Family Health Chiropractic Clinic | Singapore Chiropractor https://familyhealthchiro.sg Your body works better with a good nerve supply! Mon, 18 May 2026 04:41:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 95431236 Shrimp Posture: What It Is, Why Singaporeans Are Getting It, and How to Fix It https://familyhealthchiro.sg/shrimp-posture-singapore/ Sat, 16 May 2026 05:50:40 +0000 https://familyhealthchiro.sg/?p=1378 You have probably seen it on the MRT, in coffee shops, and at the office — someone hunched deeply over their phone or laptop, chin jutting forward, shoulders rounded, spine curved like a question mark. In Singapore and around the world, this posture has earned a name: shrimp posture.

It may sound harmless, or even amusing. But if you hold this position for hours every day — and most of us do — the consequences for your spine, neck, and long-term health are very real.

Shrimp posture vs good posture infographic showing rounded back and forward head posture in Singapore

What Is Shrimp Posture?

Shrimp posture refers to the characteristic hunched shape the body forms when we spend extended periods looking down at a phone or slouching over a laptop. The name comes from the visual resemblance to a curved shrimp — rounded upper back, drooping shoulders, forward head position, and a collapsed lower spine.

It is closely related to conditions chiropractors and physiotherapists have long identified, including kyphosis (excessive rounding of the upper back), forward head posture, and text neck. What is new is the scale at which it is happening — and how young the people affected are.

Why Are Singaporeans Especially At Risk?

Singapore’s lifestyle creates the perfect conditions for shrimp posture to develop. Consider a typical day: commuting on public transport with eyes fixed on a phone, sitting at a desk for eight or more hours, eating lunch while scrolling social media, and unwinding in the evening watching videos on a tablet or laptop.

Students face similar pressures — long hours at school desks, followed by tuition sessions and homework, with screen time woven throughout. The result is that many Singaporeans — from teenagers to working adults — are spending upwards of ten hours a day in a posture their spine was never designed to sustain.

What Does Shrimp Posture Do to Your Body?

The effects of sustained shrimp posture build gradually, which is part of why so many people do not notice the damage until it has already progressed significantly.

1. Neck and Upper Back Pain

For every inch your head moves forward from its neutral position, the effective weight on your cervical spine increases dramatically. In a neutral position, your head weighs approximately 5 to 6 kg. With your chin jutting forward by just 5 cm, that load can feel closer to 15 to 20 kg to the muscles and joints supporting it. Over time, this leads to chronic neck stiffness, upper back tension, and persistent headaches.

2. Rounded Shoulders and a Hunched Upper Back

Shrimp posture tightens the chest muscles while weakening the muscles between the shoulder blades. This imbalance gradually pulls the shoulders forward into a fixed rounded position — a form of kyphotic posture that can become structural if left unaddressed.

3. Lower Back Strain

When the upper back collapses forward, the lower back compensates by either over-arching or also collapsing. Either way, the lumbar spine is under abnormal stress, contributing to lower back pain — one of the most common complaints among working Singaporeans.

4. Reduced Lung Capacity

A collapsed chest restricts the ability of the lungs to fully expand. Studies have shown that people in sustained forward-flexed postures breathe more shallowly, which can contribute to fatigue, reduced concentration, and even mood changes over time.

5. Long-Term Spinal Changes

If shrimp posture is not corrected, the cumulative stress on the spine can lead to accelerated disc degeneration, joint wear, and loss of the normal cervical curve — changes that are far more difficult to reverse once established.

How to Tell If You Have Shrimp Posture

Stand sideways in front of a mirror and look honestly at your silhouette. Signs of shrimp posture include your ears sitting in front of your shoulders rather than directly above them, your upper back appearing rounded or humped, your shoulders rolling forward and inward, and your chin pointing down or jutting forward.

Another simple test: stand with your back against a wall with your heels, buttocks, and shoulder blades all touching the wall. Can the back of your head also touch the wall comfortably? If it cannot — or if it takes significant effort — forward head posture is already present.

How to Fix Shrimp Posture

The good news is that for most people, shrimp posture is correctable — particularly if addressed early. A combination of habit changes, targeted exercises, and professional care can make a significant difference.

1. Raise Your Screens

The single most impactful immediate change is to bring your screen to eye level. For phones, hold them up rather than looking down. For laptops, use a stand or an external monitor. This one adjustment dramatically reduces the forward head load on your cervical spine.

