Conditions

Body alignment is crucial to the wellbeing of each and every individual. This is no better displayed than when the Spine or Pelvis is misaligned. When the vertebrae in the Spine move slightly, the muscles around the area spasm to protect the body. If the pelvis is misaligned, muscles around the affected area spasm causing pain.

The pelvis is like the nucleus of the body with so many muscles attaching to it. It forms a joint with the spine at the sacrum (SI joint). With the spine having the sciatic nerve running through it, and the importance of the nerve to the wellbeing and function of the body, it is understandable therefore, why the body reacts so quickly and aggressively to any movement in the skeleton, in particular, the SI joint. The sciatic nerve splits in two at the sacrum and runs through the buttocks and down each leg, to the knee, where it branches out to feed the lower leg and feet. So, understandably, with so many muscles attaching to the pelvis and these muscles branching away from it both upwards, to the head, and downwards to the legs, it can cause many issues within the body if the alignment is compromised. It may not be the main contributor to any issue but, it may be playing a part in the issue.

Almost 10 million people aged between 15-69 suffer from headaches or migraines.

In my experience, headaches at the back of the head are usually caused by the Trapezius, at the attachment to the Acromion processes, on one or both sides, being tight. There could be some involvement of the two Splenius muscles. Headaches at the front of the head I find to be caused by Levator Scapulae as it attaches to C1, C3 and C4. The pressure the tension places on C1 sets off alarm bells to the brain which causes the spasm. It’s important to know and understand how C1 & C2 work. C1 sits on C2 and at the back, C1 sits on the Dens of C2, which allows us to turn our heads left and right. If the Dens breaks then we die so, it’s easy to understand how big a threat to our wellbeing this poses and therefore, why the brain tells the Levator Scapulae to tighten so much. This is often called a Migraine. This may also trigger a compensatory reaction from SCM.

This may just be pain in the neck or may also involve some restricted movement.

Restricted movement of head / neck & tension is caused by the Trapezius, SCM & Scalenus muscles, but it important to find what has caused this reaction from the muscle(s). It may be a slight misalignment in the cervical or upper thoracic spine.

This may be just pain in the shoulder and may also involve some restricted movement. In extreme cases, it may involve very restricted movement.

The shoulder is a weak joint and is often involved in heavy use and can tense when used periodically as opposed to continuously. Anterior and Medial Deltoideus are often involved in day-to-day activities like using your computer mouse. Pectoralis Major is also heavily involved in day-to-day activities.

Causes may vary but if seen quickly, it can be eased relatively quickly.

Elbow issues (tennis/golfers’ elbow) – Again, another busy joint with plenty of muscles attaching from above and below. Biceps Brachii are involved as well as the Flexors Carpi (Ulnaris & Radialis) along with Pronator Teres. Most importantly, the fascia between the Radius & Ulnar tighten or stiffen up which, for some unknown reason, causes the muscles in the forearm to stop functioning at peak ability. This, in turn, places a heavier responsibility on the muscles in the upper arm which, in turn, fatigue because they are functioning outside of their range to assist in what the forearm should be doing.

Wrist & hand pain – The wrist is made up of eight bones and if one is slightly displaced, it can cause discomfort.

Pain between the shoulder blades and or stiffness in rotation.

There are many muscles that can be attributed to the pain that people feel in their upper back. If the discomfort is in the upper thoracic region, then it’s worth looking at Trapezius, Rhomboids and both Splenius. More often than not, Trapezius is involved and by addressing it, I’ve found that some relief is found. The cause, in my experience, is Psoas Major. With its origin at T12 and all Lumbar Vertebrae, when it spasms it drags on the vertebrae which causes tension radiating up into the Thoracic spine. This pressure causes tension along the spine and can also cause tightness and restricted or uncomfortable movement.

Restricted movement or painful when sitting down, standing up or walking. There are many statistics regarding lower back pain, however, it is safe to say that at some point in our lives we will experience some sort of lower back pain. It is the most common issue for absenteeism from the workplace.

This is a very common issue and one that hits many companies’ income due to staff absence each year. The most common cause is a misaligned Pelvis. Sadly, more people than not, have a very weak core and thereby making the Sacroiliac joint weak. If the SI joint is not aligned then muscles spasm to stop it moving further. By correcting the alignment, I’ve found that the lower back pain goes relatively quickly, if not instantly. It’s also important to check Psoas Major and Iliacus as they can cause a deep-set discomfort. It’s also important to release the Quads and Hamstrings, along with the Inguinal ligament, as all of these can pull the Pelvis back out.

This has become a more common issue since COVID-19 due to people working from home.

Pain within the Pelvic area is more often caused by the deep-set muscles like Psoas Major, Iliacus, TFL, QL and the Inguinal Ligament. It’s also worth checking the Adductors, Glutes and ITB. Sciatica, in its most common form (pain referred down the leg) is most commonly caused by the Piriformis spasming and impinging on the Sciatic nerve in the buttock. By releasing the Piriformis, it will alleviate the pain either immediately or shortly after, up to 48 hours or so. Sciatica can also come from the Lumbar spine or even higher in some cases. You can recognise this by palpating along the spine and the client will feel pain at the site that the problem emanates from. It’s always good to do this first and then check Piriformis.

Pain when standing up or aching knees.

Upper leg pain – Here we have some large muscle groups and when they spasm they can cause a fair amount of discomfort. Often, I’ve found, that the cause of the discomfort in the thigh is because the client has tight muscles due to not stretching. It is often triggered by a sudden burst of exercise and not stretching afterwards. Hamstrings may be tight because the pelvis is not aligned and the muscle has gone into a protective spasm.

Knee pain – Unless there has been visible damage or diagnosed damage, the knees feel uncomfortable or painful due to tight Quads and or Calves. If the Quads are tight, they will pull on their Insertion and thereby tightening the space in the knee joint. If it’s a sharp pain in the knee joint, especially going up or down stairs, it’s more often than not the meniscus.

With varying degrees of pain, this can be very uncomfortable but can be eased relatively easily.

Lower leg pain – Once again, more often than not, this is due to tight Gastrocs and or Tibialis Anterior.

This can be from restrictions in movement to tenderness in the feet.

There are a lot of bones in the ankle and we depend on it being fine so that we can be mobile. I mainly see problems in this area in my clients that are active or very active.