Demand for the services of chiropractors is on the rise in Bermuda with “text neck” and slipped discs becoming more and more prevalent.

This is according to Reid Robinson of Inside Out Wellness Centre which recently hired a new doctor of chiropractic Craig Rowat.

Dr Rowat graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 2012 and has an extensive background in sports and sport rehabilitation.

It is hoped that the new hire will help meet demand which according to Dr Robinson has been on the rise at his clinic for the 16 years it has been running.In 2000, the practice had four doctors of chiropractic and there are now nine full time DoCs and two periodic locums with subspecialties.

While he was unable to provide specific figures, Dr Robinson claimed that the chiropractors’ clinics in Bermuda are busy and that his clinic has added doctors with specialities such as paediatrics, pregnancy and sports to meet the demand.

He was able to speak to some of the increasing problem areas that his staff have been treating in recent years.

He told The Royal Gazette: “The list is endless, but the main ones are the ‘typical’ back pain from the neck to the pelvis and are non-traumatic in nature. The growing trend is ‘text neck’ which can lead to slipped discs and degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis).

“Slipped discs have become more prevalent in our clinic over the past five years and chiropractic can be a very effective conservative treatment. We also see many people with headaches and migraines, carpal tunnel, sports injuries and jaw pain/locking known as Temporomandibular Dysfunction.

“Basically, doctors of chiropractic are the specialists when it comes to musculoskeletal complaints having very similar training to medical doctors.”

Dr Robinson said his clinic aims to educate the public through the media and through public talks on a variety of subjects such as ergonomics, spinal health and general wellness.

He said there were many misconceptions out there with regards to back problems.

“Many people think that poor posture means slouching, but it can include many other areas such as cradling the phone between your ear and shoulder (like a receptionist), to holding your head turned to the side such as to watch TV, or, just simply not moving enough,” he said.

“Good posture is more dynamic, meaning moving often versus being static or being in one position for periods greater than about 20 minutes. Another misconception is that it’s ‘just my back’ or ‘it’ll go away’ or ‘it doesn’t hurt that bad,’ which tends to lead to the condition compounding, much like leaving a sensitive tooth or tooth ache.

“What many people do not realise is our spine houses our nervous system which controls and regulates almost every function in our body.

“When a vertebra or disc degenerates or goes out of alignment, it decreases the communication via the nervous system and can lead to many other issues such as numbness and tingling, digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhoea, acid reflux, indigestion, etc, menstrual cramps, headaches, difficulty swallowing, vertigo or dizziness, and again, the list goes on.”