Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that all content provided is for informational purposes and health education only. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Always seek direct professional guidance from a registered practitioner for your wellbeing.

Why would a pregnant woman see a chiropractor?

Over 50% of women experience back pain during pregnancy, with the sacroiliac joints of the pelvis being the most commonly affected. Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) sprain during and after pregnancy is one of the common conditions a maternity chiropractor will encounter. The ligaments of the pelvis and spine become overstretched, causing instability, difficulty activating your core muscles, and, worst of all, significant pain.

Spinal pain associated with changes in the body’s shape and increased weight-bearing is common and can be significantly improved with chiropractic care. Pubic symphysis pain is common in the later stages of pregnancy. If you are experiencing any spinal discomfort during your pregnancy, it is advisable to have your pelvic alignment assessed.

Chiropractic adjustments are a safe and effective treatment option for spinal complaints during and after pregnancy. Modified techniques and pregnancy-specific props are used to ensure the treatment is as gentle and comfortable as possible.

Which stage of pregnancy should a woman start chiropractic care?

Studies have supported that chiropractic care during pregnancy can significantly reduce labour time by up to 24% in first-time mothers and 39% in subsequent births.

It is safe to start chiropractic care at any stage of pregnancy, as your chiropractor will adapt the treatment based on the specific needs of each trimester. Many of our patients typically start care around the 25-28 week mark, when discomfort and pain begin to set in.

We recommend that all pregnant women consider a check-up with a chiropractor during the third trimester as part of birth preparation. A well-functioning spine and pelvis are correlated with better birth outcomes and recovery.

References:

Fast A. Lower back pain in Pregnancy. Spine. 1987;12940:368-
Fallon J DC. The Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Pregnancy and Labour: A Comprehensive Study. Proceedings of the World Federation of Chiropractic, 1991:24-31

What is postnatal chiropractic care, and why is it essential?

A woman's body goes through an incredible process of growing life and then birthing the baby- a process that is amazing but also very traumatic. Postnatal care focuses on your body’s powerful ability to heal during this special period. Chiropractic care works to restore spinal and pelvic alignment, address aches and pains associated with caring for a new baby, and help balance the skeletal structure as your body transitions out of pregnancy.

What Is baby care? Why does a baby need chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care for babies is a practice where trained chiropractors use very gentle adjustment techniques to help improve a baby’s comfort, development, and overall health. The main goal is to ensure the baby’s spine and nervous system are functioning at their best, which can support the overall development of the child.

The techniques used are completely different from those given to adults – they are extremely gentle, with no more pressure than what you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato, and never involve manipulation.

Before treatment, a full assessment will be conducted, with findings explained along the way. There are plenty of opportunities for questions and discussion with your chiropractor throughout the process. Most of the time, an adjustment involves gentle stretching and mobilisation of the spine and pelvis, followed by craniosacral therapy.

What kinds of conditions can improve with chiropractic care for babies?

It is always important to get direct advice from your practitioner for your baby’s unique condition. Some common reasons our patients bring their babies in for chiropractic care include:

Colic and reflux issues
Help with breastfeeding and latching
Stiffness and asymmetric movement of the neck
Flat head or head shape concerns
Improving sleep
Supporting motor developmental milestones

What happens during a chiropractic consultation for my baby?

A first-time consultation will typically begin with a discussion of your health concern for your baby. Your child chiropractor will ask additional questions regarding your child’s medical and health history, daily lifestyle patterns, developmental milestones, and any other relevant history. During the assessment, your chiropractor will explain the process to you and show you what they are looking for.

Before treatment, a clear report of findings will be provided, including a detailed explanation of the treatment plan and expected outcomes. With your consent and in your presence, gentle and soft adjustments will be performed. Adjustments for babies are not painful, however it is possible your baby may cry during the process as they react to a new person’s contact. Occasionally, simple home exercises may be recommended for your baby. Typically, your chiropractor will follow up with you within a day or two to check on your baby's progress.

