By Shane Fonseca
M-Tech Chiropractic (RSA)

With the average life expectancy climbing ever higher due to advancements in medical technology, it has become increasingly important to move into a preventative health paradigm, especially with regards to the musculoskeletal system of the human body. 

Advancements in the field of cosmetic surgery have proverbially opened a Pandora’s Box for all those capable of enjoying the benefits. However, these external enhancements cannot replace the long term damage of tired spinal joints, osteoarthritic knees, untreated idiopathic scoliosis, and the “silent killer” – pinched nerves resulting from Spinal Disc Degeneration.

Slipped Disc and Inter-Vertebral Disc degeneration is one of the most common causes of back pain today, affecting more than 30 percent of adults over the age of 20 years. Unfortunately, its prevalence is further increased exponentially with advancing age. It is currently the single largest reason (65 percent of sick cases) besides the common cold resulting in absenteeism and loss of productivity at the work place.

This epidemic is dramatically affecting the quality of lives by ruthlessly condemning its sufferers to either severe pain or surgery. However surgery is still a poorly developed treatment protocol, with more than 40 percent of patients having an unsatisfactory outcome for primary disc surgery, with more than 75 percent of those patients suffering from recurrent back pain within a year of the surgery itself.

At present, the primary non-surgical treatment protocol for disc bulges and spinal nerve pathology is Spinal Decompression Therapy. With a success rate of over 83 percent, it is fast proving to be the treatment of choice for both patients and doctors alike. Spinal Decompression Therapy is a computerized, machine based protocol designed to unload the tired, bulging dehydrated lower back and neck discs by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases. This allows for the accurate repositioning of the discs, while creating a negative pressure within the disc material. This facilitates the resorption and hydration of any bulging disc material, restoring disc health and reducing the associated nerve compression causing relentless back, leg or arm pain.

Children, like adults, also have degenerative health concerns. Over 67 percent of our children are affected with Idiopathic Scoliosis a manageable but devastating condition. It is the most common spinal deformity confronting orthopedic surgeons today with Asia currently having the highest incidence of idiopathic scoliosis in the world. Described as ‘progressively relentless, deadly at its end result’, early detection and treatment is critical. A Dynamic Scoliosis Bracing System offers the first and only Dynamic Corrective Brace for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis in the world. Together with physiotherapy it provides an 89 percent efficacy rate.

Other medical advancements in joint-muscle healthcare include Cold Laser for accelerated regenerative repair, Extra Corporeal Shockwave Therapy to break down scar tissue and remodel living bone, and Whole Body Vibration Therapy for advanced acceleration, balance and strength training.

If you think aches and pains are part of growing old and is something you just have to “ live with it”, THINK AGAIN! You deserve a life that is free of pain, a life that is full of vigour. At TAGS, our team is here to help you get well and most importantly, stay well.