 94 83338.

Apr 24

Using your laptop safely to avoid neck injury

Using your laptop safely to avoid neck injury – By Olivia O Leary D.C BSc ( Hons)

Unsafe: An ongoing trade off between poor neck/head posture and poor wrist/hand posture exists with Chiropractor Yvonne in this image

Unsafe: An ongoing trade off between poor neck/head posture and poor wrist/hand posture exists with Chiropractor Yvonne in this image

Laptop computers are lightweight, portable and convenient but unfortunately their design with the screen and keyboard attached forces laptop users into awkward postural positions. When the screen is positioned by the user at the right height, the keyboard position is too high and when the keyboard is at the correct height the screen is too low.

Laptops pose less risk when used for short periods but with many using the laptop as  their main computer our team at here at Gorey Family Chiropractic were asked for some guidelines applicable for this type of computer user.

A COMFORTABLE WORKSTATION SETUP ON A  DESKTOP COMPUTER OR LAPTOP PROMOTES NEUTRAL POSTURES AVOIDING STRAIN THEREFORE:

  • the neck should be aligned with the spine (a neutral posture – not bent or thrust forward)
  • the back should be relaxed but supported,
  • the shoulders should be relaxed (not hunched or rounded),
  • the elbows should be close to the body and bent at an angle between 90 and 120 degrees and
  • the wrists and hands should straight (not bent or turned).

So If you use a laptop frequently, it is worth investing time into optimising your home or office workstation to promote better ergonomic postures for your laptop use, to avoid what research has shown is the long term inevitability of neck pain and back pain otherwise.

Safer: Using an external keyboard and mouse and raising the screen with paper reams improves this laptop workstation for Chiropractor Yvonne

Safer: Using an external keyboard and mouse and raising the screen with paper reams improves this laptop workstation for Chiropractor Yvonne

SETTING YOUR LAPTOP UP FOR FREQUENT USE

Maintain a neutral neck posture by placing the top of the screen at about eye level or slightly lower if using bifocal glasses.

Use a laptop stand or place your laptop on a stable support surface, such as monitor risers, reams of paper, or phone books so that the screen height can be adjusted.

Attach a regular size, external keyboard and mouse to the laptop, and place them on an adjustable keyboard tray or desk if possible. They should be positioned at or slightly below elbow height when it is possible to use an adjustable keyboard tray.

Angle the screen to reduce bending your head forward. Use your eyes instead of your neck to adjust your line of vision.

Reduce glare by positioning the screen at a right angle to windows and away from overhead lighting. Laptop lights that plug into a USB port can be used to provide extra light, if needed.

REMEMBER TO:

  1. Clean the screen frequently as dust can make it difficult to read and may increase eyestrain.
  2. Watch for glare from external light sources on your screen which also causes eyestrain.
  3. Use a document holder where possible to angle documents vertically to keep the neck well aligned with the spine.
  4. Take frequent stretch breaks every 30 to 45 minutes.

QUICK ERGONOMIC FIXES FOR SHORT TERM LAPTOP USE

  • Use a chair that supports a comfortable upright or slightly reclined posture. In a reclined position,
    Safer: A binder helps keep wrists straight and optimises the screen height. Note a ream of paper props feet adding stability. A rolled towel adds lumbar support.

    Safer: A binder helps keep wrists straight and optimises the screen height. Note a ream of paper improves the trunk/thigh angle. A rolled towel adds lumbar support.

    prop your feet up on a box or something similar to maintain a neutral trunk/thigh angle.

  • Be sure to maintain a neutral neck posture (in other words not leaning the neck forward). Use a towel roll or inflatable lumbar pillow to provide low back support.
  • Place the laptop on your lap to help keep your wrists straight while using the keyboard. A 2-3 inch binder with the wider edge toward you knees will create an angle that will help keep your wrists straight and maximize the height of the screen.
  • Don’t place your laptop on top of a pillow or other soft material. The lack of circulation could shut down the fan, which can overheat the computer.
  • On a sofa, place a rolled towel as a lumbar support, raise the feet on a small box so that you are tilted slightly backwards to maintain  straighter spinal alignment.
  • Remember to stand up and stretch frequently.
GOREY FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC: SUPPORTING RECOVERY, MAINTAINING RECOVERY AND PREVENTING INJURY

Our specialist Chiropractic team are trained and hold extensive occupational health experience both in Ireland and the U.K and are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of back pain, neck pain and other workplace related muscle and joint problems. No referral is necessary.

