Understanding stiffness

Causes, symptoms, and chiropractic solutions

Stiffness is a common condition that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It can occur in various parts of the body, including the neck, back, shoulders, hips, and joints. It often leads to discomfort, limited range of motion, and reduced quality of life. At Alive chiropractic we specialize in providing effective chiropractic care to alleviate symptoms and – more importantly – restore proper joint motion and re-gain optimal functionality.

Causes

The causes can be many, ranging from musculoskeletal issues to systemic conditions. Some of the most common causes include:

Musculoskeletal injuries: Trauma, accidents, repetitive strain injuries, or overexertion can result in muscle and joint restriction. Sprains, strains, and fractures can lead to inflammation and limited mobility.

Arthritis: Various types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause a feeling of stiffness in the affected joints. These conditions involve inflammation, cartilage degradation, and joint stiffness.

Poor posture: Prolonged sitting, slouching, or maintaining improper posture can lead to muscle imbalances in the neck, back, and shoulders. Poor posture can also contribute to spinal misalignments, affecting overall mobility.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD): As we age, the intervertebral discs between our vertebrae may gradually degenerate, resulting in limited spinal flexibility, loss of range of motion and discomfort.

Stress and tension: Emotional stress and tension often manifest physically, causing muscle stiffness, particularly in the neck and shoulders. Stress-induced muscle tension can also contribute to headaches and reduced range of motion.

Stiffness (and sometimes muscle cramps) can also be caused by electrolytes imbalances such as potassium and magnesium.

Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms associated with stiffness can help individuals seek timely treatment. Some common symptoms include Limited range of motion (a reduced ability to move a joint or body part through its full range of motion; this restriction can affect everyday activities such as bending, reaching, or turning the head); pain and discomfort (stiffness is frequently accompanied by pain, which can vary in intensity from mild to severe. The pain may be localized or radiate to surrounding areas); muscle weakness (stiffness can cause muscle weakness or the sensation of muscles being “locked” in place. This weakness can impact everyday tasks, making them more challenging to perform); and also, fatigue (chronic stiffness can result in muscle fatigue, leading to a constant feeling of tiredness or an increased effort required to perform routine activities).

Chiropractic solutions

Chiropractic care offers effective solutions for managing and alleviating stiffness. Chiropractors focus on the spine’s alignment and its relationship with the nervous system to promote overall wellness. Here are some chiropractic techniques commonly used to address stiffness in your body:

Spinal adjustments: Chiropractors use targeted spinal adjustments to correct misalignments (subluxations) that contribute to stiffness and restricted range of motion. By applying gentle pressure and specific manipulations, chiropractors restore proper spinal alignment, reducing nerve interference and enhancing joint mobility.

Soft tissue therapy: Chiropractic care often involves soft tissue techniques such as massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. These therapies help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance flexibility, ultimately reducing stiffness.

Rehabilitation exercises: Chiropractors prescribe customized exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore joint function. These exercises can be performed both in-office and at home to complement chiropractic treatments.

Posture correction: Addressing poor posture is essential. Chiropractors provide guidance on ergonomic improvements, exercises, and lifestyle modifications to promote optimal posture and reduce the strain on muscles and joints.

Lifestyle advice: Chiropractors offer lifestyle recommendations to prevent stiffness and maintain optimal musculoskeletal health. These may include advice on exercise, nutrition, stress management, and workplace ergonomics.

Stiffness can significantly impact an individual’s daily life and overall well-being. However, with chiropractic care, relief from stiffness is attainable. At Alive Chiropractic Clinic, we can provide comprehensive assessments, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support to address stiffness effectively. By restoring proper spinal alignment, relieving muscle tension, and promoting overall musculoskeletal health, we can help you regain your mobility, reduce discomfort, and enhance your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a more flexible, pain-free future.
Our phone number is 01305602314.

Our inspiring blog, a hub of knowledge and ideas designed to spark curiosity and fuel your mind!
Dive into a collection of thought-provoking articles, practical tips, and engaging content that covers a wide range of topics realted to health and wellbeing. More than 50 articles, lots of content to discover!

You can discover fresh perspectives, gain valuable insights, and find inspiration to enhance the quality of your life.

A collection of informative and engaging videos that offer visual insights into the world of chiropractic care. Visual content is a powerful tool for education and empowerment, allowing you to deepen your understanding of chiropractic principles, techniques, and the benefits of maintaining a healthy spine.

MORE VIDEOS

GOOGLE REVIEWS

Richard

12:52 03 May 24

Fantastic informative straightforward information looking forward to working with Edo

Linda Jukes

18:07 01 May 24

I have had back pain for many years and tried lots of different ways to ease it, with no success. From my first appointment at Alive Chiropractic Clinic, I could feel an improvement. I am so pleased with the results after a 12 week course. The clinic is superb and Edo is friendly and supportive. I will continue to visit the clinic and recommend to everyone!

