If you’ve ever woken up with a stiff lower back, struggled to sit comfortably at work, or felt sore after a day of lifting, you’re not alone. Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, and here in Cardiff, it’s one of the top reasons patients visit The Cardiff Chiropractor.
But here’s the issue: too many people ignore back pain until it becomes unbearable. A quick painkiller or “waiting it out” often feels easier than booking an appointment. Unfortunately, ignoring back pain can make things worse over time.
Why ignoring back pain is risky
1. Your body starts to compensate
When one area of your spine or muscles isn’t moving well, your body shifts stress onto other areas. This often leads to neck, shoulder, or hip pain in addition to your original back discomfort.
2. Risk of nerve irritation
Persistent back pain may be linked to irritation of the spinal nerves. This can result in sciatica — a painful condition that causes burning or tingling sensations down the leg.
3. Muscles tighten and weaken
The longer you leave back pain untreated, the tighter your muscles become. This reduces flexibility, increases stiffness, and makes it harder to stay active.
4. Pain becomes your “new normal”
Many people convince themselves that back pain is “just part of getting older.” It’s not. Ignoring pain often allows it to develop into chronic, long-term issues that are more difficult to treat.
How chiropractic helps back pain
At The Cardiff Chiropractor, Andy Davies provides tailored treatments designed to reduce pain, restore movement, and prevent recurrence. Treatments may include:
✅ Gentle spinal adjustments – restore proper movement and alignment ✅ Soft tissue therapy – release muscle tension and knots ✅ Dry needling – reduce deep muscle pain and inflammation ✅ Lifestyle and posture coaching – stop pain from returning
Unlike painkillers, which only mask symptoms, chiropractic focuses on treating the root cause of your pain.
Real-world example
Take one of our patients — a Cardiff office worker who had been living with back pain for over 18 months. She relied on painkillers daily just to get through work. After 4 weeks of chiropractic adjustments and posture coaching, she noticed:
Less pain during long hours at her desk
Improved flexibility in her lower back
Better sleep at night without waking up sore
FAQs About Back Pain
❓ How do I know if my back pain needs treatment? If your pain lasts longer than a week, affects your daily life, or radiates into your legs, it’s time to see a professional.
❓ Can chiropractic help if I’ve had back pain for years? Yes. Even long-term back pain often responds well to treatment, especially when combined with lifestyle changes.
❓ Is it safe? Chiropractic adjustments are gentle, controlled, and tailored to your needs. Many patients find the process surprisingly comfortable.
Don’t wait until it gets worse
Back pain is easier (and faster) to treat when addressed early. If you live in Cardiff and are struggling with persistent pain, now is the time to act.
Do you wake up every morning with stiff joints, a sore back, or a constant headache that just won’t go away? You’re not alone. Millions of people across the UK suffer from musculoskeletal pain every single day. The good news? Relief is closer than you think. If you’re searching for an experienced and professional Chiropractor in Cardiff, The Cardiff Chiropractor is here to help.
Why Choose Chiropractic Care in Cardiff?
Chiropractic care goes far beyond “cracking backs.” It’s a holistic, hands-on approach to health that focuses on improving how your body moves and functions. Whether you’re dealing with:
Persistent back pain
Stiff neck or shoulder tension
Sports injuries that keep you from training
Headaches or migraines linked to posture
Joint restrictions caused by daily stress
At The Cardiff Chiropractor, Andy Davies provides tailored chiropractic treatments designed to reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent future issues.
Back pain is one of the most common conditions in the UK—and one of the most disruptive. If you spend long hours sitting at a desk, lifting heavy objects, or even just carrying stress in your body, your spine can become misaligned and muscles overworked.
With back pain treatment in Cardiff, Andy uses techniques such as:
Gentle spinal adjustments
Dry needling for muscle relief
Soft tissue work for tight muscles
Lifestyle and posture coaching to prevent recurrence
The result? Not only pain relief, but a stronger and healthier back for the long term.
If you’re an athlete, runner, gym enthusiast, or even just someone who enjoys staying active, injuries can be frustrating. Muscle strains, joint pain, and misalignments often stop progress in its tracks.