We have x-ray facilities  located on site and offer spinal health screening programmes and ergonomics assessments to companies and organisations to prevent and manage workplace injury. For your convenience all of our Gorey Family  Chiropractic team are registered with VHI, Glo, Aviva and Laya Healthcare allowing clients claim reimbursement from a wide range of private healthcare Insurance providers.

For further information on our range of services to private individuals or companies contact info@chiropractor.ie or alternatively call 053 94 83338

Apr 03

Shoulder Problems: A Pain in the neck

 

Shoulder Problems: A Pain in the neck

by Olivia O’ Leary D.C BSc Hons

Pain in the neckAn aching sholder may not signal a shoulder problem. And a sore neck may not indicate a neck problem.
When the chiropractors at Gorey Family Chiropractic were asked about neck and shoulder symptoms amongst clients on presentation to the clinic one thing quickly became clear. People may come in with shoulder pain when they really have a neck problem and similarly, neck pain can mask a shoulder problem.

SO WHERE DOES THE PAIN COME FROM?
“The way the body reports pain is somewhat unreliable,” explained Michael Veal D.C Clinic Director “Neck pain and shoulder pain so commonly overlap that it becomes difficult to distinguish for a patient where the pain is actually coming from.

 WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?

Because the neck and shoulder are intimately connected by multiple nerve pathways. When injury occurs, the brain can’t always trace pain pathways back to their source, and what we feel may not be what is really going on. “This is known as ‘referred pain”.

WHEN THE SHOULDER IS THE USUAL SUSPECT

083fd53206c2cd676c9b615f6ff074bf
Shoulder pain is most often caused by an injury to the rotator cuff, a group of tendons and muscles that stabilize the joint. The rotator cuff develops wear and tear with age, and can be easily injured which can cause shoulder tendonitis or even a partial tear of a shoulder tendon.

This may cause both shoulder pain and  contribute to development of neck pain.

YOU MAY HAVE A ROTATOR CUFF INJURY OR OTHER SHOULDER PROBLEM IF SHOULDER PAIN:
•    Develops in the shoulder itself or on the outside of your upper arm
•    Is dull and aching
•    Occurs when you reach overhead or behind your back, or when lifting
•    Radiates into the upper arm, but not past the elbow
•    Persists at night
•    Improves when you rest your arm

WHEN THE NECK IS THE LIKELY CULPRIT
images-1Inflammation of any of the 14 nerves or eight pairs of joints in the neck can cause neck pain. The joints — or vertebrae — serve as a “hinges” allowing movement (no wonder they wear out). In fact, 65 percent of 65-year-olds have arthritis in one or more neck joints.

This causes stiffness and irritation to these joints and can be another factor in the development of a pinched nerve. Fortunately chiropractic treatment and exercise has been extensively shown to  restore flexibility and reduce irritation in the neck which helps reduce neck pain and can help stabilise the condition.

Because pain in one area can so often be confused with another, a thorough examination must be done first by your chiropractor or other specialist healthcare provider which includes range of motion, strength testing and provocative orthopaedic tests to the neck and shoulder. Should these tests prove positive it may be necessary to x ray ( x ray facilities on site)  the neck to help rule out certain conditions or better evaluate others.

YOU MAY HAVE ARTHRITIS OR NERVE RELATED PAIN IF PAIN:

cervical_radiculopathy_
•    Develops in your shoulder blade, or close to or on the side of your neck
•    Is sharp, stabbing, burning or tingling
•    Radiates down past your elbow or even into your hand
•    Persists at rest
•    Occurs when you extend your arms or twist them inward
•    Is relieved when you support your neck

Luckily most neck and shoulder pain can recover with conservative care. Evidence based guidelines for the management of neck pain and shoulder pain commonly recommend conservative measures first like chiropractic care, exercises and rehabilitative exercises.

