Symptom Relief Chiropractors:

Also known as Crisis Care Chiropractors , they share a similar focus with G.P.s, physiotherapists and massage therapists. Their treatment generally ceases once the pain and symptom is relieved. Usually they work with massage, ultra sound, tens units and electric stimulation as an artificial way to relieve the tension and pressure in the muscles. While it feels good at that point of time, it does not address or correct why those muscles are tight. Nor does it prevent further re-occurrences. In addition, x-rays and other diagnostic tests are rarely performed.

The number of treatment recommended is based largely on the degree of pain or symptoms exhibited by the patient. While this may seem like a benefit because it reduces cost and lower your treatment time, considerable time and money are wasted. The spine and nervous system are left uncorrected and they may continue to degenerate silently.

Maintenance Chiropractors:

This type of chiropractor sees patients until the pain and symptoms are relieved and they recommend maintenance care to keep the pain away. X-rays are taken at beginning of the treatment, though follow-up x-rays are rarely recommended. Treatment is often given at the first consultation.

In This Issue

• How do you choose the right chiropractor?

What's New?

• Our newest member to the family - Far East Square
• Let's welcome Dr. Brian & Dr. Bunty!

Regulars

• What our patients say - Patient's Letter: In Progress Towards a Higher Quality of Life
• Dear Doctor - Reply from Dr. Gerry Toh (OUBC #05-06)

Our newest member to the family - Far East Square

Located in one of the restored heritage shop houses, the newest addition to the Chiropractic First group at Far East Square, is an enclave of coziness and tranquility in the midst of the hustle and bustle of CBD.

How to Reach Us:

Alighting at nearest train station, Raffles Place (exit OUB Centre), cut across Golden Shoe Complex to reach Capital Square . When you see Toast Box on the right, walk towards Water Gate. Turn into Spinelli, and take the escalator/lift to Canada House #02-05

Let's welcome Dr. Brian & Dr. Bunty!

Dr. Manalastas Brian Gabriel (“Dr. Brian”) & Dr. Gurvansh “Bunty” Anand (“Dr. Bunty”) hail from USA, where they graduated Doctors of Chiropractic. Dr. Brian graduated from Life Chiropractic College, and Dr. Bunty graduated from internationally-renown Life West Chiropractic College in Hayward, CA.

Visit their clinic at
Far East Square
7 Amoy Street, #02-05

Let's hear a few words from the resident doctors…

Dr. Brian	"Singapore has been a wonderful place. Hot weather, rain, and more hot weather!!! At least you have delicious desserts!! My favorite...CHENDOL!!! Red beans and ice!!! Cool..."
Dr. Bunty	“Singapore is great; anytime you get lost people are always ready to help you find the right way, especially to all the fine food hot spots.”

Patient's Letter… In Progress Towards a Higher Quality of Life

I had lower back pain problems for several years. I noticed that after I had carried heavy stuff, I would get severe back pain which forced me to lie flat in bed for several hours before the pain would subside. In addition I could not stand straight after hours of bending due to my work. My neck has also been problematic. My stiff neck has prevented my head from moving freely and as a result, I would have difficulties when parking my car.

I have heard about chiropractic care but had very little knowledge of it. Since I have been seeking ways to solve my neck and back problem, I thought I should give chiropractic a try even though my family, friends and colleagues were quite skeptical about it.

At the beginning, after each adjustment, I felt uncomfortable. I swam and did yoga exercises to counter-act the uncomfortable feeling that arose from each adjustment. After 2 adjustments, I realized that I could swim better as my right leg kicks have strengthened and the balance in the strokes have improved. After subsequent adjustments, my lower back pain began to subside. I am able to sit cross-legged without feeling pain when I am doing yoga exercises and meditation. Meanwhile, my neck and shoulders are more relaxed and as a result, my head movement is better and I have improved in my body movement and balance.

I have also learnt that proper posture is very important to a person's health. Whenever I practice Tai Chi, I observe my spine and make sure it is in an upright position. I do not feel lower back pain after the practice. I have learnt to take care of my spine through the knowledge I gained from the chiropractor.

I have learnt a lot from and am grateful to my chiropractor and his team. I now strongly believe in the body's natural ability to heal. I hope that with continual chiropractic care, not only could I resolve my stiff neck and back pain problems permanently, but also be able to control my blood pressure without medication. Finally I am also convinced I am able to achieve a better, healthier and higher quality of life through Chiropractic.

Dear Dr. Toh,

I have been treated by a musculo-skeletal specialist for my sacral iliac/ pelvic malfunctioning problem. After three consultations (almost five years ago) and several months of prescribed do-it-yourself exercises plus DIY hydro-therapy, I managed to overcome the pain and discomfort on my left buttock (radiating down the sciatic nerve of my left leg) and backache. Nevertheless, there is a continuing residual discomfort.

I learned of a possibility that chiropractic treatment may be able to cure this residual discomfort or heal me maximally/ completely. If so, how will you treat it and how many sessions of consultation will be required?

Regards,
Mr. Tan

Dear Mr. Tan,

Thank you for your enquiry.

The first step is to determine if this residual low back discomfort is due to your sacroiliac dysfunction or a different tissue in lesion. From your history description, it could be due to one of the following conditions such as Lumbar Disc (L4/5/S1), piriformis syndrome or Quadratus Lumborum spasm with referral pain down the left leg.   

To determine a preliminary diagnosis, we will perform a thorough history, a series of orthopedic and neurological tests and chiropractic assessment. Relevant imaging such as x-ray or MRI may be required to confirm a diagnosis. Treatment scheduling will be determined once a diagnosis is confirmed.       

Current research has shown that for chronic conditions, the lesion area undergoes patho-physiological changes within the spinal joints, muscle fibers, ligaments and nerves. The research concluded that for effective treatment, the amount of treatment can range from 2-3 times a week for 8-12 weeks depending on the patient's progress.