Andy Davies is a trusted sports injury chiropractor in Cardiff, helping patients recover from:
Sprains and strains
Knee and hip pain
Shoulder injuries
Performance-related tension
By combining chiropractic adjustments with soft tissue therapy and taping techniques, Andy helps athletes of all levels get back to doing what they love safely and effectively.
More Than Pain Relief – Improving Posture & Preventing Future Problems
In today’s world of laptops, smartphones, and long commutes, poor posture has become one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal pain. Chiropractic care not only relieves immediate symptoms but also helps you build healthier habits.
Through personalised exercises, ergonomic advice, and regular adjustments, Andy empowers patients to take control of their health and prevent issues from returning.
What Makes Andy Davies Different?
General Chiropractic Council registered – full professional credibility
Bespoke treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle and medical history
Wide range of techniques – adjustments, dry needling, soft tissue work, taping
Friendly and approachable care – every patient is treated as an individual
Andy doesn’t just treat your symptoms—he works with you to create a plan that supports both short-term relief and long-term wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Some patients experience relief after just a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer-term plan.
2. Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes. As a General Chiropractic Council registered chiropractor, Andy Davies is fully trained to deliver safe and effective care tailored to your needs.
3. Can chiropractic help with headaches or migraines?
Yes. Many headaches are caused by tension, posture issues, or spinal misalignment. Chiropractic adjustments can often reduce frequency and intensity.
4. Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor in Cardiff?
Imagine waking up tomorrow without back pain, enjoying your favourite activities without restriction, and moving with ease again. That’s what chiropractic care can offer.
If you’re ready to take control of your health, book your consultation today at The Cardiff Chiropractor. Andy Davies is here to help you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.
If you’re passionate about sports, fitness, or simply living an active lifestyle, keeping your body in peak condition is essential. At The Cardiff Chiropractor, Andy Davies specializes in helping sports enthusiasts and active individuals recover from injuries, prevent future problems, and optimize their physical performance.
Why Sports Enthusiasts in Cardiff Need Specialized Chiropractic Care
Whether you’re a weekend runner, a football player, a cyclist, or a gym regular, repetitive movements and physical strain can take a toll on your muscles, joints, and spine. Common sports injuries like sprains, strains, tendonitis, and joint dysfunction can slow you down or even put you on the sidelines.
Chiropractic care is a natural, non-invasive solution that supports your body’s healing process, restores alignment, and improves mobility — so you can get back to doing what you love faster and stronger. Learn more about our chiropractic treatments.
How Chiropractic Treatment Helps Active Lifestyles Thrive
1. Injury Prevention
Chiropractic adjustments improve joint function and muscle balance, helping prevent common sports injuries. Proper spinal alignment can reduce uneven wear and tear, decreasing the risk of recurring pain or injury.
2. Faster Recovery
Manual therapy techniques, including spinal manipulation and soft tissue work, accelerate healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation. Andy also integrates complementary treatments such as acupuncture, dry needling, and K-taping to speed recovery.
3. Enhanced Performance
Optimal nervous system function through chiropractic care improves coordination, flexibility, and strength. This means better posture, improved range of motion, and more efficient movement patterns — all vital for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
4. Personalized Care for Every Athlete
No two bodies are the same. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a casual fitness fan, your treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, injury history, and goals. This holistic approach includes advice on posture, nutrition, exercise modifications, and lifestyle habits.
Why Choose Andy Davies — Your Cardiff Sports Chiropractor?
Andy Davies is a highly qualified chiropractor based in central Cardiff with a proven track record helping local sportspeople stay active and pain-free. His clinic offers:
Central Cardiff location with easy access and free parking
Registered with the General Chiropractic Council ensuring the highest standards of care
One-on-one consultations focusing on your specific injury and lifestyle demands
Comprehensive treatment plans combining spinal adjustments with soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, and more
Ready to Optimize Your Active Lifestyle?
Don’t let pain or injury keep you from your favorite activities. Whether you're battling a sports injury or aiming to enhance your physical performance, expert chiropractic care in Cardiff can help.
