Identify the causes of spinal problems as early as possible to prevent their worsening

Office workers in Hong Kong often spend a significant part of their workday sitting behind their desk. Such sedentary lifestyle relaxes their body muscles and prompts improper postures, such as using the computer with their heads tilting forwards, sitting without the support of the chair’s backrest, sitting with legs crossed, etc. These habits lead to insufficient support for the lumbar spine and may cause spinal subluxation, which may compress the nerves, trigger back pain or aggravate ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis is believed to be hereditary. Most patients have a gene called HLA-B27, but it does not necessarily cause the condition. Ankylosing spondylitis mostly occurs in men, especially young adults aged 16 to 40. Ankylosing spondylitis is a kind of chronic inflammation occurring in the joints between the spine and sacroiliac joints, usually lasting for 3 months or above. Patients will suffer from a broad area of pain and stiffness in the spine. These limit the range of motion of the neck and lower back and the mobility of the joints between the pelvis and tailbone. The symptoms will worsen over time, and the spine will also lose its mobility eventually, severely interfering with the patient’s daily life.

General back pain differs from ankylosing spondylitis. General back pain can be relieved by rest; ankylosing spondylitis pain will worsen if the patient experiences stiffness in spinal joints and becomes inactive. It can be relieved by stretching the spinal joints.

To treat ankylosing spondylitis, chiropractic treatment can be used at the early stage to relieve joint and muscle stiffness and prevent the spread of ankylosing spondylitis. Chiropractic rehabilitation can be performed simultaneously to enhance blood circulation by hot compress and relieve inflammation through shortwave therapy, ultrasound, electric stimulation and interferential current therapy. Yet, in severe cases such as stiff and deformed joints, referral to invasive surgeries may be necessary.

Many spinal pain patients suffer from joint or muscle stiffness, but they are not necessarily caused by ankylosing spondylitis. It is recommended to receive comprehensive examinations from specialists to identify the causes of joint and muscle problems. Some patients may suffer from spinal subluxation due to prolonged improper postures, excessive wear and tear injury of the joints, previous trauma, etc. If the pain is caused by spinal subluxation, chiropractors will help patients correct the misaligned lumbar vertebrae by chiropractic manipulation or using devices. Different medications, injections and surgeries will also be used to ease the patient’s pain as soon as possible and restore his/her mobility.

If you notice the above symptoms, you should seek medical advice from a specialist as soon as possible.

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