Author Archives: David

About David

I set up Tilehurst Chiropractic on the Tilehurst Road, Reading in 2003. After nearly 10 years seeing Tilehurst Chiropractic expand and after outgrowing our previous location, Tilehurst Chiropractic rebranded in 2013 as the Reading Chiropractor, and we moved to our current location at the Reading Health Centre.

Feeling the Strain? You’re Not Alone. Chiropractic Care Can Help!

Posted on by

Feeling the Strain? You’re Not Alone – Chiropractic Care Can Help!

As more people spend long hours working from home or returning to post-summer routines, we’ve seen a surge in complaints of back, neck, and joint pain. Whether it’s from poor posture, lack of movement, or variations in physical activity as routines shift, pain can quickly become a daily burden physically, mentally, and emotionally.

That’s where chiropractic care comes in.

Chiropractic techniques are rooted in a deep understanding of how neurological and musculoskeletal dysfunctions affect your overall health. By using hands-on therapies, spinal adjustments, and targeted techniques, chiropractors help restore balance, reduce dysfunction  and relieve pain naturally.

You may benefit from chiropractic care if you’re dealing with:

  • Back or neck pain from sitting for long hours,
  • Joint stiffness,
  • Headaches related to tension or posture,
  • Sports or outdoor activity injuries,
  • Arthritic joint pain &
  • Repetitive strain injuries.

Why Choose Us at The Reading Chiropractor?

At the Reading Chiropractor, we take a comprehensive, whole-body approach. We don’t just focus on the symptoms we look for the underlying cause. Whether your pain stems from stress, poor ergonomics, or a recent injury, we’ll work with you to build a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

With chiropractic care, it’s not just about getting out of pain it’s about restoring movement, improving your quality of life, and preventing future issues.

Now’s the Time to choose us to help you Take Control of Your Health!

Call us on: 01189 39 40 40
Email us on: admin@reading-chiropractor.co.uk
Find out more on: Welcome to the Reading Chiropractor

Don’t let lingering pain become your “new normal.” If you’ve been putting off care, there’s no better time to get started. Book a consultation with us today we’ll answer your questions, assess your condition, and help you take the first step toward lasting relief and better health.

Back pain is far more common than many realise.

Posted on by

In fact, recent figures suggest that up to 80% of people in the UK will experience it at some point in their lives. Currently, an estimated 10 million individuals across the country are living with back pain.

According to research by the British Chiropractic Association, cases surged by around a third during the pandemic, largely due to lifestyle changes and reduced physical activity. Despite this rise, only 1 in 10 people sought help from a GP or chiropractor while nearly half (46%) took no action at all to manage their symptoms.

These numbers highlight an ongoing issue: many people are continuing to live with back pain well into 2024 and 2025.

The good news? There are simple, daily habits you can adopt to help reduce symptoms and prevent back pain from developing into a more serious musculoskeletal condition.

1. Start the Day Right

Incorporate movement in your daily routine: walking, yoga, swimming, or more intense exercise. Short and frequent exercise is recommended, 15-20 minutes 2-3 times a day. If you’re doing moderate to high-intensity workouts, take a 5–10 minute warm-up first to prepare your muscles and reduce injury risk. If a previous injury affects your activity, adapt the exercise or seek professional advice.

2. Take Regular Breaks

If your work involves sitting for long periods, make a point of standing up and moving around every 20–30 minutes. Even gentle pelvic tilts, trunk rotations, and shoulder rolls can help offset the strain of prolonged sitting . Sit-stand desks are the gold standard, work intermittently sitting and standing to avoid the prolonged physical stresses of immobility.

3. Lift Smart

Planning some DIY or heavy lifting over Summer?

  • Bend at the knees, not the waist.
  • Keep your load close to your body and face the direction you’re moving.
  • Lift at a steady pace, and if it’s too heavy, ask for help or use lifting aids.

These simple techniques help protect your back and core during heavy lifting.
Bur most importantly, ENGAGE YOUR CORE!

4. Sleep Comfortably

Experts recommend replacing your mattress every seven to ten years, to ensure ongoing support and comfort.

5. Seek Support Early

If your back or joint pain:

  • Lasts more than two weeks, or
  • Affects your daily routine,

…it’s best to seek professional advice, visit The Reading Chiropractor for help and advice. Chiropractors are trained to treat musculoskeletal issues and can help relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent further problems.