Book your initial consultation today by calling 029 2115 9435 or use our online contact form to get started.
Are you looking for a trusted Cardiff chiropractor to help with back pain, neck discomfort, or mobility issues? Andy Davies provides expert chiropractic care tailored to your needs. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or seeking better spinal health, Andy Davies offers professional, patient-focused treatments in Cardiff.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to health that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those affecting the spine. A Cardiff chiropractor like Andy Davies uses hands-on adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and lifestyle advice to improve joint function, reduce pain, and enhance overall well-being.
Key Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor in Cardiff
Pain Relief – Effective for back pain, neck pain, sciatica, and headaches.
Improved Mobility – Helps restore joint function and flexibility.
Non-Invasive Treatment – Avoids the need for surgery or heavy medication.
Enhanced Posture – Corrects spinal misalignments caused by poor posture.
Holistic Wellness – Supports nervous system function and overall health.
Common Conditions Treated by Andy Davies, Cardiff Chiropractor
1. Back Pain & Sciatica
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a Cardiff chiropractor. Whether caused by poor posture, herniated discs, or muscle strain, chiropractic adjustments can relieve pressure on nerves and restore proper alignment.
2. Neck Pain & Stiffness
Neck pain often results from prolonged sitting, poor ergonomics, or whiplash injuries. Andy Davies uses gentle spinal manipulations and soft tissue therapy to reduce tension and improve mobility.
3. Headaches & Migraines
Many headaches stem from spinal misalignments or muscle tension in the neck. Chiropractic adjustments can decrease headache frequency and intensity.
4. Sports Injuries
Athletes often suffer from joint strains, muscle imbalances, and repetitive stress injuries. Chiropractic care helps with faster recovery and injury prevention.
5. Pregnancy-Related Pain
Pregnancy can cause pelvic misalignment and lower back pain. Andy Davies offers safe, gentle adjustments to improve comfort during and after pregnancy.
What to Expect During Your Visit to a Cardiff Chiropractor
1. Initial Consultation
Discussion of your medical history and symptoms
Physical examination to assess posture, joint mobility, and muscle function
2. Personalized Treatment Plan
Tailored adjustments based on your condition
Soft tissue therapy, stretching, or rehabilitation exercises
Lifestyle and ergonomic advice to prevent future issues
3. Follow-Up Care
Regular adjustments to maintain spinal health
Progress tracking to ensure long-term relief
Why Choose Andy Davies as Your Cardiff Chiropractor?
✅ Experienced & Qualified – Andy Davies has extensive training in chiropractic techniques. ✅ Patient-Centred Approach – Treatments are customized to your specific needs. ✅ Natural & Drug-Free – Focuses on holistic healing without relying on medication. ✅ Positive Reviews – Trusted by patients for effective pain relief and improved mobility.
Tips for Maintaining Spinal Health in Cardiff
✔ Practice Good Posture – Sit and stand tall to avoid unnecessary strain. ✔ Stay Active – Regular exercise strengthens muscles that support your spine. ✔ Ergonomic Workspace – Adjust your desk setup if you work long hours at a computer. ✔ Lift Properly – Bend your knees, not your back, when lifting heavy objects. ✔ Stay Hydrated – Keeps spinal discs healthy and flexible.
Book Your Appointment with Cardiff’s Leading Chiropractor
If you’re searching for a Cardiff chiropractor who provides expert, compassionate care, Andy Davies is here to help. Whether you need relief from chronic pain, improved mobility, or preventive care, chiropractic treatment can make a real difference. 📞 Contact Andy Davies today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free, healthier life!
Why We Put Off Taking Action (Even When It Hurts)
We live in a world where everything moves fast: work, family life, and constant digital distractions. Health often comes last — until it becomes unbearable.
Here’s what I’ve noticed after over a decade of treating Cardiff patients:
1. We're “Too Busy” to Book Help
We scroll past our discomfort. We say, “I'll sort it next week,” while we pop another painkiller and sit in the same slouched position.
But here’s the reality: early treatment is faster, cheaper, and more effective. If your shoulder pain, neck stiffness or headaches started 6 months ago, it’s already affecting your spine and nerves.
