Biotensegrity offers a unique way of examining the human body in the light of new understanding about functional anatomy. It is an overriding concept that describes a relationship between every part of the organism and the mechanics that integrate them into a complete functional unit.
This concept can be attributed to the work of Orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Stephen Levin MD who says that the body is made up of many bones and structures and that, if one applies an external force, the entire shape “adapts” or changes according to the applied force, up until a breaking point is reached. The level of force applied to individual joint structures will affect the function of the joint or how it moves. Too much force may a restrict a particular movement or cause pain and too little force can make a joint unstable or prone to injury.  As the body adapts to poor movement at individual joints, pain can manifest in locations distant from the source of dysfunction

Individual Joints

The tensile structures surrounding each joint hold the joint surfaces apart, so that in a well-functioning joint there is no pressure on the bones as they move. This has significant implications for joints such as the hip and knee which are well known to wear out and need replacement. It is also important in spinal care; traditionally the discs in between vertebrae are thought of as shock absorbers, but in the Biotensegrity model, when the spine is well aligned with correct tension in the surrounding muscles and ligaments, there is no pressure on the discs. As you can see in the picture, the red and blue cords, which represent spinal ligaments, are tensioned so that the vertebral box are held apart from each other.

Biotensegrity and Pregnancy

A particularly good example of Biotensegrity at work is during pregnancy due to the change in the centre of gravity. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is released which results in a loosening of ligaments and joint structures throughout the body. These changes are gradual and occur over the entire nine months of pregnancy. Structure and function are inextricably linked as the skeletal frame has a direct impact on joint function. Differences in tensile and compressive forces throughout pregnancy can often lead to aches and pains as the body adapts. However, after the baby is delivered, there is an instantaneous change in forces affecting both structure and function. Relaxin stops being secreted  causing ligaments to start tightening up again. This is a good time to assess the functioning of the musculoskeletal system to avoid misalignments.

Biotensegrity recognizes that interactions between different components of the body follow basic principles of self-organisation and it recognizes the wholeness of the human body.

This particular patient had a corn in his left foot and he felt that this was causing the referred pain in his back; the fact that he was avoiding walking on the edge of his left foot caused an abnormal pull on the muscles in his legs, affecting his pelvis and low back.

He asked me “ Is that how it goes, from the left foot to the right side of the low back?” I had to answer that I did not know. In fact no-one can know. The body is a very complex moving “machine”. There is a whole science build around complexity, analysing complex systems such as weather patterns or economics. In most cases if you make a small change in some part of the system you cannot predict the outcome. This brings to mind the well known butterfly effect where a butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon rainforest can cause a storm somewhere else in the world. So a corn on the foot could cause a migraine (but it probably won’t!)

Predicting Outomes

Basically things affect other things and we cannot exactly predict outcomes. However, what we can say is that if you alter your gait due to a problem in your foot, it is likely to have a knock on effect that moves up the body, putting pressure on tissues in different places. We can also say that the points of stress on tissues often swap sides of the body. So, a corn on the left foot might put excess stress on the right knee, the left side of the pelvis, the right side of the mid back and the left side of the neck…. Or you may find that the opposite happens; strain is put on the right side of the pelvis, the left side of the mid back and right side of the neck. Or some other strain pattern may emerge.

We can ascertain the pain/strain pathway by simple observation;  where the strain and pain is experienced, where the muscles are tender and where you can see subtle bends and twists in the body.

A problem in one part of the body can reflect and cause referred pain in other parts via a number of different mechanisms. The chiropractor’s skill lies in diagnosing the root cause(es) of a problem, and working out what effects this has had on the body. When you know the cause and the effect the treatment is straightforward.

In the previous article, we discussed the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for repetitive strain injury. In this article, tips to prevent repetitive strain injury or RSI will be discussed.

Most people nowadays use the computer all day, either for work, school, or to pass time and it is best that you know how to prevent RSI.

1. Keep the wrists in neutral position when typing.

It is important to keep your wrists in a neutral position when you type. Meaning, your wrists should not bend towards the left or the right, or bend upwards towards you. Typing with your wrists bent or placed in the wrong position will cause strain on your sheaths and tendons, and this will increase your risk of having repetitive strain injury. A badly adjusted keyboard is also one of the causes as it will be difficult to keep your wrists in a neutral position if your keyboard is placed in an uncomfortable position.

