What people suffer from most in 2020.
Since lockdown, the most common condition that patients are presenting with are problems relating to poor posture due to changes in their ergonomic environment. This has led to disc problems, muscle strain and joint sprain.
Why is this the case?
Posture:
Some of the most likely reasons for the current trend are sustained bad postural positions and a general lack of movement and exercise. These may be caused by working from home in a non-ergonomic position on laptops on the sofa or at the kitchen table, for example, and increased use of mobile devices and screens in general.
Lifestyle:
The lack of movement may be due to the fact that many people are working from home so their lifestyle has changed dramatically in recent months – they are no longer walking to catch a bus or train or going out for a break at lunchtime. Normal routines which may include a trip to the gym or an exercise class have been disrupted.
Stress:
In the current climate, more people are feeling stressed which may lead to tension in the muscles which can also lead to postural changes causing neck pain and headaches.
What we can do to reduce the problems:
Our job as chiropractors is to diagnose the cause of pain or discomfort. This is often a sprained joint or a strained muscle. Once detected, we use hands-on treatment to release muscle adhesions and to mobilise and adjust stiff joints.
This in turn reduces muscle spasm, inflammation and nerve entrapment. In addition, we are able to prescribe specific and targeted stretches and postural correction exercises in order to prevent reoccurrence of the same problem.
By Dr. Uri Feldinger (D.C.)
Basildon Clinic