✅ What to do: Book a consultation — it takes 60 seconds online and could save you months of discomfort.
2. We Normalize the Pain
Your body is clever — it adapts. Over time, discomfort becomes your “new normal.” But just because you’ve “got used to it” doesn’t mean it’s healthy.
Living with chronic pain can lead to:
- Sleep problems
- Brain fog and low energy
- Reduced movement and flexibility
- Stress and mood changes
- Long-term damage to muscles and joints
💡 You shouldn't have to “just live with it.” Chiropractic care helps uncover the root cause, not just the symptoms.
3. Painkillers Aren’t Fixing the Problem
Painkillers can mask pain — but they don’t solve it. You might be taking ibuprofen for back pain, or paracetamol for tension headaches, but that’s like painting over a crack in the wall instead of fixing the foundation.
At The Cardiff Chiropractor, we work differently. We look at how your spine, muscles, and nervous system are functioning together. Often, postural issues and repetitive stress are the real culprits.
Poor Posture: The Hidden Cause of Your Pain
Let’s be honest: most of us have poor posture.
Over time, this leads to:
- Forward head posture (common with desk work)
- Rounded shoulders
- Pelvic tilt
- Tight hip flexors or hamstrings
- Low back compression
👨⚕️ Want to check your posture? Visit us in Cardiff for a full postural assessment.
What a Chiropractor Actually Does (It’s More Than “Cracking”)
Taking care of your posture and overall well-being is essential, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Many of us spend long hours hunched over our laptops, which can lead to discomfort and long-term issues. By implementing simple changes, like adjusting your workspace and incorporating regular stretches, you can significantly improve your comfort and productivity.
At Andy Davies – The Cardiff Chiropractor, we understand that each individual has unique needs. That’s why we offer personalized treatment plans designed to address your specific concerns. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, neck stiffness, or general discomfort, our goal is to help you feel your best.
Our modern techniques are not only effective but also gentle, ensuring that you receive the care you need without unnecessary stress. Plus, with over a decade of experience, you can trust that you’re in capable hands.
Don’t let pain hold you back from enjoying life. Take the first step towards a healthier, more comfortable you.
Chiropractors specialise in the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of bone, joint and muscle disorders. As well as managing the effects these disorders can have on the nervous system and general health.
If you've ever asked yourself what does a chiropractor do exactly, how effective is the treatment and whether it's right for you, then we hope this blog post can offer some answers..
What does a chiropractor do?
While chiropractors are widely known for treating back and neck pain, they also treat bone and soft tissue conditions. Our clinic specialises in many different treatments, including spinal manipulation and mobilisations (which is a more passive form of manipulation), acupuncture, K-Taping, recommending exercises, stretches as well as postural and lifestyle advice.
We specialise in a variety of different treatment methods.
A common myth is that all a chiropractor does is crack your back or bones. While chiropractic care is centered around spinal manipulation, practitioners also study how the spine and its structures are related to the body's function. More information about chiropractic can be found here.
Chiropractors often receive additional training and certification in a wide variety of specialties, including nutrition, sports medicine, acupuncture and rehabilitation.
What does a chiropractor treat?
We treat many different patients presenting with a variety of different conditions here at the clinic. Many of our patients are maintenance appointments, who are experiencing little to no pain, but choose to receive monthly treatments to prevent back or neck issues. Chiropractic is a suitable treatment for people of all ages, from babies and children to elderly adults. Chiropractic care can also be used to help heal pain in the foot, elbow, shoulder and neck.
But some of our patients visit us after an injury or to treat more serious conditions. This includes:
Chiropractors correct irregularities in the spine to treat a variety of conditions.
Back and neck pain
Disc problems
Trapped nerves
Exercise related injuries
Pregnancy related pain
Shoulder pain
Headaches and migraines
Muscular aches and pains
Arthritic pains
Additionally, some of our patients visit us as part of their workplace health insurance schemes as they are entitled to free chiropractic care. We also see insurance patients who have been involved in car accidents and need a check-up or treatment.
Does chiropractic work?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, chiropractic therapy is the type most commonly used for back pain. In the US, an estimated 74% of people with back pain have used chiropractic care as a method of treatment.