Start your journey to a healthier and stronger body today!

Contact us on – 01189 39 40 40
or admin@reading-chiropractor.co.uk

Unlocking better sleep with chiropractic care

Posted on by

Unlocking better sleep: How chiropractic care helps alleviates chronic pain.

Chronic pain is a persistent issue that affects millions of people worldwide. For many, this pain can profoundly impact everyday activities, including one of the most essential aspects of life: sleep. If you’re struggling to find relief and restful nights, integrating chiropractic care into your routine might be the answer you’ve been seeking.

Understanding the connection between pain and sleep

Chronic pain can create a vicious cycle. Pain disrupts your ability to get a good night’s rest, and, in turn, the lack of quality sleep makes coping with pain even more challenging. It’s a cycle that can leave you feeling fatigued, irritable, and unable to function at your best. So, how can chiropractic care help break this cycle?

Alleviating pain naturally

By focusing on the body’s musculoskeletal system, chiropractors can help:

  • Reduce muscle tension: Tension in muscles and soft tissues can lead to discomfort and restrict movement. Chiropractic adjustments can help ease this tension, allowing your body to relax, which is crucial for a good night’s sleep.
  • Enhance mobility: When pain limits movement, it becomes difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. By improving mobility, chiropractic care allows for better positioning during sleep, reducing the likelihood of waking up due to discomfort.
  • Sleep ergonomic advice: chiropractors are trained to educate on good sleep ergonomics, such as correct postures for optimum bed rest, dietary and behavioural habits to aid and promote good sleep patterns and optimise sleep.

After chiropractic treatments, patients often feel relaxed as well as their tension has been reduced which can aid with falling asleep.

Improving overall wellness

Chiropractors take a holistic approach to health, considering how various systems in the body interact. Chronic pain management through chiropractic care often involves lifestyle recommendations, including:

  • Exercise guidance: Gentle exercises can strengthen muscles and support joint function, reducing the overall burden of pain.
  • Posture coaching: Educating patients on body mechanics can prevent strain and discomfort both during the day and while trying to rest at night.
  • Nutrition advice: A balanced diet can play a significant role in reducing inflammation, another contributor to chronic pain.

A tailored approach

Every individual experiences pain differently, and chiropractors recognize this by creating personalized treatment plans. Whether you have back pain, neck discomfort, or headaches, your chiropractor will work with you to develop a strategy that targets your specific challenges.

Your journey to restful sleep

If chronic pain is robbing you of restful nights, consider visiting a chiropractor. With a focus on holistic healing, chiropractic care offers a natural and effective way to alleviate pain and enhance your overall well-being. As you reduce discomfort, you may find it easier to drift off and stay asleep, leading to improved energy and productivity during the day.

Remember, the journey to better sleep starts with taking steps towards managing your pain. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help; a chiropractor is ready to guide you every step of the way to a pain-free, restful night. Take control of your sleep and, in turn, your life!

Why Chiropractors are Essential for Athletes

Posted on by

As the world of sports continues to evolve, athletes are constantly seeking new ways to enhance their performance, prevent injuries, and recover faster. Among the varied healthcare professionals dedicated to supporting athletes, chiropractors play a crucial role. Below, is how chiropractic care can benefit athletes and elevate their performance on the field, court, or track.

  1. Enhancing Performance

Dysfunction in the joints, ligaments and muscles can hinder an athlete’s performance by causing discomfort and limiting mobility. By correcting these using different types of spinal adjustments, chiropractors can help athletes achieve better posture, improve range of motion, and enhance overall physical performance. When the spine is properly restored to its normal function, the body can operate more effectively, allowing athletes to train harder and perform better.

  1. Injury Prevention

Injuries are an unfortunate reality for many athletes, but chiropractors can help minimize the risk of injury. By focusing on the biomechanics of the body, chiropractors can identify areas of weakness or misalignment that might predispose an athlete to injury. Through tailored chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation exercises, athletes can strengthen vulnerable areas and maintain balance, reducing the likelihood of injuries happening in the first place.

  1. Faster Recovery

When injuries do occur, a chiropractor can play a pivotal role in the recovery process. Chiropractic care not only alleviates pain but through the treatment and advice chiropractors can help promote healing by improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Techniques such as soft tissue therapy and rehabilitation exercises can enhance the recovery timeline, allowing athletes to return to their sport faster and stronger than before.