2. Use the proper technique when using the mouse.

Make sure that you keep your wrist joint in a neutral position when using the mouse, just as when using the keyboard. You can use a gel wrist rest to support your wrist when using the mouse. Most patients develop RSI in the hand that they use to move the mouse; it is best to avoid using it too often as much as possible.

3. Avoid bad posture.

Keeping a good posture when working is important as it prevents many work-related injuries, including RSI. Use a chair that supports your spine and adjust your workstation to lessen the strain in your body. Keep your monitor, keyboard, and mouse in proper position to allow you to work as comfortably as possible.

4. Take a break.

Taking five-minute breaks every half hour or so is helpful in terms of preventing repetitive strain injury. This advice may be difficult to follow, especially for those who have scheduled breaks, but it is best if you find time to stretch or walk.

5. Exercise and eat healthy food.

Obesity is also one of the risk factors for RSI. If you are overweight, your muscles strain in order to support the extra weight. The best way to avoid this is to exercise and keep a healthy diet. Cardiovascular exercises such as swimming, walking, or running would be helpful in keeping a healthy body.

6. Visit a chiropractor.

A chiropractor may be able to point out causes of your symptoms that you may not have thought of, which will calm your fears.Do not just depend on the Internet to understand your symptoms as it may not be accurate. It is always important to see an expert.

7. Do not ignore your symptoms.

The pain caused by repetitive strain injury may sometimes subside if you ignore it, but such is not always the case. Paying no attention to your symptoms will only lead to worsening of your condition; you may develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Adjust your work station as early as possible and modify your work habits to avoid strain on your body. Practice proper typing and avoid using the mouse as much as possible. Try to rest your wrists and elbows when you can and do some appropriate upper body stretching exercises.

You do not have to wait until your symptoms become unbearable before you do something about it. Chiropractic adjustment can help manage and treat your symptoms. Visit us at the Back Doctor Chiropractic Clinic in Chester; we aim to successfully identify the cause of your symptoms and treat your condition with proper joint manipulation and adjustment.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), is a disorder associated with overuse and repetitive movement of certain body parts.  It generally affects parts of the upper body as well as the neck. Though more common areas can include the shoulders, forearms, elbows, wrists, and hands. It causes pain from the tendons, nerves, and muscles of the upper limbs. As a result, the swelling and stiffness can be extremely painful if left untreated.

RSI is also referred to as work-related upper limb disorder (WRULD).  The cause is mainly attributed to work that involves forceful and repetitive activities. People who work with computers are most likely to be affected by RSI and this can be aggravated in addition to poor posture.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of RSI range from mild to severe and they often develop gradually. These include muscle and joint pain or tenderness; cramping and stiffness; weakness, throbbing, and tingling or numbness.

During the first stage of RSI, you may only notice the symptoms when you are doing a particular repetitive task, such as when you are at work. The symptoms may subside once you finish the task and rest. These early symptoms may be noticeable for a few weeks.

Although the pain may be manageable during the early stages of RSI, the condition is likely to get worse if ignored and left untreated. Some patients experience swelling in the area which can become more severe and take longer to subside. This stage of RSI may last for months. Effectively treating the symptoms in the early stages is vital for rehabilitation to take place.

Treatment

A Chiropractor may suggest that a patient stop doing the task that triggers the symptoms if they are diagnosed with RSI..

However, following this advice is not always that simple, especially when the activity that needs to stop is the task the patient does at work. The patient needs to let their employer know as soon as possible if they have diagnosed with RSI so they can modify work activities to help improve the condition.

Listed below are treatment options for repetitive strain injury:

1. Using a hot or cold pack over the affected area to relieve pain and inflammation.
2. Wearing a splint for support.
3. Taking anti-inflammatory pain medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
4. Getting steroid injections to minimise inflammation.
5. Seeking help from a chiropractic doctor to treat the affected areas.

All these options are beneficial in terms of relieving your pain and helping you regain strength and mobility. Many RSI patients come to us at the Back Doctor Chiropractic Clinic in Chester to seek chiropractic adjustment; we not only help relax and strengthen your muscles, but we also give you advice on the proper posture and movement in order to avoid worsening of symptoms.

In the next article we will discuss prevention techniques for Repetitive Strain Injury.

In treating back pain, movement therapies can be helpful in many ways. They help improve flexibility and posture, relieve muscle spasms, and relax the mind and body. The following techniques may not have been extensively researched in clinical trials, but these approaches are widely accepted as beneficial for various musculoskeletal conditions.

