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Tell us a bit about yourself.

Bonjour, I am Dr Thomas, a French certified chiropractor from the Franco-European Institute of Chiropractic (IFEC) in Paris, France.

I have opened my first Chiropractic Office in my hometown in Paris, France and then one in Rome, Italy. I have been working between the two cities for nearly four years. I came for the first time in Nairobi in 2014 and met the team of Polycare at this moment.

After a few back and forths, I have decided in 2017 to join the team. Since then, I am living full-time in Nairobi with my wife and son.

 

What pushed you to become a chiropractor?

I decided to become a Doctor of Chiropractic after experiencing the benefits first hand, receiving chiropractic care after many severe sport injuries.

Always seeking more to learn, I have completed two specializations in sport injuries & musculoskeletal disorders management (2014 & 2015) from the Orsay Paris Sud University (STAPS) in Paris, France. 

From both personal and practitioner experience I truly believe chiropractic care is a fantastic holistic approach that can benefit people of all ages to reach their health goals and get the most out of life.

“Life is great, Chiropractic makes it better”

 

What does a chiropractor do?

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system (joints & muscles) and the nervous system, treating the effects of these disorders on general health.

Chiropractors are trained health professionals who use a variety of non-surgical and non-invasive treatment. One of the most common and well-known therapeutic procedures performed by doctors of chiropractic is the spinal manipulation, sometimes referred to as a “chiropractic adjustment”.

How do you know when to see a chiropractor and physiotherapist?

Chiropractic and physiotherapy are available to treat a number of musculoskeletal conditions, each with a different approach to achieving full range of motion, mobility and wellness.

While each can be considered alone for treatments, both are often complementary and that is why I work with a team of physiotherapists. 

What makes one seek the services of a chiropractor?

Chiropractic care is commonly used to treat neuromusculoskeletalcomplaints, including, but not limited, to low back pain, neck pain, headaches, joints and/or muscles pain of the arms and legs. 

Many people think that chiropractors only work on backs and we basically just “crack bones”. This is not the case at all! Chiropractors are spine specialist, yes! But we can treat a variety of other conditions on many areas of the body. 

Are there different types of neck pain? And what cause neck pain?

Generally, neck pain is caused by the inflammation of the cervical vertebrae (neck bones), which consists of a region of the spine that provides mobility for the head in almost any direction, and this flexibility can make the neck particularly susceptible to pain and injury to the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments or intervertebral discs.

There are three types of neck pain. 

◦ Common neck pain

◦ Trauma-related neck pain

◦ Symptomatic neck pain. 

Postural neck pain in adults is the most frequent form of common neck pain. This type of neck pain is rooted in everyday life, whichcan be caused by anxiety, forward head posture while using the phone, bad posture at work or during sports, etc.

Symptoms are commonly pain in the neck, upper back and shoulders. It can also induce headaches or pain in the arms. 

What are the different treatment options for neck pain?

There are plenty actually. As we said earlier, physiotherapy and chiropractic are a good option. There is also osteopathy, traditional chinese medicine (acupuncture) and allopathic medicine. In the worst case scenario surgery is an option. 

How do you help in the treatment of neck pains?

As mentioned above chiropractors use a variety of non-surgical treatment. Facing a case of neck pain one of the most common therapeutic procedures performed by doctors of chiropractic is spinal manipulation also known as “bone cracking”.

Spinal manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, allowing tissues to heal faster. 

Along with the chiropractic adjustment, we may also incorporate additional therapies, like muscle release techniques, hot & cold therapy, kinesiotaping, trigger points therapy.

However, the treatment varies from case to case and the patient will be treated with the best procedure after assessing the situation.

Are there any side effects of neck manipulation?

First of all, many studies have shown that chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for neck pain.

A chiropractic adjustment rarely causes discomfort. However, patients may sometimes experience mild soreness or aching following treatment (as with some forms of exercise) that usually resolves within 12 to 48 hours.

A chiropractor will develop a treatment protocol that combines multiple types of techniques according to individual needs and preferences to minimize risk.

 

How many sessions will I need?

Depending on the condition (duration of symptoms, severity of pain, age), patients may need to return for one or more follow-up appointments.

The number of treatments will vary from patient to patient as each patient responds to adjustments individually. In general, we try to see our patients as little as possible.

Does the pain recur after one sees a chiropractor?

Unfortunately, it depends on many factors. In most cases, it depends on your daily actions and that’s why prevention and awareness are crucial.

 

How can one avoid neck pains?

The easiest way is PREVENTION! As chiropractors, we give postural advice and exercises to prevent a new episode of pain.

In order to take care of your spine on a daily basis, you must pay attention to your posture and positioning when you are : 

◦ Standing & walking 

◦ Using phone & tablets 

◦ Sitting while working

◦ Lifting & carrying

◦ Sleeping

◦ Driving

 

How much does it cost to see a chiropractor?

Another common misconception about chiropractic care is that it’svery expensive. The cost of care varies depending on the treatments and services provided, but many insurance companies cover at least part of the cost of chiropractic care. In Nairobi, the cost can range from 3000 ksh to over 10000 ksh.

At the clinic the session is at 5000 ksh which includes consultation, assessment, treatment and advices (exercises, posture, diet ..).