How can chiropractic care support my child’s growth?

During our growing years, chiropractic care focuses on ensuring the proper function of the musculoskeletal system, which can help improve a child’s comfort, development, and overall health. The use of technology is incorporated early in our children’s education today, and good spinal health and posture awareness should be taught from a young age and treatment is always tailored to the patient’s age, needs, and specific condition. Whether it's a toddler exploring the world, a teenager involved in competitive sports, or a primary school student developing a passion for reading, chiropractic care can help.

I am concerned my teen has scoliosis. Should I bring them to see a chiropractor?

Scoliosis screening is commonly done using the Adam’s Test, which can be performed at home, in school, or in a clinic. Many healthcare practitioners can conduct this test, including your general practitioner, physiotherapist, and chiropractor.

Some signs and symptoms you may notice at home that could suggest scoliosis include:

Asymmetric shoulder blades
An obvious curve or lean of the body to one side
Uneven shoulder or hip height
Uneven muscle bulk on the side of the spine
Consistently leaning to one side when walking, sitting, or standing
A family history of scoliosis

Idiopathic Scoliosis is more common in the female population, and most commonly developed during growth spurts before puberty. It is best to start the screening process around the age of 11-12, particularly if you notice any of the above signs.

If scoliosis is suspected, a chiropractor can help with a comprehensive evaluation, including assessing spinal alignment, posture, and movement patterns. An X-ray may be required to assess the degree of curvature and monitor its progression over time. Chiropractic care focuses on improving spinal mobility, strengthening muscles around the spine, and enhancing overall posture. Depending on the severity, a chiropractor may work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals, such as a physiotherapist or orthopaedic specialist, to ensure the most appropriate care plan.

How can chiropractic care help patients with Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a spinal condition characterised by an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine, typically forming an "S" or "C" shape. Most cases of scoliosis are idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. It is more common in females and usually develops during growth spurts in puberty. Depending on the severity of the curvature, medical interventions such as bracing or even surgery may be considered. However, most cases can be managed conservatively by a chiropractor or physiotherapist if the curvature is below 40 degrees and not showing signs of progression.

Idiopathic scoliosis is a lifelong condition where the underlying structure of the spine changes permanently. It is associated with an increased risk of spinal pain, dysfunction, poor mobility, asymmetry, and early degeneration. Therefore, it is essential to implement management strategies to maintain as much function as possible and prevent the curvature from worsening over time.

Some lifestyle management strategies to consider include:

Regular exercise
Core muscle strengthening and awareness
Improving biomechanics of the skeletal structure
Specific movements or stretches tailored to your scoliotic curve
Bracing (for teenagers during growth years)
Weight management

Chiropractic care can be considered as complementary treatment for people with scoliosis. This includes care during the acute phase when the patient is experiencing pain, while undergoing other treatments such as bracing, and as part of long-term maintenance for spinal health. Your chiropractor will often refer you for X-rays to better understand your unique curve and develop a specific treatment plan to improve your biomechanics. They may also prescribe tailored exercises or stretches to help maintain your function and reduce the chance of further progression of the condition.

What Is sports chiropractic, and who may benefit from It?

A sports chiropractor uses a combination of spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and rehabilitation exercises to support the musculoskeletal system, helping athletes recover from injuries more effectively, optimise future performance, and minimise the risk of future injuries.

Addressing the biomechanics of an individual is one of the key roles in sports chiropractic- understanding how the patient moves during their sport and identifying weaknesses, imbalances, or poor movement patterns is essential for both injury prevention and performance optimisation.

Sports chiropractic isn’t just for professional athletes; it can benefit people of all ages who are active and engage in physical activity. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a fitness enthusiast, a teen athlete, or an older adult who keeps up with fitness, we can help improve your performance and keep you comfortable and injury-free.

How can I improve my posture? I sit at a desk all day!