  1. Stress Relief and Mental Focus

Athletic performance isn’t just about physical prowess; mental clarity and focus are equally important. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help release tension, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. With the stressors athletes face, be it competition pressure or rigorous training schedules, this mental boost can lead to improved concentration, enabling athletes to perform at their best.

  1. Personalized Care Plans

Every athlete has unique needs, and chiropractors are trained to develop personalized care plans that cater specifically to an athlete’s goals and challenges. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough assessment, considering your sport, training regimen, and historical injuries. This kind of approach ensures that you receive the most effective care tailored to your specific situation, keeping you in top shape.

  1. Collaboration with Other Healthcare Providers

Chiropractors often work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals; including physiotherapists, massage therapists, and nutritionists. This multidisciplinary approach to athletic care ensures that athletes receive the comprehensive support they need. Whether it’s injury management, nutrition advice, or performance enhancement, a chiropractor can be a central piece in the athlete’s healthcare puzzle.

Final Thoughts

Athletes, whether amateur or professional, face unique challenges that require specialized care. Chiropractic care is an invaluable tool in enhancing performance, preventing injuries, and ensuring a speedy recovery. With a focus on spinal alignment, injury prevention, personalized care, and holistic wellness, chiropractors are uniquely qualified to help all athletes unlock their full potential.

 

Causes of neck pain with headaches.

Posted on by

Cervicogenic Headache (CGH)

CGH usually begins as a dull ache in the neck and can radiate upwards along the back of the head, almost always affecting just one side.

Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital Neuralgia is characterized by sharp, painful, electric-shock-like sensations on the back of the head, neck, and ears.

Tension Headache

A tension headache is a common headache characterized by moderate to severe non-throbbing pain in the forehead, scalp, and neck.

Migraine headache

A migraine is a recurring headache that causes moderate to severe throbbing and pulsating pain on one side of the head. Neck pain commonly starts just before or during the migraine attack.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) headache

TMJ headache is usually dull at the temples and around the TMJ and may begin to resemble an earache. Neck pain can also occur due to muscle fatigue or weakness in the TMJ.

Hemicrania continua

Hemicrania continua is a headache of unknown origin characterized by one-sided continuous headaches of moderate intensity. During severe exacerbations of the condition, the pain can spread to the neck, shoulder and/or area around the ear.

Read more at Spine – Health

The Power of Stretching!

Posted on by

Keep Your Body Moving: The Power of Stretching!

Did you know that stretching isn’t just for athletes or yogis? It’s a simple yet effective way to keep your body feeling its best every day!

Here are some reasons why stretching is so important:

Increases Flexibility: Stretching helps improve your range of motion, making daily tasks easier and reducing stiffness.

Prevents Injuries: A good stretch keeps muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, protecting you from strains and sprains.

Eases Tension: Whether it’s after a workout or a long day at your desk, stretching can help release tightness in your muscles.

Improves Posture: Regular stretching can balance muscle tension, helping you stand tall and feel better.

Boosts Circulation: Gentle stretches encourage blood flow to your muscles, promoting faster recovery and overall vitality.

At The Reading Chiropractor, we believe in whole-body wellness. That’s why we encourage adding stretches to your daily routine, and our chiropractors frequently recommend targeted stretching as part of your treatment plan.

Not sure where to start? Call us at 01189 39 40 40 or visit www.reading-chiropractor.co.uk
Find us at 61 Castle Street, Reading, RG1 7SN

and we’ll guide you through safe and effective stretches tailored to YOU!

Ready to feel more balanced, energized, and pain-free? Book your chiropractic appointment with us today! Your journey to better health starts here.

Stretch it out and stay aligned!
#chiropractic #stretching #WellnessJourneyney #painrelief

 

Relieving Your Pain Through Chiropractic Care

Posted on by

If you’re suffering from chronic or acute pain in your back, neck, joints, or muscles, then you know how debilitating it can be. Not only does it affect your physical health, but it can also have a significant impact on your emotional and mental wellbeing. That’s why chiropractic care can be so beneficial, providing relief for a variety of conditions.

Chiropractic techniques are based on the scientific understanding that neurological and musculoskeletal dysfunction can affect the body’s overall health and wellbeing. By using manipulative and other manual therapies, chiropractors can help restore proper function to the body and alleviate pain.