Yoga

Yoga is an excellent way to relieve stress and backache as it has an influence on both the mind and body. The practice of yoga originated from India many years ago. It involves meditation, proper breathing, and asanas (movements and postures). These aspects help in increasing pain tolerance, minimizing anxiety and depression, and regaining self-control. Regular practice of yoga can enhance strength and flexibility.

There are several types of yoga but the most common are the Iyengar yoga and the Ashtanga yoga. Iyengar yoga focuses on slow and safe movements and postures. The Ashtanga yoga is the more vigorous type; this is not recommended to people with severe back problems as it could worsen their condition.

Although yoga has the potential to relieve back problems, this must be done very carefully and with supervision as it involves a lot of bending and twisting of the spine, which, if not done carefully, can be very harmful.

Pilates

Pilates is a physically demanding exercise developed in the early 1900s by Joseph Pilates. Chiropractors recommend this practice because it is effective in correcting posture. It also strengthens core muscles, promotes flexibility, and increases body awareness. Unlike yoga, all Pilates movements are low-impact but they work deep into the core muscles, which, as a result, flatten the abdomen and strengthen the back. Pilates also helps improve balance and relieves stress.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi was originally created in ancient China as a form of martial art or self-defence, but is now considered a healing exercise. It has been gaining popularity recently as it is able to help manage neck and back pain. Tai Chi has three components: Movement, which improves the body’s alignment, balance, strength, posture, stamina, and flexibility; rhythmical and focused breathing, which helps relax the body and improves circulation; and meditation, which helps ease pain caused by emotional and/or psychological factors. Tai Chi not only relieves backache but also promotes prevention of it.

Alexander Technique

The Alexander technique focuses more on increasing physical and mental awareness, and proper use of the body in order to reduce low back pain caused by incorrect movements and stress. Unlike other movement therapies, Alexander technique is taught one to one where the therapist teaches the patient how to sit, stand, walk, and attend to their activities of daily living without straining or tensing the muscles. Patients are also taught how to recognize bad movement habits and postures in order to correct them.

Feldenkrais Method

The Feldenkrais method is considered both therapeutic and preventive. Feldenkrais practitioners teach patients different ways to move with minimal strain and effort. This method helps increase joint flexibility and helps distribute the body’s effort equally throughout the entire neuromuscular system. It is taught in two ways: Individually and in groups. In individual lessons the therapist uses his hands to guide the patient’s ranges of motion. In group exercises, patients are asked to lie on the floor and taught proper movement sequences to improve the body’s flexibility.

In conclusion, the benefits of these movement therapies include improved posture, strength, flexibility, and stability; decreased stress and fatigue; improved balance and function; and decreased pain.

At our chiropractic clinic in Chester, we teach our patients how to move properly. We encourage and motivate them to exercise, using a combination of these techniques, in order to achieve a fast and long lasting recovery.

Here are the 10 tips for a perfect posture.

1. Use different kinds of reminders.

At first, you’re going to need help to remind you to keep your posture. You can use post-it notes or even phone alarms every 10 minutes or so, or anything to remind you. Once your body gets used to that posture, you will no longer need reminders.

2. Practice yoga.

Yoga is a good way to improve strength and flexibility, which will help you improve your posture.

3. Find out what sitting position works best for you.

If you’re used to slouching, you might find sitting up straight uncomfortable at first, so you need to find the position that’s most comfortable for you.

4. At work, make sure that your office equipment are in the right position.

It’s important that your computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse are positioned correctly so you don’t need to lean forward when working. The position and height of your office chair should be correct, too.

5. Do the Golden Thread visualization technique.

One of the most helpful techniques to help achieve good posture is this: Visualize a golden thread coming from your head, pulling you up to the ceiling when you are walking. This can help you remember to straighten your spine when you walk.

6. Think of yourself as royalty.

By that, I mean in posture. Sit, stand, and walk like a prince or a princess.

7. Wear supportive, comfortable shoes.

High-heeled shoes may improve your posture when you walk as they make you stand and walk tall, but wearing them regularly can affect the alignment of your body, thus affecting your back.

8. Do not overprotect your posture.

Try not to tighten up your muscles when you’re trying to sit or stand up straight. Not only will this make you look stiff, it will also cause muscle strain. Just relax and be natural.

9. Take breaks.

Sitting for hours is tiring, no doubt. Shake out the tension from time to time and stretch.

10. Keep your patience.

Correcting your posture, especially if you have had a bad posture for years, is frustrating. It takes a lot of practice and getting used to. Keeping your patience is one of the keys to getting that healthy posture.