Scroll on for simple tips you can use in your daily life for neck and pain relief, according to a chiropractor.
Busy bees, how often do you leave your desk while at work? Or, what about standing up and giving your back a good stretch now and then? As fellow 9-to-6 workers, we understand how easy it is to get caught up in tasks and forget to take a break. Unfortunately, our necks, shoulders and backs end up taking the brunt of it. In search of pain relief and better self-care habits, we decided to enlist expert help.
Meet Dr William Moss, associate chiropractor at ATLAS Chiropractic. We chatted with him on the importance of giving your body TLC and tips on staying pain-free, especially if you’re a fellow busy bee. Keep scrolling for his expert tips!
About our expert
Life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs. For Dr William Moss, associate chiropractor at ATLAS Chiropractic, his life took a different turn after a motorcycle accident in his 20s. Dealing with overwhelming pain and fatigue, Dr Moss says chiropractic care opened his eyes to another world.
This journey inspired him to become a chiropractor, and he went on to specialise in elite performance and optimising health outcomes for high achievers. Today, he boasts over a decade of experience in chiropractic care, having worked with countless top athletes and elite performers to improve their overall wellbeing.
An introduction to chiropractic care and pain relief
Question: What is chiropractic care about?
Answer: Beyond easing pain, chiropractic care is about fixing joint restrictions and spinal misalignments (aka subluxations) that block the nervous system’s signals. Your nervous system connects every part of your body like a network – yes, that’s everything, including your muscles, organs, digestion, energy and movement. When the spine or joints are misaligned, it’s akin to a glitch in your system, disrupting how your body heals and functions.
Question: As a chiropractor working with high achievers, what are the top musculoskeletal issues you see in busy professionals, and how do they compare to elite athletes?
Answer: Surprisingly, busy professionals and elite athletes share similar challenges. Think stiff thoracic spines, tight hips and rigid calves. These pain points stem from long hours spent at desks or intense training schedules. Plus, they are often worsened by frequent travel and endless meetings.
For Hong Kong’s go-getters, such tightness can trigger neck pain, shoulder discomfort, low back issues, or even knee problems. What we do at ATLAS Chiropractic goes beyond treating the pain. Our team will help restore mobility and nervous system balance to keep you performing at your peak, whether that’s closing deals or chasing personal bests.
Question: Hong Kong professionals often prioritise work over self-care. What’s your advice for staying in top shape despite desk-bound days or constant travel?
Answer: While Hong Kong’s hustle culture doesn’t leave much room for self-care, practising small and smart habits can keep you thriving. These habits easily fit into the busiest schedules, preventing small issues from escalating. Here’s my playbook for staying resilient:
1. Move hourly
Set a 45-minute timer to stand, stretch or shift positions at your desk.
2. Roll it out
When travelling, pack a mini foam roller. Use it to loosen your spine, hips and shoulders post-flight.
3. Target tension
Use a lacrosse ball to apply targeted, deep pressure to trigger points. These are hyper-irritable spots within a muscle and its surrounding tissue, which result in muscle tightness. Be sure to avoid sensitive nerves or blood flow areas!
4. Stretch daily
Perform quick moves like pelvic tucks, cat-cow, or knee-to-chest stretches to keep your spine fluid.
5. Practise deep breathing
Try taking five to 10 belly breaths in the morning, night, and after stressful situations. This will help keep you and your neck relaxed.
6. Seek expert help
These simple habits go a long way, but sometimes, leaning on expert guidance can help in reaching your peak condition. Persistent discomfort and recurring aches may be signs to consult a chiropractor. Their expertise and regular adjustments will help recharge your nervous system, so that you’re ready to handle life’s demands.
Want to take a step towards a healthier, pain-free lifestyle? ATLAS Chiropractic is an award-winning chiropractic studio in Hong Kong prides itself on holistic chiropractic care that addresses a range of health concerns, as well as the root causes of these issues. Achieving maximum and long-lasting health benefits is at the heart of what they do. Reach out to the team at ATLAS Chiropractic (Instagram @atlaschiropractichk, WhatsApp +852 9877 9539) for more information!
Important notice: This sponsored article is for general information and should not be considered medical advice. While we strive for accuracy, medical conditions vary, and the treatments mentioned may not suit everyone. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical guidance.
This post is in partnership with ATLAS Chiropractic.