In many cases, chiropractic care is an effective treatment method of back and neck pain.
Results of a 2010 review suggest that spinal manipulation may be useful for treating back pain, migraine headaches, whiplash, as well as other conditions affecting the upper and lower extremities.
A 2018 review that included 17 years of studies involving spinal manipulation and mobilisation investigated the effects of these treatments on chronic lower back pain, and the authors concluded that chiropractic is a viable option for managing pain.
Like all forms of treatment, chiropractic care will not be beneficial to all injuries. Sessions should be tailored to a person's needs and performed by a licensed chiropractor. Here at Andy Davies Chiropractic Clinic, we work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your complaint that fits in with your lifestyle. We are committed to only providing chiropractic care should you actually require it.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Understandably, one of the most common questions regarding chiropractic treatments are concerns of safety. During your initial chiropractic consultation, you should be made aware of the possible side effects of spinal manipulation, which can include:
There have been occasional reports of long-term danger related to chiropractic care. According to the American Chiropractic Association, most discomfort and soreness subsides within 24 hours of spinal manipulation. The World Health Organization (WHO) state that chiropractic manipulation may be unsafe for people with certain health conditions. These conditions include:
If you believe you may be unsuitable for chiropractic treatment, please let us know during your Initial Consultation. This way you can be assessed thoroughly in line with your pre-existing health conditions to determine if you are a candidate for safe chiropractic treatment.
In summary…
Chiropractic treatment is a drug-free and non-invasive form of pain management. It can be an effective treatment for musculoskeletal problems and it is generally considered safe for most people.
Have you been suffering with back or neck pain that just doesn't seem to be going away on its own? Don't suffer in silence. New patients can now book in through our online booking system. If you'd like to book your Initial Assessment with us, please book online.
If you have any questions that we haven’t covered here, please feel free to give us a call on 02921 159 435 or email us at andy@thecardiffchiroprator.com to speak to a licensed chiropractor about your concerns.
We can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Stay up-to-date with important clinic announcements and be the first to know about our monthly discounts and rewards schemes. We also provide free postural and lifestyle advice which are specifically designed to help you protect your spine and general health.
Which is right for you?
Acupuncture and dry needling treatments both
use thin, stainless steel needles. For both practices, needles are inserted
into the skin to treat pain. But that is where the similarities end.
One practice has been used for thousands of
years as an alternative treatment and has some solid research of effectiveness.
The other’s been adopted in the last couple of decades.
One is designed to relieve pain, discomfort,
or issues by opening up a person’s energy flow or chi. The other is designed to
stimulate trigger points, or muscles that are irritable.
Knowing the differences can help you decide which type of treatment is right for you...
Dry needling Cardiff
Dry needling (sometimes referred to as
intramuscular stimulation) is a modern treatment designed to ease muscular pain
and its popularity is growing. During a dry needling treatment, several
filiform needles are inserted into your skin. Filiform needles are fine, short,
stainless steel needles that don’t inject fluid into the body, hence the term
‘dry needling’.
These needles are placed in trigger points in your muscle or tissue. These points are areas of knotted or hard muscle. The needle helps release the knot and relieve any muscle pain or spasms. The needles remain in your skin for a short period of time, before they are safely removed.
The benefits of dry needling...
Dry needling may provide relief for some muscular pain and stiffness. Additionally, patients report an easing of the trigger points which can improve flexibility and increase range of motion. This method is often used to treat sports injuries, muscle pain and fibromyalgia pain.
Acupuncture is a form of medical treatment that dates back hundreds, if not thousands of years. It originated in Asia and is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine. The fundamental belief of acupuncture is that illness is the result of blocked or interrupted ‘chi’. In ancient Chinese belief, chi is a life force that provides your body with healing energy. Acupuncture seeks to remove blockages in order to return your energy flow to a state of balance.
Acupuncture is used to treats hundreds of conditions and symptoms, including:
pain
nausea
vomiting
headache
menstrual cramps
allergies
Some people have even found success using acupuncture to treat addiction and chemical dependency!