2. Strengthen Your Upper Back

The muscles between your shoulder blades — the rhomboids and lower trapezius — are almost always weakened in people with shrimp posture. Exercises such as seated rows, face pulls, and band pull-aparts help restore balance between the chest and upper back.

3. Stretch Your Chest and Hip Flexors

Tight pectoral muscles pull the shoulders forward and reinforce the hunched position. Regular doorway chest stretches and thoracic extension over a foam roller help counteract this tightening. For those who sit for long periods, hip flexor stretches are equally important.

4. Take Regular Movement Breaks

No matter how good your posture is, sitting in any fixed position for more than 45 to 60 minutes creates cumulative spinal stress. Set a timer to stand, walk, and move every hour. Even 2 minutes of movement makes a measurable difference.

5. See a Chiropractor

If shrimp posture has been present for months or years, the underlying spinal alignment and joint function may have already been affected in ways that stretching and exercise alone cannot fully correct. A chiropractor can assess the degree of postural distortion, identify which spinal joints have lost normal movement, and provide specific adjustments to restore proper alignment and mobility.

At Family Health Chiropractic Clinic in Singapore, we regularly see patients — from students to executives — whose neck pain, headaches, and back stiffness trace directly back to accumulated postural strain. A thorough postural assessment is often the first step toward understanding what is driving your symptoms and creating a clear plan to address them.

When Should You Seek Help?

You do not need to be in severe pain to benefit from a chiropractic assessment. If you notice persistent neck stiffness or soreness, recurring headaches — especially at the base of the skull, a visible change in your posture over recent months, fatigue that does not resolve with rest, or numbness or tingling into the arms or hands, these are signs that your spine may benefit from professional evaluation.

The earlier postural problems are identified and addressed, the simpler the correction tends to be. Waiting until symptoms become severe often means a longer and more involved recovery process.

Take the First Step Today

Shrimp posture is one of the defining health challenges of our screen-dependent age — but it is not inevitable, and it is not permanent. With the right awareness, habits, and support, most people can meaningfully improve their posture and eliminate the pain and stiffness that comes with it.

If you are in Singapore and concerned about your posture or experiencing related symptoms, we welcome you to contact Family Health Chiropractic Clinic to arrange a postural assessment. My staff and I will take the time to understand your history, evaluate your spine, and give you honest, practical guidance on the best path forward.

Dr Kelvin Ng

Doctor of Chiropractic (USA)

Certified Ergonomist

Certified Posture Exercise Professional

Certified Pediatric Posture Specialist

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Online advice for back pain and posture https://familyhealthchiro.sg/online-advice-for-back-pain-and-posture/ Wed, 06 May 2026 09:27:41 +0000 https://familyhealthchiro.sg/?p=1214 Online advice for back pain and posture issues - Family Health Chiropractic Singapore

By Dr Kelvin Ng | Family Health Chiropractic Singapore

There is no shortage of advice online for back pain and posture issues. Scroll through social media for five minutes and you will find:

  • ✴️ “Do this stretch for instant relief”
  • ✴️ “Fix your posture in 5 minutes”
  • ✴️ “Relieve pain overnight”

While some of these can be helpful, they often oversimplify a more complex issue. In practice, I frequently see patients who have tried multiple self-help approaches online with mixed or short-lived results. In some cases, symptoms are even aggravated — they got worse. Not because the exercises are “wrong”, but because they are applied without proper assessment and understanding of the underlying cause.

Why Generic Online Advice for Back Pain and Posture Issues Often Falls Short

The internet is full of well-intentioned advice. The problem is that back pain and posture issues are rarely one-size-fits-all. What works for one person may not work for another — and in some cases, it can make things worse.

Here is why generic online advice often fails to deliver lasting results:

  • No assessment of the underlying cause — Back pain can stem from disc problems, muscle imbalances, spinal misalignments, nerve irritation, or postural strain. Each requires a different approach.
  • No consideration of your specific posture — Postural problems are highly individual. Rounded shoulders, forward head posture, and anterior pelvic tilt each need different corrective strategies.
  • One-size-fits-all solutions — A stretch that relieves pain for someone with tight hip flexors may aggravate someone with a disc herniation.
  • No follow-through or progression — Sustainable improvement requires a structured plan that evolves as your body responds.

