As we age we will inevitably suffer degenerative joint illnesses and diseases like backache and knee pain, but we don't want to always rely on drugs and surgery, do we? The good news is there's an alternative treatment called chiropractic, which, according to Dr Mazy Lam, Chairman of Chiropractors Council, is a medical practice that treats neuromusculoskeletal disorders without the use of drugs and surgery.
What is Chiropractic?
"There are generally two main streams of medical healthcare approaches," said Dr Lam. "The Allopathic Medicine (AM) is a traditional medical approach that employs chiefly drugs and surgery in the prevention of diseases, and treatment that has opposing effects to the symptoms of the diseases; the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) approach is one that does not use drug and surgery in health maintenance, but instead focuses on engaging and modifying the natural inner resources of each individual as an active and conscious participant in the maintenance of his/her health." Which is why medical practitioners and physiotherapists, who utilise electrical, thermo heat and cold, hydro, magnetic, and manual techniques to restore body function, are healthcare practitioners of AM, while chiropractors are healthcare practitioners of CAM.
"As defined by the World Federation of Chiropractic in 1999, chiropractic is a primary contact healthcare profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal systems, and the effects of these disorders on the nervous system and general health. The way it works is by utilising clinical interventions with an emphasis on chiropractic manual adjustment and joint manipulation, thereby reducing neurological stresses that interfere with optimal functioning and development that support the natural ability of the body to heal itself." Other clinical interventions include adjunctive therapies and rehabilitative strategies. "Chiropractic treatment using spinal manipulation is scientifically proven to be effective, safe and cost-effective for functional neuromusculoskeletal disorders such as low back pain, neck pain and headache," said Dr Lam said in validation of the effectiveness of chiropractic.
As spinal healthcare professionals, chiropractors adopt an integrated and holistic approach to the health needs of their patients, taking into account the physical, psychological and social factor, as well as providing care and support by reducing pain and disability, and restoring normal function to people with neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
In Hong Kong, chiropractic dates back to before the Second World War, but it wasn't until 1993 that the Chiropractors Registration Ordinance (CRO), Chapter 428, was enacted in the Laws of Hong Kong, and consequentially, the establishment of the Chiropractors Council to provide perimeters and implement the process for the registration of qualified chiropractors. At the last count in early 2014, there are currently 180 chiropractors registered under the Ordinance. "By providing strict perimeters on regulated standards of practice, the CRO places chiropractic in equal footing with other health professionals like medicine, dentistry and Traditional Chinese Medicine."
Holistic Approach to Healthcare
"Other than focuses on functional disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system, chiropractic is inherently concerned with the psychosocial factors that influence health. What that means is that lifestyle and wellbeing management, such as proper exercise, nutrition, ergonomic and environmental management, is an integral part of chiropractic care," said Dr Lam. "Within the holistic settings, chiropractic healthcare approach provides a functional approach of patient care, through chiropractic manual treatment, as a unique means for the body to optimise naturally to attain a state of wellbeing."
Chiropractic Treatments and Musculoskeletal Protection Tips for Senior Citizens
According to Dr Lam, backache, neck pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain are the degenerative join complaints commonly found in senior citizens. "Chiropractic patient management would include ergonomic assessments, nutritional profile, psychosocial and environmental interaction based on the patient's history of sickness and physical examination. Meanwhile, advice on the proper sitting posture, corrective exercises and other helpful hints on daily living and housework is also part of chiropractic consultation."
What chiropractic also does is advising on healthy living and diet. "Senior citizens suffer from these pains mainly because of the degeneration of the knee joint and the imbalance of the leg/thigh muscles. Supine crouching and 'cycling' movement in bed are very effective ways to gently stretch and loosen the tightness in the lower back, maintain knee joint mobility and coordination, and strengthen the leg muscles. It is a good idea to do the supine crouching every morning before getting out of bed, face-up, without the pillow, for three minutes; then follow that with a minimum of 500 times of supine cycling, starting slowly and gradually increasing speed. Doing these exercises are not only effective ways to maintain pain-free knee joints, but doing them in bed also prevents the senior citizen from falling."
Dr Lam also advises taking more walks and sitting no more than 20 minutes at a time during the day. On the other hand, weight-lifting exercises help bone growth: "Mild weight-lifting exercises using water bottles can be easily done at home, and it is effective in building up muscle strength. Balancing training exercises such as tai chi and dancing are also proven to be effective in preventing falls," said Dr Lam.
Diet-wise, there are also things you can do to protect your spinal health. "While there is no special diet for spinal health, drinking enough water every day prevents the degeneration of the spinal discs due to dehydration of the body. When we are past the age of 40, joint mobility can be improved if glucosamine supplement is taken regularly. As most senior citizens suffer musculoskeletal problems as a result of osteoporosis and muscle cramps, a diet rich in calcium and magnesium is beneficial – by all means include sesame seeds, hijiki seaweed, Swiss cheese, sardines, almonds, soybeans, cashews, spinach, and brown bread in your diet. It is important to know that healthy spine is the integrated result of good mental and body health, a balanced diet, proper posture, and regular exercises."
Consult Your Chiropractor
As Dr Lam readily pointed out, most senior citizens visit chiropractors for treatments of chronic conditions only after they were referred by relatives and friends. "It is quite common that by the time senior citizens come for chiropractic care, they would have suffered long period of pain and have been under analgesic medication." And some may even have undergone treatment by Chinese bonesetter, physiotherapist, massage therapists, and acupuncturists. "Remember that chiropractor is a primary contact healthcare professional whose consultation doesn't require referral." In case you encounter degenerative joint diseases and pain, be sure to check out the qualified chiropractors in your area on www.chiro-council.org.hk, if you desire a less invasive treatment.
Special Thanks:
Dr Mazy Lam, Chairman of Chiropractors Council