In case you were wondering, the size of the needles used in both procedures are minuscule!
If you’re unsure whether acupuncture or dry
needling is the right treatment option for you, the choice may come down to a
matter of preference. To summarise:
Currently, acupuncture is better supported by medical research and practitioners are regulated in training and practice. If you prefer a well-established alternative treatment option from a highly-trained chiropractor, then acupuncture may be the most beneficial option for you.
Dry needling on the other hand, is rather new, so research remains limited. Existing research documents very few side effects and the treatment has the potential to relieve pain. If you’re willing to try something that’s less established but promising results, you might find dry needling a better treatment option for you.
If you’re unsure, please get in touch to book an appointment and Andy can go through your acupuncture Cardiff based options and advise which treatment is likely to see the best results for your condition. To book, please give us a call on: 02921 159 435.
You're taking your dog for a walk. It's a beautiful sunny day. You're texting a friend about your upcoming trip to...
Suddenly — faster than you can say, "squirrel!" — your dog takes off.
Dogs can make unpredictable jolts that can cause harm to your back, neck and shoulders.
You may not realise how common dog walking injuries are, but here at the clinic we see disgruntled dog lovers regularly.
Walking your furry little friend is a great way to maintain a healthy daily exercise routine. In fact, regular walking can even help with chronic low back pain. Owning a dog ensures you go for regular walks which strengthens the small of your back where the spin curves in. For all its benefits, walking a dog can have at least one major health disadvantage – back problems.
Avoiding back problems...
Even if you have no history of spinal issues, the daily grind of walking the dog can lead to serious issues if done incorrectly. When your back remains stiff, it absorbs the force of your dog pulling on the lead which can lead to lower back problems over time. Younger dogs in particular are full of energy and are more likely to pull you along. However, any dog, if not properly trained, can cause similar problems.
One of the best ways to avoid lower back pain is to bend your knees while walking. This way, your knees and not your back will absorb the force of your dog tugging. Use your core to stand straight and walk at a steady pace, using your body to turn the dog.
Try to wear sensible footwear that cushion your steps and avoid picking up your dog when possible. Footwear should provide comfort and adequate padding that supports your heels (i.e. avoid flip flops).
You can greatly minimise the risk of injury by improving your lead technique. Here are a few points to remember:
The lead should be a comfortable distance so that your arms are not overstretched, allowing slight flexion at the elbows.
Allow flexibility with the lead to avoid over extension if your dog suddenly lunges forward; however, try to not let your dog get too far ahead of you.
Avoid erratic movements to avoid injury. Sudden extension can injure your back, particularly the facet joints.
The longer the lead, the more lead there is for the dog to pull — and more potential for trouble if the dog takes off.
Do not go to the point of exhaustion, but rather gradually increase the distance every couple of days. Take frequent breaks if you need to; it gives your dog a break too. Treat walking just as you would any other physical exercise. Make sure you stretch before and after to avoid pulling a muscle!
Chances are, your dog will welcome short breaks to play with their best friend!
When picking up after your dog, bend with your knees and use your leg muscles to squat down. Focus on using your core for stability.
Vary the terrain that you walk on. Take your dog down to the beach, explore the forests and fields and all the grass you can find. All of this variation will help to strengthen your ankles and be a welcome break for your lower body from the unforgiving tarmac.
Most importantly, pay attention. This makes sense for your physical and mental health. Getting outside for a bit of fresh air with your furry friend is a great time to switch off and focus on the present moment. Paying attention to your dog also means you’re ready for any tugs at the lead that could lead to a potential injury. That means the following:
Don't talk on your phone, text or engage in social media.
Don't wear headphones or a bluetooth headset.
Scan the surrounding area for things that might attract or frighten your dog, such as other animals, children or cars.
Watch where you're walking so you can try to avoid obstacles or unstable terrain.
Avoiding Neck and Shoulder Injuries...
These are generally caused in two ways. Firstly, by the dog pulling on the lead too much. Having a dog pull you along rather than walking alongside you causes your arm to be pulled forwards, often at an awkward angle. This irritates the muscles and joints of the arm, shoulder and neck and can damage the soft tissues and joints in these areas.