What Sustainable Improvement Actually Requires

Sustainable improvement from back pain and posture issues is rarely achieved through isolated, generic solutions. In my experience, lasting results require three things working together:

  1. Understanding the spinal issue — A proper assessment to identify what is actually causing your pain or postural problem. This might involve checking your range of motion, nerve function, spinal alignment, and muscle strength.
  2. Addressing it appropriately — Whether that is chiropractic adjustments to correct spinal misalignments, soft tissue work to release muscle tension, or targeted rehabilitation exercises.
  3. Reinforcing with the right strategies — Once the underlying issue is addressed, specific exercises, ergonomic changes, and lifestyle adjustments help maintain the improvement and prevent recurrence.

Common Posture Problems I See in Singapore Patients

Working with patients in Singapore, the most common back pain and posture issues I see are linked to desk work, prolonged sitting, and heavy phone use. These include:

  • Forward head posture — For every inch your head moves forward, it adds approximately 10 pounds of effective weight on the cervical spine. This leads to neck pain, headaches, and upper back tension.
  • Rounded shoulders and thoracic kyphosis — Often caused by hours of desk work or looking at a phone, this posture compresses the chest and strains the upper back muscles.
  • Anterior pelvic tilt — Common in people who sit for long hours, this causes the lower back to arch excessively, leading to chronic lower back pain and tight hip flexors.
  • Text neck — A modern epidemic, caused by looking down at phones for extended periods, leading to neck stiffness, headaches, and nerve-related symptoms into the arms.

When to Get a Proper Assessment

If you have been dealing with persistent discomfort despite trying different approaches, it may be time to get a proper assessment to understand what your body actually needs. I would recommend seeking professional help if:

  • Your back pain or posture issues have persisted for more than a few weeks
  • Home exercises or stretches are not providing lasting relief
  • Your pain is getting worse, not better
  • You have pain radiating into your arms or legs
  • You notice your posture has been deteriorating despite your efforts

At Family Health Chiropractic Clinic, we start every new patient with a thorough assessment before recommending any treatment. This gives us a clear picture of what is driving your back pain or posture issues, and allows us to create a plan that is specific to your needs.

If you would like a clearer direction on your back pain and posture, feel free to reach out to me. I am happy to guide you through the next steps. You can call us at 6336 7714 or visit our clinic at TripleOne Somerset, #08-03.

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May is International Posture Month https://familyhealthchiro.sg/may-is-international-posture-month/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:33:46 +0000 https://familyhealthchiro.sg/?p=1175 Posture Singapore awareness is celebrated every May during International Posture Month — a global initiative to highlight the impact of poor posture on health and quality of life. At Family Health Chiropractic, we believe that good posture is not just about looking confident; it is fundamental to your spinal health, nervous system function, and long-term well-being.

Why Posture Singapore Matters More Than Ever

Many professionals in Singapore spend 8–10 hours a day sitting at desks or looking at screens. Over time, this quietly leads to neck pain, shoulder tension, back discomfort, fatigue, and reduced energy. In our clinic, we increasingly see cases where the issue is not injury — it is simply posture and prolonged sitting. These complaints are entirely preventable with the right awareness and interventions.

The Hidden Costs of Poor Posture Singapore

  • Spinal stress: Poor posture places excessive load on spinal discs and facet joints, accelerating degeneration and increasing the risk of disc herniation.
  • Nerve irritation: Misaligned vertebrae can compress or irritate spinal nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness that can radiate into the arms or legs.
  • Reduced lung capacity: Forward head posture compresses the chest cavity, reducing breathing efficiency by up to 30%.
  • Fatigue and concentration issues: When your body is working to maintain a poor posture, it uses more energy, leading to faster mental and physical fatigue.
  • Mood and confidence: Research shows that upright, open postures are associated with improved mood, reduced cortisol levels, and greater confidence.

Practical Posture Singapore Tips for Office Workers

  • Set your monitor at eye level to reduce forward head tilt
  • Keep your feet flat on the floor and knees at 90 degrees
  • Take a standing or walking break every 30–45 minutes
  • Use a lumbar support cushion if your chair does not support the lower back
  • Strengthen your core and deep neck flexors with targeted exercises

How Chiropractic Supports Better Posture Singapore

Chiropractic adjustments correct the underlying spinal misalignments that contribute to poor posture. By restoring proper joint movement and alignment, our chiropractors help your body maintain an upright, balanced posture with less effort. Combined with postural exercises and lifestyle advice, chiropractic care is one of the most effective long-term solutions for posture Singapore patients are looking for.