Gary Rolls

19:48 24 Apr 24

I have been a patient of the Alive Chiropractor clinic for the last six weeks. Following a stroke in March 2022 I had been suffering with a walking imbalance and general lack of mobility. I would say that my improvement stands somewhere between 60-70% already. I would happily recommend the clinic to anyone that is suffering to book themselves an appointment.

Peter Waller

11:29 15 Apr 24

After visiting Dr. Edoardo at the Alive chiropractic clinic, I booked a block booking of 12 sessions. From start to finish he made me feel very comfortable, and as each session went on i began to feel much better within myself.As well as the work he done with me in the clinic, he has taught me many different exercises to help me with the problems in which i suffer with, as well as explaining to me how my diet can also help me going forward.He has been a great help, and i shall continue to see him in the future so that he can help me maintain ( and improve) my well being.RegardsPeter

leonie macdonald

16:15 18 Mar 24

I was greeted by an interested and professional person. I was helped to deal with a recent trauma, not only with deep breathing techniques and compassion but also accurate chiropractic treatment. Every time I left my appointment I felt a profound sense of healing.

Emma Simmons

20:34 07 Jan 24

My experience from the very first consultation has been excellent! Edo is extremely knowledgeable and a great professional. His holistic outlook and advice brings benefits beyond his chiropractic adjustments, which is an added bonus! I would highly recommend his practice.

olly morency

09:16 21 Nov 23

An excellent service; Edo helped me with corrections for my back, and advice on how to improve my health span with breath work and improved movement. Strong recommend!

Moira Priestley

20:18 15 Oct 23

I found the treatment I received very beneficial. My sciatica has eased a lot and I am sleeping much better. I would highly recommend Alive Chiropractic.

Ben Boughton-White

06:04 15 Oct 23

A fantastic chiropractic experience!Dr Edo provides a whole body approach to resolving chiropractic issues. His care plan to help solve your unique issues is fantastic, short and simple adjustments rather than long sessions of big adjustments has worked brilliantly for me. Communications are easy and booking ahead is brilliant for me and my schedule.I can’t recommend Alive highly enough!

Benny Clifford

15:53 25 Sep 23

Dr Edo has been a great help in getting me moving again, and he is a trustworthy pair of hands in his field of work. Top man!The reception is also very welcoming. I very much recommend this place!

Jane Bygraves

12:30 14 Sep 23

I have a better range of movement and am moving more freely after a course of gentle, thorough treatment with Alive Chiropractic. My energy levels have improved.

Sarah Spadon

18:48 10 Sep 23

I’ve been adjusted by Dr Edoardo for a number of years now, since I’ve been under care I’ve never had any problems but most importantly he helps me keep my nervous system healthy through maintenance care which allows me to be more in control in all of my day to day activities and keeps my mind healthy. His adjustments are gentle and precise and he is really kind and makes you feel at ease in any moment. Highly recommend!

Morgex

11:05 10 Sep 23

This is my first experience with chiropractic ever, and it has been life changing! I have a slipped lumbar disc and I was in lots of pain and had very limited mobility. I saw Edo for a few appointments and not only did my back get better, it has stayed that way since! I am doing the exercises he prescribed and now I am only seeing him for maintenance and I feel better than ever, more relaxed and aware of my posture overall . He is a good listener, very informative, professional and communicative.

Isabella White

07:15 08 Sep 23

A wonderful experience so far with Dr Edo at his clinic in Poundbury. I have come away from my first six sessions feeling so much more aware and in tune with my body, and I have experienced noticeable changes in my body and mindset also.Dr Edo is professional, knowledge, and believes firmly in his work which he is clearly passionate about. I feel he has an empowering vision, cares deeply, and has a refreshing balance of western and eastern understanding. Because of this, Dr Edo has a deeper, holistic approach by taking into account all aspects of one's lifestyle (diet, exercise, mental/emotional state) in sessions. For someone like myself who values a holistic perspective on health, Dr Edo's approach is invaluable and helped me relax and feel at great ease. Sam in reception is lovely and you instantly feel welcomed when coming in for a session also. Thank you to you both. Highly recommend!

Chris Copeland

20:59 16 Aug 23

Dr. Edo has a very calm temperament and his knowledge aids in your own relaxation, which is a help when your own flexibility, mobility or posture are far from relaxed. Sam, the Chiropractic assistant, is the first person to greet you when you arrive and will explain the fundamentals of the practice. The practice is clean, modern and has ample road side parking. The whole experience has been a success and I am now able to move without pain, the new mobility gained will enable me to get on with life and have new experiences and adventures, for this I thank you.

Sonya Hendry

18:21 16 Aug 23

I have been coming to see Ed at Alive Chiropractic since opening. Visiting regularly is enabling me to have a more comfortable and mobile life. The ambiance and warm welcome, along with total professionalism means so much.

