Chiropractic Care for Neck and Shoulder Pain: Understanding the Benefits of a Holistic Approach to Treatment

Work-related neck and shoulder pain is a common complaint among Singaporean adults. With long hours of sitting at our desks, pain can inevitably develop over time. In recent statistics, 46 percent of office workers in the country suffer from neck pain, while 42 percent suffer shoulder pain.[1]
Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, working hours in front of computers, and everyday activities contribute to neck and shoulder strain. These can leave us feeling stiff and sore from inadequate posture or intense periods of repetitive motion.
As an example, many people suffer from “text neck”, which is also called “tech neck” or “smartphone neck”, which is neck pain caused by prolonged use of mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Hunching over and tilting the head downward while using these devices strains the neck muscles, spine, and surrounding structures. As a result, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, stiffness, and even upper back pain may develop over time.
Too many people suffer from preventable aches and pains because they are unaware of prevention strategies and how chiropractic care can help restore function. In this blog post, we’ll shed light on the benefits of a holistic approach to treatment with chiropractic care for neck and shoulder pain.
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What are the benefits of chiropractic in addressing neck and shoulder pain?
Chiropractic care is an effective treatment option for neck and shoulder pain. Chiropractors specialise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal disorders, including neck and shoulder pain.
1. Pain relief
Pain relief is one of the main benefits of chiropractic care for neck and shoulder pain. Chiropractors use various techniques, such as manual spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and stretching exercises, to alleviate pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulder areas. As a result, this can help patients feel better and return to normal activities. They can also provide advice on pain management strategies, such as ice or heat therapy, to help address pain between appointments.
A study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine showed that apart from high patient satisfaction, chiropractic treatment provides positive results regarding the patient’s pain and duration, helping them save money. Further, in the case report, the patient experiencing neck and back pain reports pain relief, improved quality of life, and discontinued opioid pain medication after six months of chiropractic manipulation.[2]
2. Improved mobility / rangle of motion
Chiropractic care can help improve joint mobility, range of motion, and flexibility in the neck and shoulders, which can help patients to perform their daily activities with less pain and discomfort. For example, if a patient has limited mobility in their neck, a chiropractor may use manual adjustments to realign the vertebrae and restore proper range of motion. Alternatively, if a patient has tight muscles in their back, a chiropractor may use soft tissue therapy to release tension and improve flexibility.
3. Non-invasive approach
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option focusing on the body’s natural healing ability. As mentioned earlier, chiropractors take a whole-body approach to healing, considering the specific symptoms or conditions a patient is experiencing and their overall health and lifestyle. This means that chiropractors work to address the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction rather than simply masking symptoms with medication or other treatments.
Chiropractors also take a non-invasive approach to treatment, meaning they do not use surgery or prescription medication to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Instead, they use manual techniques designed to be gentle, safe, and effective in restoring joint mobility, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain.
4. Customised care
Based on the chiropractor’s evaluation and assessment, they develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs and goals. This plan may include a combination of techniques, such as manual adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and therapeutic exercises. The chiropractor may also recommend lifestyle changes or other interventions to help patients achieve their goals. Further, the chiropractor monitors the patient’s progress and adjusts the treatment plan to ensure that the patient receives the proper care.
5. Prevention of future injuries
Chiropractic care effectively prevents future injuries, particularly for those at risk due to their lifestyle or occupation. Chiropractors work to identify and address underlying musculoskeletal issues that can contribute to damage and can also provide patients with education and tools to help prevent future injuries from occurring.
Benefits of a Holistic Approach to Treatment
Chiropractic offers a holistic approach to treatment
1. Addressing the root cause
Chiropractic care focuses on treating the root cause of health issues rather than just managing the symptoms. Chiropractors believe that many health problems stem from imbalances and issues in the musculoskeletal system, which can affect the nervous system and other parts of the body. By identifying and addressing these underlying issues, chiropractors can help promote long-term healing and prevent recurring problems.
2. Individualised treatment
As mentioned earlier, chiropractic care entails a holistic approach because they consider each patient’s unique situation and needs, allowing for a tailored treatment plan that addresses all health aspects. Chiropractors also work closely with patients to ensure they are comfortable with the treatment plan and that their needs and goals are being met. In addition, they provide education and guidance on improving posture, nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle factors impacting overall health and wellness.
3. Improved overall health
Chiropractic care is a form of healthcare that focuses on promoting overall health and well-being, both physically and emotionally. Chiropractors believe that the musculoskeletal and nervous systems play a vital role in overall health and that imbalances or dysfunctions in these systems can contribute to various physical and emotional health issues.
By addressing these problems through manual adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and other techniques, chiropractors can help to improve overall health. For example, chiropractic care can help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and promote better posture, positively impacting physical health. Furthermore, this can also help reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to emotional health issues.[3]
4. Integrative care
Chiropractic care involves a non-invasive, hands-on approach to addressing musculoskeletal conditions and promoting overall wellness. Moreover, it is considered a holistic method that encourages collaboration between healthcare providers, allowing for comprehensive treatment. This can include working with other healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, nutritionists, and mental health professionals.
5. Patient empowerment
A holistic approach empowers patients to take an active role, providing them with tools and resources to make informed decisions and take control of their health. By empowering patients to take an active part in their health, chiropractic care can help to improve outcomes and promote long-term wellness. In addition, patients who feel engaged and supported in their care are more likely to change their habits and lifestyle, which can positively impact their overall health and well-being.
Read more: All You Need to Know About Chiropractic in Singapore
A holistic approach to healthcare
Overall, chiropractic care is considered a holistic approach to healthcare since it encompasses not only targeting pain and discomfort but also treating the root cause of the problem. At the same time, it helps patients by integrating education and guidance on lifestyle changes and self-care practices, such as proper posture, ergonomics, exercise, and nutrition.
Lastly, chiropractors are uniquely positioned to help patients address the root cause of health problems and achieve optimal health and wellness without relying solely on medication. Chiropractic care is unique in its holistic and patient-centred approach to healthcare, focusing on the body’s natural healing ability to address the root cause of health problems.
Kissun Chiropractic is a trusted and leading Chiropractic clinic in Singapore, offering affordable and effective treatments for all ages in the community. Their chiropractors are certified and registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Further, they have established many years of experience treating patients with back pain effectively in Singapore. They are also experienced in treating common and complex neuromusculoskeletal conditions such as headaches, neck pain, shoulder aches, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, sciatica, pregnancy aches and pains, sports injuries, performing ergonomic assessments, and postural checks.
Patients’ conditions are managed through natural, safe, non-invasive, drug and surgery-free treatments, relying on the bodies’ inherent recuperative functions. Treatment plans are customised to patients’ specific needs and preferences.
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Source:
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- Singapore General Hospital.
https://www.healthxchange.sg
- David J. Mann, DC⁎ and Ross Mattox, DC. Chiropractic Management of a Patient With Chronic Pain in a Federally Qualified Health Center: A Case Report. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684148/
- R.G Yates, DL Lamping, AL Abram, and C Wright. Effects of chiropractic treatment on blood pressure and anxiety: a randomised, controlled trial. Journal of Manipulative Physiology Therapy.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3075649/
- Singapore General Hospital.