 5 WAYS TO RELIEVE SHOULDER PAIN

1.  Try to rest from activities that aggravate painshoulder strecth
2. Exercises to gently stretch and then ultimately strengthen have been shown to be of benefit.
3.  Ice  your shoulder, an ice pack should be applied for 10-15 mins wrapped in thin tea towel to prevent an ice burn.
4. If you are failing to recover from your shoulder pain or your shoulder pain is more severe our clinical team holds extensive experience in the treatment and management of shoulder pain and will guide your recovery or refer your case if treatment is deemed unsuitable for your problem.

5.  Anti inflammatory medications are sometimes beneficial in the first instance but their usage is not recommended to mask or avoid treating the cause of the underlying shoulder pain.

6.    If these measures fail to bring relief, you may need an MRI of your shoulder. If that shows a torn rotator cuff, then shoulder surgery can sometimes be necessary.

DIAGNOSED WITH A NECK PROBLEM CAUSING NECK PAIN

Should a physical examination by your chiropractor, which may include orthopaedic, neurological or x ray studies indicate a trapped or irritated nerve or arthritis in your neck, research and evidence based guidelines have shown chiropractic treatment to be  beneficial which may include spinal manipulation, soft tissue treatment techniques, muscular stretching as well as addressing causative factors such as poor ergonomics & posture.

5 WAYS TO SELF HELP NECK PAIN

  1. Remember good posture; a significant proportion of neck and shoulder pain develops from postural strain
  2. Stretching & strengthening exercises: neck stiffness and weakness leave the neck vulnerable to injury
  3. Ice &  heat ( ice in acute stages, heat when a problem is more chronic)
  4. Ergonomic modifications in your workplace may be necessary to address the causes of neck pain if occupational strain exists
  5. An orthopaedic pillow whilst sometimes a little difficult to get used, to maintains and supports the natural curve of the spine whilst sleeping which is especially important with a damaged neck.

Twitter-pic-1-150x150Whether you have chronic pain in your shoulder, your neck or both, don’t wait to see an expert.

“Having a chiropractor or other specialist evaluate your complaint will determine quickly where the main problem is and will get you started on the correct treatment,” says Dr. Veal.

GOREY FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC SUPPORTING YOUR RECOVERY AND MAINTAINING IT

If the source of your pain is difficult to pinpoint, our specialist Clinical team are trained and hold extensive experience in the diagnosis, treatment and management of neck pain and shoulder pain. With onsite x ray facilities in Gorey and quick referral available for MRI your problem can be thoroughly evaluated should it be deemed necessary.

For your convenience all of our Gorey Family  Chiropractic team are registered with VHI, Glo, Aviva and Laya Healthcare allowing clients claim reimbursement from a wide range of private healthcare Insurance providers. We also provide care under the GAA injury scheme.

Opening hours Mon 8-7, Tues 9-5, Wed 8-7, Thurs 9-5, Frid 8-7

Tel: 053 94 83338   or alternatively email info@chiropractor.ie    

Mar 07

Frozen shoulder, the most restrictive shoulder problem of all?


It is on frozen shoulder gorey, e of the most common, frustrating and painful conditions to affect the shoulder especially in the 45+ years age group. It can develop following a trauma or an accident with your shoulder, such as dislocation or fracture, or can slowly develop for no clear apparent reason.

Usually, clients present to us when the arm becomes very painful and when it feels stiff and weak and when they are getting unable to work, sleep, or use it properly because of the pain. Female patients often complain that they cannot hook their bra, or dress easily and men say that they cannot reach their wallet in their back pocket!

If ignored with time the situation progressively deteriorates leading to more extreme restriction of the arm and to an immobile painful shoulder.

