“Chiropractic” Offers an Alternative Solution for Office Syndrome and Chronic Pain

 

Office Syndrome refers to a collection of persistent muscle pain experienced in areas responsible for maintaining posture, such as the neck, shoulders, or lower back. This condition is predominantly observed among individuals in the working age group, specifically those employed in office environments where prolonged periods of sitting at a typewriter or computer are common. Such extended sitting can lead to fatigue and the build-up of muscle tension, ultimately resulting in chronic muscle injuries.

 

Chronic muscle pain syndrome may occur to all age groups. Presently, there is a notable rise in the prevalence of Office Syndrome among children and the elderly. A common observation is that elderly individuals frequently engage in prolonged periods of looking down at their mobile phones, while children often have to maintain a downward gaze while using tablets for studying or leisure activities. These repetitive behaviors are significant contributors to chronic muscle pain, leading to an increasing number of individuals experiencing Office Syndrome.

 

The optimal approach for managing office syndrome involves incorporating strength exercises and stretches to enhance flexibility, thereby alleviating strain on the muscles responsible for maintaining posture. Additionally, behavior modification is essential, such as avoiding prolonged periods of maintaining a single posture, implementing proper sitting postures, and enhancing the ergonomics of workspaces (e.g., adjusting chair height). Engaging in these practices can provide relief from chronic pain and also help prevent or reduce the risk of developing Office Syndrome. However, there are instances where exercise or stretching alone may not completely alleviate existing pain. In such cases, it is important for patients to seek appropriate treatment. At present, there are multiple treatment options available for addressing Office Syndrome, providing patients with various services such as consultations and medications from modern medicine, undergoing physiotherapy, acupuncture, Thai massage, or chiropractic care. Among these options, scientific orthodontics, specifically "Chiropractic," is a viable choice for patients seeking effective treatment for chronic muscle pain.

 

Chiropractic, an alternative form of medicine, was established in 1895 in Iowa, USA by Mr. Daniel David Palmer, an alternative physician of that era. Drawing upon knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and science, he merged these disciplines with alternative medicine, giving rise to chiropractic as a distinct field. The term "Chiropractic" finds its roots in the Greek word "Cheir," meaning "hand," and "Praktikas," which translates to "manual action." A practitioner of chiropractic treatment is commonly referred to as a chiropractor or doctor of chiropractic. Today, chiropractic has gained significant popularity as an alternative medicine practice in the United States and Europe, and it has received recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) as a systematic, safe alternative medicine approach that adheres to international norms, including standardized teaching and learning curricula.

 

During a chiropractic session, the chiropractor initiates the process by taking a patient's medical history and conducting a preliminary physical assessment. The focus lies on examining the spine for abnormalities in two aspects:

The structural position or alignment
The movement or functional aspects.

The underlying theory suggests that any abnormality in the vertebral joints can disrupt the proper functioning of the nervous system at that level, potentially leading to impaired tissue repair and recurring chronic pain. Upon identifying abnormalities in the spinal joints, the chiropractor employs manual techniques, using their hands to apply pressure or manipulate the joints, aiming to restore balance to the spinal structure and optimize the functioning of the nervous system at that specific joint level.

Sometimes, these joint adjustments may produce a cracking sound, which patients would understand as the process of realigning the bones. However, in reality, the Chiropractor's objective is to achieve balance and complete functioning of the nervous system, resulting in reduced pain and subsequent muscle relaxation. It is important to note that this approach differs from a muscle-relaxing massage or the use of physical therapy devices, which primarily aim to directly loosen muscles or facilitate healing of injured tissues. In addition to addressing symptoms of Office Syndrome, chiropractic science may also serve as an alternative treatment option for chronic symptoms, alongside modern medicine. Conditions such as migraine headaches, frozen shoulder joints, hip pain, and irritable bowel syndrome are among the areas where chiropractic care may provide potential benefits.

 

While chiropractic osteopathy can be beneficial for treating chronic pain, it is important to acknowledge its limitations, contraindications, and precautions. Certain individuals with underlying conditions, such as osteoporosis, fragile bones, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, severe spinal cord compression, hypermobility, arteriosclerosis, and aneurysms, may not be suitable candidates for chiropractic treatment. It is crucial for patients who are uncertain about their underlying health conditions to consult with a medical practitioner. This assessment is essential to ensure that there are no contraindications or precautions that may pose risks during chiropractic adjustments, prioritizing the safety of the patient.

 

In order to achieve optimal treatment outcomes, it is recommended that patients undergo regular and ongoing spinal adjustments. On average, during the initial stages of treatment, patients may require joint adjustments 1-2 times per week. As the patient's condition improves, the frequency of treatment sessions may be spaced out accordingly, aligning with the individual's response to treatment.