The Physio Diary

Introduction Do you know your spine is designed to absorb everyday stresses like sitting, bending, lifting, even running? However, certain factors can weaken its natural protection; making it impossible. One of which is a condition called slipped disc. It occurs when one of the discs between your spinal bones moves away from normal alignment and presses on nearby nerves. This can lead to back pain, numbness, or tingling down the legs. However, two major factors can dramatically increase the risk of an individual having slipped disc: a high Body Mass Index (BMI) and a fall. Let’s break down why. How a Large BMI Affects Your Spine The discs act like cushions between the spinal bones. Therefore for someone with a large BMI, there will be increased pressure on these discs – making them vulnerable to wear and tear easily. As people age with a large BMI, a seemingly mild fall can lead to more issues than usual. Why and how? If your discs are already stressed from carrying extra weight, a fal...

Introduction Sometimes, our habits contribute to our health problems – and other times, they don’t. The good news is that when our habits are part of the problem, we can change them. One of the simplest but most powerful changes is becoming conscious of how we position our bodies. Think about it: how well do you sit? How straight do you stand? How do you sleep? Many of us assume positions that are less aligned than we realize. Over time, these habits can affect our spinal health – including conditions like scoliosis. In this post, we’ll walk you through the importance of alignment and posture, and how small changes can make a big difference.  Understanding the Basics of Scoliosis  Scoliosis, simply put, is a condition where the spine curves sideways, often taking on an “S” or “C” shape. In many cases, it’s congenital or develops during growth for reasons we don’t fully understand (this is called “idiopathic” scoliosis). While poor posture doesn’t directly cause sco...

Introduction Try this: stand in front of a mirror and smile. Do both sides of your cheeks curl up evenly? Or does one side look fuller or form lines while the other side stays flat? If you notice a difference, there may be more going on than you realize. No worries. Normally, if there’s a major issue, someone around you would have pointed it out already. But with today’s post, let’s take a closer look at what could go wrong, and why some people struggle with something as simple – yet powerful – as smiling. Learning Why Smiling is Hard Sometimes Have you ever seen someone smiling, yet no lines form to show the smile? Instead of assuming they’re sad or unfriendly, consider this: they may have an underlying medical condition called Bell’s Palsy – a neurological condition that affects the facial nerve. Bell’s Palsy isn’t rare – it affects thousands worldwide every year, and around 1 in 10 may even have it again. The exact cause is often unknown, though links have been made with pregnancy ...

Introduction Enough of brushing off the signs your body keeps showing you. That ache you feel after typing for hours, writing nonstop, scrolling endlessly, or gripping tools day after day – it’s your body waving a red flag. Most people notice it, yet keep pushing until the pain becomes unbearable, or worse, until they can no longer use the affected part properly. While repetitive strain can affect many body parts – from shoulders to wrists – today, we’re zooming in on a part you use more than you realize: your finger. What is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)? Think about it: your fingers (especially your thumbs) are always on duty. You scroll through posts, reply to messages, type out reports, or take notes for hours. Some days, it’s endless typing at work. Other days, it’s hours of swiping on your phone or writing by hand. These small, repetitive actions might seem harmless, but over time, they overload the finger joints, tendons, and muscles. That’s what we call Repetitive Strain Injur...

Introduction In our last post , we explored how neck problems — not just “bad sleeping positions” — can trigger shoulder pain, arm numbness, or tingling fingers. If you’ve been feeling these nagging symptoms, this post is for you. We’ll walk you through how physiotherapy helps manage these sensations without relying on medications. From simple stretches to posture correction, and safe modalities for your neck – to restore comfort and function. Are Medications Needed In This Condition? For cervical spondylosis (neck arthritis), medications may sometimes be prescribed — but usually only if the pain is severe. However, here’s the catch: medication only reduces the pain for a few hours. The heaviness, numbness, or tingling in your arm and fingers will likely remain — because the real cause hasn’t been fixed. That’s why relying on painkillers alone won’t solve the problem. The underlying issue is mechanical — pressure on nerves from changes in the neck. This is where physiotherapy steps in,...

Introduction  It’s another post that makes you pause and think about how you’ve been living. Have you ever woken up with pain in your shoulder, arm, or even your fingers — sometimes numb, sometimes tingling, sometimes weak? If yes, you might have blamed it on sleeping awkwardly on your arm. That’s fine, because in many cases the discomfort fades within a few hours. But here’s the catch: what if the pain or numbness doesn’t leave? What if it keeps coming back every few days? Then it’s no longer “just a wrong sleeping position.” In such cases, the real culprit might not be your shoulder at all — but your neck. And that’s where cervical spondylosis comes in. Understanding Cervical Spondylosis For easy understanding, cervical spondylosis is the medical name for what most people call “neck arthritis” or “wear and tear” of the neck. As we age, the bones, discs, and joints that form your neck naturally start to change. Most often, these changes are harmless – but in some peopl...