Chiropractic care can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
– Back and neck pain
– Joint pains
– Headaches
– Sports injuries
– Arthritic joint pains
– Carpal tunnel syndrome

If you’re considering chiropractic care, it’s important to choose a qualified practitioner who has undergone extensive training and has the experience to provide effective treatment. It’s also essential to work with a chiropractor who takes the time to understand your individual needs and develops a personalized treatment plan based on your specific condition.

At our practice, we take a whole-body approach to chiropractic care. We don’t just treat your symptoms, but also work to identify the underlying cause of your pain and dysfunction. We believe that by addressing the root cause of your condition, we can provide more effective and lasting relief.

If you’re ready to try chiropractic care, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. We’ll answer any questions you may have about our services, and work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that will help you achieve optimal health and wellbeing.

The importance of Vitamin D

Posted on by

The importance of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being, commonly known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, as we can produce it in our bodies when exposed to sunlight. It is important for a variety of functions in the body, including supporting bone health, regulating mood, supporting immune function and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart diseases and certain types of cancer.

The presence of Vitamin D means we absorb calcium and promote bone mineralisation, which is essential for maintaining bone health and strength. Additionally, vitamin D has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints and muscles. Chiropractors often work with patients who are experiencing musculoskeletal issues so ensuring that their patients are getting adequate levels of vitamin D can help improve the effectiveness of their treatments and support overall musculoskeletal health.

Small amounts of careful sun exposure in the spring/summer months, between 11am and 4pm, when your shadow is shorter than you are, is a safe and effective way to maintain your vitamin D levels and make you feel good!

sun, cloud, sky-346710.jpg

What is Occipital Neuralgia?

Posted on by

What is Occipital Neuralgia?

Occipital Neuralgia is a condition characterised by sharp, painful, electric-shock like sensations on the back of the head, neck or ears.

Symptoms include pain behind the eye, radiating pain on one side of the head/neck/back and increased sensitivity of the scalp. These symptoms are caused by the irritation or compression of the occipital nerves that run at the top of the spine to the scalp. Chiropractic care is an effective treatment if you are experiencing these symptoms or similar but here are 3 ways to relieve the pain in the mean time –

A chin tuck exercise aims to stretch and strengthen muscles and connective tissue in the painful area. If this exercise increases pain or discomfort, stop immediately

  1. Stand straight, tuck your chin down, and pull your head back. Aim to bring your head back up in a straight line without titling
  2. Hold stretch for 5 seconds before resting, and repeat x10 (Easy Chin Tucks for Neck Pain | Spine-health  – video demo)
  • Heat/Ice Therapy

Apply ice pack or heat pad under the base of your skull as you lie down, leave for no more than 20 minutes at a time and always use a barrier between your skin and the temperature source. This will help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

  • Gentle neck massage

Massages can help calm tight muscles, relieving tension and pain, although it is important to stop if this aggravates your pain

 

 

Headache relief through Chiropractic care

Posted on by

Finding effective relief from chronic pain can be a long and frustrating journey. While medication might provide temporary relief, it often fails to address the underlying causes or long-term solutions. Here is where chiropractic care truly shines. With its holistic approach, chiropractic care has shown remarkable results in treating various conditions – from headaches and migraines to dizziness and vertigo. Let’s delve into how chiropractic care can bring you lasting relief.

1. General headaches: Whether its tension headaches or sinus headaches caused by allergies, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive solution. By performing spinal adjustments chiropractors can correct misalignments, alleviate muscle tension and improve blood flow to the head which can effectively reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches

2. Cervicogenic headaches: these are characterised by pain originating from the neck; this can be particularly debilitating but lucky for you chiropractors have a deep understanding of the connections between the spine and the nervous system. They perform targeted spinal adjustments and gentle manipulations aiming to restore normal function to the affected cervical spine offering relief to cervicogenic headaches.

3. Migraines: these are often accompanied by intense pain, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound which can significantly affect an individual’s day-to-day life. Chiropractic care focuses not only on pain management but also on preventing future migraines. By correcting spinal misalignments and addressing triggering factors such as poor posture or muscle tension chiropractors can help reduce migraine frequency and intensity.

4. Dizziness and Vertigo: these conditions can make even simple tasks challenging, often stemming from inner ear issues or neck misalignments. These conditions can be effectively managed through chiropractic care by addressing the cervical spines alignment and applying specialised techniques that can help restore nerve functioning and reduce dizziness.