It can’t be stressed enough that early evaluation is always the best approach in order to avoid progression and deterioration of a frozen shoulder. Shoulder exercises alone do not effectively stop progression and often patients then may be given the impression nothing can be done. Left to progress, it is not uncommon that a frozen shoulder can last 2 years or more.

Our chiropractors are specialised and extremely experienced in the examination, treatment and rehabilitation of frozen shoulder and it is a special interest area of both chiropractors. We would be delighted to offer guidance and help to anyone potentially affected by the condition which is both a frustrating and painful condition to suffer.

After a thorough and careful initial assessment of your shoulder which may include x rays (x-ray facilities onsite) or further imaging our chiropractors can confirm the presence of frozen shoulder or another potential shoulder disorder and specific advice will be given to you as to how your condition should be best treated and managed.

The focus of chiropractic treatment and rehabilitation of the shoulder will be to help you regain movement and flexibility in your shoulder which will significantly ease the shoulder and arm pain. Specialised chiropractic manipulative and soft tissue treatment techniques are used to help your shoulder, together with specific prescribed exercises that clients are taught to perform at home.  Our focus will be to bring your shoulder back to proper mobility and strength through non invasive physical treatment in the fastest possible time allowing you to feel that life can go back to normal!

You may not only need treatment in your shoulder joint where you feel the pain, but also in your upper back and the back of your shoulder neck and shoulder pain Goreyblade, since these areas are often affected by the frozen shoulder. Advice may also be given concerning your posture for those clients with shoulder pain that may be linked to poor posture.

Gorey Family Chiropractic is covered by VHI, Irish Life Health, Laya as well as smaller health Insurance companies such as HSA, Garda Medical etc.

For further information please call 053 (94) 83338
or feel free to email us with your enquiry at info@chiropractor.ie

Apr 26

Shoulder Problems: A Pain in the Neck?

Shoulder Problems: A Pain in the neck

by Olivia O’ Leary D.C BSc Hons

An aching shoulder may not signal a shoulder problem. And a sore neck may not indicate a neck problem.
When the chiropractors at Gorey Family Chiropractic were asked about neck and shoulder symptoms amongst clients on presentation to the clinic one thing quickly became clear. People may come in with shoulder pain when they really have a neck problem and similarly, neck pain can mask a shoulder problem.

SO WHERE DOES THE PAIN COME FROM?
“The way the body reports pain is somewhat unreliable,” explained Michael Veal D.C Clinic Director “Neck pain and shoulder pain so commonly overlap that it becomes difficult to distinguish for a patient where the pain is actually coming from.

 WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?

Because the neck and shoulder are intimately connected by multiple nerve pathways. When injury occurs, the brain can’t always trace pain pathways back to their source, and what we feel may not be what is really going on. “This is known as ‘referred pain”.

WHEN THE SHOULDER IS THE USUAL SUSPECT

083fd53206c2cd676c9b615f6ff074bf
Shoulder pain is most often caused by an injury to the rotator cuff, a group of tendons and muscles that stabilize the joint. The rotator cuff develops wear and tear with age, and can be easily injured which can cause shoulder tendonitis or even a partial tear of a shoulder tendon.

This may cause both shoulder pain and  contribute to development of neck pain.

 

 

YOU MAY HAVE A ROTATOR CUFF INJURY OR OTHER SHOULDER PROBLEM IF SHOULDER PAIN:
•    Develops in the shoulder itself or on the outside of your upper arm
•    Is dull and aching
•    Occurs when you reach overhead or behind your back, or when lifting
•    Radiates into the upper arm, but not past the elbow
•    Persists at night
•    Improves when you rest your arm

 

WHEN THE NECK IS THE LIKELY CULPRIT
images-1Inflammation of any of the 14 nerves or eight pairs of joints in the neck can cause neck pain. The joints — or vertebrae — serve as a “hinges” allowing movement (no wonder they wear out). In fact, 65 percent of 65-year-olds have arthritis in one or more neck joints.

This causes stiffness and irritation to these joints and can be another factor in the development of a pinched nerve. Fortunately chiropractic treatment and exercise has been extensively shown to  restore flexibility and reduce irritation in the neck which helps reduce neck pain and can help stabilise the condition.