Solution: Change up your lead! There are different types of leads that can help stop dogs pulling or you can read this post which has a number of ways to change your dogs behaviour to stop them pulling on the lead.
The second thing that irritates the neck and shoulders is by throwing balls and sticks for your dog. If this is done repeatedly with poor technique, you might end up with rotator cuff problems in the shoulder or pain and stiffness in the neck. Both of these injuries can lead to pain and lack of movement in the neck or shoulder.
Solution: Use a tennis ball thrower. This helps to reduce the stress on the arm and shoulder during the throwing action.
My top tips for avoiding dog walking injuries...
Follow these tips for a happy spine - and a happy dog!
Train your dog to be well behaved when walking and not to pull on the lead – this will help your neck, back and shoulders.
Try different types of leads to help stop your dog from pulling too much. Halti head collars and harnesses are effective for controlling your dog when walking on a lead.
If you regularly throw a ball for your dog, consider getting a ball thrower to help take the strain off your shoulder and arm. You can pick up one like this online for as little as £2.
If your dog cannot easily get in and out of your car consider a ramp so that you do not have to lift them and potentially injure your back.
Wear footwear that supports your foot and has good amount of grip to deal with muddy or slippery conditions.
You might be someone without enough time in the day to fit everything in, so why not turn your dog walk into an exercise routine? You can even add stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine, like lunges or a round of push-ups against a park bench. Be sure to let your dog have some off lead exercise time too!
I hope these tips help you to prevent injury when walking your dog, as they have helped me. If the niggles just won’t go away however, or if you do have any aches or pains following a dog walking incident then make sure you have them examined. Pop into the clinic and or give us a ring to book an appointment at Andy Davies Chiropractic Clinic and we will do our best to help you.
Pharmacists provide an important service for our local communities, and their health and well being is key to ensuring drugs are prescribed correctly and safely.
Over the last year I have treated a number of different pharmacists, varying in gender, age, height, time in the job and the common factor between all of these patients? They all needed my help!
I conduct a detailed investigation into the reason why every single one of my patients has visited the clinic and the more pressing matters of poor habits they pick up on a daily basis. Many arise from our workplace, and pharmacies are no exception.
Posture in the workplace
The main factor that every pharmacist has expressed in my
company is a concern over the intensity of a working day with limited breaks,
if any, and the stress that can be placed on the spine as a whole.
Regular breaks in any
job is vital in allowing the spine to have a chance at recovery or to stretch
it out, promote healthy mobility within the joints, muscles and ligaments. Taking a break is important and beneficial
for your mental health too!
The computer screens that the pharmacist must use are predominantly on a standard or lower than normal desk and due to the nature of the business the professional will usually lean over towards the desk to type in the relevant information, for hours on end. I have been told on occasions that stools are not allowed so that they are able to sit for five minutes during the day to work at the desk... which I find strange!!!
The workstation or desk is usually far too low to be flexed at the lumbar spine all day long, potentially causing strain and stress on the spine in multiple areas. Most of us may get away with this on the odd day in a week, but to carry out this negative posture and strain maybe 48 out 52 weeks in a year is tough going! And I’m sure most of can admit to ignoring aches and pains most days until one day an episode properly kicks us up the butt!
Potential Changes…
The benefits of positioning your computer at eye level
Fit a computer stand at the average shoulder height so that the pharmacist can simply use the computer without having to lean or hunch over the desk. The screen should be roughly at eye height, therefore promoting a straight spine and engaging the core, reducing increased kyphosis, pressure on the neck and surrounding muscles, which can potentially lead to cervicogenic related headaches.
Introduce a standard desk that is much higher than the normal desks, which are in most practices now. Positioning a desk where most would have to simply raise their arms slightly to arrange medications instead of leaning over for long periods of time would take a lot of the stress off the spine and surrounding structures. A plus point to this is extra storage as there will be more space to keep the medication etc.
Store the rare and less prescribed medication in the bottom drawers of the unit and the most common higher up. This limits the amount of bending forward for the pharmacist in the average day. Many pharmacies may already have implemented this system, but if not this is an easy solution to implement and improve the health of pharmacist employees.