One of the most common X-ray findings we see in our clinic is the loss of cervical lordosis, also known as "Text Neck." The natural lordotic curve found in a normal neck is associated with a neutral head and shoulder posture, without shifting forward. In today’s increasingly digital world, prolonged sitting and technology use - both for work and leisure - are major causes of poor spinal health, with the neck being the most affected. Poor posture can lead to pain, stiffness, headaches, and, over time, degenerative changes in the discs and bones of your spine.

There are several things we can do to improve your posture. First and foremost, accurately diagnosing your unique posture will help both you and your practitioner pinpoint the key areas of your body that need attention. Chiropractic adjustments, done at specific intervals, can help restore and improve spinal alignment, as well as enhance proprioception- your body’s position awareness system. With better function and awareness, you’ll be able to more effectively perform the posture exercises prescribed for you to do at home.

Why is chiropractic care essential for our aging population, and how does it differ from regular chiropractic care?

Chiropractic adjustments are a gentle, safe, non-invasive, and effective treatment option for spinal pain syndromes, as well as for maintaining spinal function and vitality. The concepts of anti-aging and pro-aging are areas of growing interest, with new research and technology focused on them today. What we know about the body is that not everyone ages in the same way, and all research points to the fact that regular exercise is one of the most important things we can do to age well. It is crucial to maintain function and activity levels as much as possible throughout our lives. Being hindered by pain or stiffness can lead to reduced physical activity, which over time can cause loss of muscle tone, poor proprioception, decreased mobility, increased bone density loss, chronic pain syndromes, and spinal degeneration.

Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners who assess your unique body condition to ensure that your care is always tailored to your specific needs. A combination of lighter adjustment techniques can be incorporated for patients with specific medical needs. When necessary, we work closely with your family doctor to ensure comprehensive care for your physical health.

How does back pain affect Hongkongers?

SCMP reported on a 2024 survey including 800 participants conducted by Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital in Hong Kong, which concluded that nine out of 10 Hongkongers experience spinal problems but only a third will seek help.

Read the article here

Some tips to consider for better spinal health:

Exercise and stretching: Your skeletal structure thrives on movement; staying regularly active is the baseline for good spinal health.
Posture awareness: Particularly in activities we do regularly and repetitively, pay attention to how your body feels and modify it when feeling tight or sore.
Staying at a healthy weight: Find the right balance for your body to avoid increased weight bearing as well as loss of muscle mass.
Get a full night's sleep (7-8 hours): Good sleep means better repair and recovery, and your body will thank you for it.

Get professional help: If you are struggling with pain, particularly chronic pain, seek professional help from a practitioner in the physical health discipline to better diagnose your condition and create a tailored healthcare plan for you.

Does chiropractic care work for lower back pain?

Lower back pain (LBP) is a very common musculoskeletal condition, affecting 80% of people at some point in their lives. Our modern, more sedentary lifestyle has significantly contributed to the rise in spinal disorders. This issue is particularly pronounced in Hong Kong, where many of us spend six or more hours a day sitting in front of a computer.

There is a large body of scientific evidence supporting chiropractic treatment for lower back pain. Numerous studies, including those funded by government, universities, and non-profit organisations, have demonstrated that chiropractic care is an effective primary treatment option for LBP and other musculoskeletal conditions.

What research supports the effectiveness of chiropractic care?

One of the most well-known studies on chiropractic care, the 1993 Manga Report, was funded by the Ministry of Health in Ontario, Canada. The report examined the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for lower back pain (LBP) and concluded the following:

Spinal manipulation by a chiropractor was found to be more effective than other alternative treatments for LBP.
Chiropractic management of LBP is considered a safe approach compared to other medical interventions.
Patient satisfaction with chiropractic care for LBP is generally high.

In addition, a systematic review published in 2010 in the Spine journal recommended chiropractic spinal manipulation - along with NSAIDs and acetaminophen - as a first-line treatment for acute lower back pain.