Alison Michele Williams

20:49 30 Jul 23

A great, professional, friendly service. A whole rounded approach to better well being and healthy body.Thank you!

Tessa Aindow

16:58 13 Jul 23

Brilliant experience. My back has improved so much and I don’t have the same aches and pains. Dr Edo is very professional and gives great advice and exercises to help alongside the adjustments at the clinic.

Malwina T

15:56 19 Jun 23

Great and unique treatment. Eased the lower back pain significantly! Changed my outlook on chiropractic treatments and self care. Highly recommend!!!

jill cheng

09:17 16 Jun 23

I visited the clinic after suffering with low back pain for nearly ten years. The chiropractor helped me regain functionality and quality of life. More importantly, he helped me understand and connect some aspects of my life to my body and how it works, strongly recommended 👍🏻

Chirosofia

20:41 14 Jun 23

I have known Edoardo since day one at Chiropractic College, and I have witnessed his growing passion for this profession. His long time experience as a Yoga Instructor, combined to his deep knowledge into the Chiropractic art, science and philosophy, will make your journey towards healthy-living a very pleasant experience. Book that appointment and enjoy feeling better!

Paul Ansell

12:33 08 Feb 23

All my life I’ve had bad posture and bad back I’ve been to doctors specialists and always same outcome I’ve got to live with it. At the age of 58 I went to this practice and he has done wonders this is the best I have ever been since I can remember. Highly recommend

Zoe Ratcliffe

17:05 30 Jan 23

I attended Alive chiropractor after seeing a special offer they were offering and suffering from a bad back for a long time it felt like a good idea to go see what they said. Since this I have been attending twice a week and the improvements are happening. Edo is very knowledgeable and really wants the best for you he doesn't just care about the back or other pains you may be having but also acknowledges the impact these things can have on you emotionally and personally. I can't recommend this service enough.

Michelle Lambell

21:55 24 Jan 23

Regular sessions with Dr Edo at Alive Chiropractic have made such a big difference to my posture, my way of working at my desk and taught me how to manage my breathing, all of which have led to a big shift in my mindset towards looking after myself and my body.I will happily recommend Alive Chiropractic to my friends.

Paul Nicol

08:22 30 Sep 22

I have just finished initial treatment for my back problem. Appointments with the NHS in the past have never resulted in a diagnosis let alone treatment. However at Alive I received a diagnosis and treatment plan on the initial consultation. This set out exactly how I was going to be treated and cost. Following the treatment I could not be healthier or happier. An exceptionally professional service in which Dr Edoardo Elisei seems passionate about what he does. It is more than just a hands on treatment on his 'couch', but a full lifestyle treatment ensuring exercises and diet are in balance to assist recovery and as a preventative for the future. I would be happy to recommend to anyone.

claudia marcela lopez gallardo

08:05 30 Jul 22

Edo is a great professional, very friendly and knowledgeable. He corrected my posture in only few months, he said this was going to happen and I couldn't believe it, it was so fast and happened, the changes not only I could feel them but also you can see them. He did the adjustments with a lot of care, with a lot of patience he took the time to give the advices and exercises that I could benefit my posture in the future. I totally recommend him.

TheLizwalker

10:18 18 Jul 22

When I first met Dr Ed I had problems bending, and worst of all I could hardly move my neck. I was a total painful wreck.Ed takes a very holistic approach, encouraging me to lose weight and work on different rehab exercises to reinforce the manipulations and adjustments he made.Here I am some three months on, I weigh a lot less, I have incredible flexibility in my lower back and can now touch my toes and, best of all. I have full flexibility of my neck.Eds holistic approach really works, he is very approachable and easy to chat about things with.One caveat, Ed knows when you haven't done your exercises so don't cheat. :)I cannot thank him enough for the massive improvements in my health and his encouraging me to make little changes for a healthier long term lifestyle.

Elaine Daniel

13:05 07 Jul 22

I saw Edo in March and he was so informative regarding my spinal issues. I have had many treatments from him over the past few months and feel so much better and have more movement and less pain. He provides exercises for clients to help with strengthening muscles which is all part and parcel of chiropractic healing. I would recommend going to see him anytime.

More reviews

VIEW ALL REVIEWS

“The beauty about chiropractic is the fact that it works with natural means. It puts nothing new into the body nor does it take away any natural gland or organ. Chiropractic simply releases life forces within the body, and lets nature do her work in a normal manner”.

Chiropractic care has been proven to be effective in managing a long list of conditions like sciatica, lower back pain, neck pain, headaches/migraines and much more. If you have any question, get in touch with our Poundbury clinic team; we will reply within a few hours.
If you are looking for a chiropractor in Dorchester, Alive Chiropractic team is ready to help you.