Take regular breaks! My understanding for most pharmacies is that the pharmacist is not contracted to have a break as their place of work does not actually close during the working day (8.30am - 6pm). They must be available throughout this working day period at all times to provide their service. This is clearly not right on a humanity front but the problems can lie deeper. It has been proven that mistakes are increasingly common when the mind is fatigued. I would like to think that the medication I am prescribed is always 100% bang on. Now I am not saying that this happens, but isn’t it possible and more likely for mistakes to happen if the pharmacist in that practice is tired, losing concentration or in pain…? Which is completely understandable given the circumstances. Unfortunately, this can absolutely not happen as medication is a serious business and ensuring patients are given the correct ones is important and could be life changing if incorrect.
These are my thoughts based around what I’ve been told by the patients I have previously treated and the general information I have learned over the last few years. Every time a patient enters the clinic, I aim to help them achieve their goals, whether that is increased mobility or eliminate the pain they experience in daily life. I like to say to my patients that we can educate, successfully fix the complaint and improve the patient’s lifestyle, however where their workplace is concerned, we have a slightly bigger barrier to overcome as jobs can differ so greatly. Many of my pharmacist patients are regular maintenance patients as the changes that need to be made at their workplace in order to eliminate the cause of their back pain are simply not happening…
The general stress caused on the spine in a normal day of work for a pharmacist can at time be greater than other professions, but we can treat this! I can educate my patients on better ways to stand and hold themselves, as well as various treatments, stretches and exercises to improve posture and overall spinal health. Despite all of this, it is still an uphill battle every day and the negative work factors are extremely powerful in the case of pharmacists.
If you’re reading this and find any of the above relates to you and you would like to learn more about ways to help your spine when in work, please check out our website for more details and book your first consultation.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of receiving chiropractic treatment...
You might be thinking that you don't need chiropractic care because you are not experiencing pain in your back or neck. But you don't need to be in pain to get adjusted. Pain is the body's way of indicating there is a problem, but sometimes aches, stiffness or soreness can go unnoticed. Spinal check ups are important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Catch the little niggles before they turn painful.
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1. Improved sleep and increased energy
One of the most common side effects of visiting a chiropractor is a sound night's sleep. Poor sleep is commonly related to stress, pain, and body aches. Getting adjusted helps alleviate all three. Chiropractic care works by helping individuals improve the quality of their sleep by enhancing the nervous system’s blood flow. Correcting any misplacement in the spine helps individuals attain the right balance of their system.
2. Boosts mental health
1 in 4 people in the UK will experience mental health difficulties at some point in their life and it's so important to seek help if you're struggling. Alongside treatment for your mental health condition, a professional may recommend exercising and healthy eating to help manage your condition. Chiropractic treatment can serve as supplementary care to help you manage your mental health as it maximises the health of the nervous system. Your emotional and psychological health are controlled by the nervous system. Recent studies have highlighted the improvements in the autonomic nervous system as a result of chiropractic treatment.
3. Lifestyle advice
Our clinic focuses on all aspects of health and wellness, from the manual therapy treatment to the nutritional, postural and general lifestyle aspects. These key points combine to play a significant role in the cause and rehabilitation of the condition or injury. We know that no two patient's lives are the same. That's why all advice Andy gives is specific to your individual lifestyle. For example, if you spend your day sat in the office, then you might be advised to be mindful of your posture and receive guidance for gentle stretches you can do to help your spine. If you spend most of your day active or playing sports, you might receive advice on preventing injury.
4. Stress relief
The busy work week, parenting and having a social life all take their toll on you and your body. The exhaustion of juggling all the tasks of daily life can manifest as mental and physical stress. During a chiropractic treatment, Andy realigns your muscular and skeletal system to assist the body in working correctly. Mental and physical stress can be eliminated when these systems are aligned and in the correct positions.
5. Improved digestion
Many people experience gas, heartburn and acid reflux on occasion. This can happen because of misalignment of the vertebrae. Patients who implement Andy's nutritional advice alongside their treatment are more likely to see improved digestion.
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