Because pain in one area can so often be confused with another, a thorough examination must be done first by your chiropractor or other specialist healthcare provider which includes range of motion, strength testing and provocative orthopaedic tests to the neck and shoulder. Should these tests prove positive it may be necessary to x ray ( x ray facilities on site)  the neck to help rule out certain conditions or better evaluate others.

YOU MAY HAVE ARTHRITIS OR NERVE RELATED PAIN IF PAIN:

cervical_radiculopathy_
•    Develops in your shoulder blade, or close to or on the side of your neck
•    Is sharp, stabbing, burning or tingling
•    Radiates down past your elbow or even into your hand
•    Persists at rest
•    Occurs when you extend your arms or twist them inward
•    Is relieved when you support your neck

Luckily most neck and shoulder pain can recover with conservative care. Evidence based guidelines for the management of neck pain and shoulder pain commonly recommend conservative measures first like chiropractic care, exercises and rehabilitative exercises.

 5 WAYS TO RELIEVE SHOULDER PAIN

1.  Try to rest from activities that aggravate painshoulder strecth
2. Exercises to gently stretch and then ultimately strengthen have been shown to be of benefit.
3.  Ice  your shoulder, an ice pack should be applied for 10-15 mins wrapped in thin tea towel to prevent an ice burn.
4. If you are failing to recover from your shoulder pain or your shoulder pain is more severe our clinical team holds extensive experience in the treatment and management of shoulder pain and will guide your recovery or refer your case if treatment is deemed unsuitable for your problem.

5.  Anti inflammatory medications are sometimes beneficial in the first instance but their usage is not recommended to mask or avoid treating the cause of the underlying shoulder pain.

6.    If these measures fail to bring relief, you may need an MRI of your shoulder. If that shows a torn rotator cuff, then shoulder surgery can sometimes be necessary.

DIAGNOSED WITH A NECK PROBLEM CAUSING NECK PAIN

Should a physical examination by your chiropractor, which may include orthopaedic, neurological or x ray studies indicate a trapped or irritated nerve or arthritis in your neck, research and evidence based guidelines have shown chiropractic treatment to be  beneficial which may include spinal manipulation, soft tissue treatment techniques, muscular stretching as well as addressing causative factors such as poor ergonomics & posture.

5 WAYS TO SELF HELP NECK PAIN

  1. Remember good posture; a significant proportion of neck and shoulder pain develops from postural strain
  2. Stretching & strengthening exercises: neck stiffness and weakness leave the neck vulnerable to injury
  3. Ice &  heat ( ice in acute stages, heat when a problem is more chronic)
  4. Ergonomic modifications in your workplace may be necessary to address the causes of neck pain if occupational strain exists
  5. An orthopaedic pillow whilst sometimes a little difficult to get used, to maintains and supports the natural curve of the spine whilst sleeping which is especially important with a damaged neck.

Twitter-pic-1-150x150Whether you have chronic pain in your shoulder, your neck or both, don’t wait to see an expert.

“Having a chiropractor or other specialist evaluate your complaint will determine quickly where the main problem is and will get you started on the correct treatment,” says Dr. Veal.

GOREY FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC SUPPORTING YOUR RECOVERY AND MAINTAINING IT

If the source of your pain is difficult to pinpoint, our specialist Clinical team are trained and hold extensive experience in the diagnosis, treatment and management of neck pain and shoulder pain. With onsite x ray facilities in Gorey and quick referral available for MRI your problem can be thoroughly evaluated should it be deemed necessary.

For your convenience all of our Gorey Family  Chiropractic team are registered with VHI, Glo, Aviva and Laya Healthcare allowing clients claim reimbursement from a wide range of private healthcare Insurance providers. We also provide care under the GAA injury scheme.

Opening hours Mon 8-7, Tues 9-5, Wed 8-7, Thurs 9-5, Frid 8-7

Tel: 053 94 83338   or alternatively email info@chiropractor.ie