This International Posture Month, take the first step towards a healthier spine. Contact Family Health Chiropractic at 6336 7714 or visit us at TripleOne Somerset, 111 Somerset Road #08-03, Singapore 238164, 2 minutes from Somerset MRT.

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Partners https://familyhealthchiro.sg/partners/ Fri, 01 Aug 2025 07:58:05 +0000 https://familyhealthchiro.sg/?p=1148 Ergonomic mattress Singapore chiropractic — Family Health Chiropractic Clinic is pleased to share our trusted network of partners for ergonomic pillows, mattresses and furniture in Singapore. These vendors have been personally vetted and recommended by our chiropractors, Dr. Kelvin Ng and Dr. Ashley Liew, to support optimal spinal alignment during sleep and rest. As a patient of Family Health Chiropractic, you are entitled to exclusive discounts and special pricing from these partners.

Our partners for Pillows, Mattresses and Furniture

Note:

  1. Our vendors offer special pricing/discount/free gifts exclusively to our patients. So, be sure to let the them know you are referred by Dr Kelvin Ng/Family Health Chiropractic Clinic.
  2. Present the attached digital vouchers (where applicable) so that you don’t miss out on the goodies/discounts.
  3. Let our partners know that you are client of Family Health Chiropractic Clinic so that they will recommend models that are more supportive for the spine.
  4. The promotions may vary from time to time. Be sure to check with the vendors the latest promotion for clients of Family Health Chiropractic Clinic.

Cellini Mattress and Furniture (Please call or whatsapp for appt- Kerine Hp: 8100 0202)

Cellini Design Center Pte Ltd

Website: https://cellini.com.sg/mattress

Please let them know you are referred by Dr Kelvin Ng so that they will recommend models that are more supportive for the spine.

Also, quote “Family Health Chiro” for $100 cash voucher off furniture purchase with no minimum spent.

1) 176 Orchard Road
#03-38 The Centrepoint,
Singapore 238843

2) 10 Changi South Street 2, #02-03,
Singapore 486596

3) Various locations

Click on this link for tips on choosing the right furniture (sofa, recliner etc) 

Organic Latex Pillows & Mattress

Heveya

Website: https://heveya.sg/

Quote “FAMILYHEALTH” and show the digital voucher for discount/gift. Please note that the vouchers are only valid at the following Tiong Bahru and Great World City showrooms.

1) Tiong Bahru Showroom
32 Eng Hoon Street
Singapore 169780

Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 7pm
Tuesday – Thursday: 6pm – 9pm (by appointment only)
WhatsApp 96289610

2) Great World City Showroom
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#02-142 Great World
Singapore 237994

Monday – Sunday: 10am – 10pm

Customised High Density Pillows & Mattress

DPM Sleep Singapore

Call or whatsapp for appointment: Sales Manager Jeffrey Wong HP: 9636 8688

Website: https://www.dpmhome.com.sg/

Takashimaya Department Store
Basement One (beside Mattress Department Cashier’s counter)
391A Orchard Road, Singapore 238873

Mon to Sun 10:00-21:30

Please let them vendor know that you are Dr Kelvin Ng’s patient for special deals and recommendation for models that are more supportive for the spine.

Premium Grounding Sheets and Grounding Mats

The longer you’re grounded, the better your health. Stay grounded 24/7 with the world’s best grounding products.

Use this link https://www.groundingwell.com/FAMILYHEALTHCHIROSG or enter discount code FAMILYHEALTHCHIROSG for 10% discount upon check out.

WLPartnerships Pte Ltd

One Stop Corporate Services; Health & Wellness, Employee Benefits, Trainings, Sustainability & Strategic Partnerships.

Email: admin@wlpartnerships.com

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Posture Exercise Program https://familyhealthchiro.sg/posture-exercise-program/ Thu, 26 Sep 2024 02:02:31 +0000 https://familyhealthchiro.sg/?p=1111 Our posture exercise program Singapore is a comprehensive rehabilitation programme conducted by Dr Kelvin Ng (Doctor of Chiropractic, USA), a Certified Posture Exercise Professional. This unique posture exercise program Singapore combines passive therapies with active strategies to address the root causes of poor posture, imbalance, and spinal dysfunction — empowering you to take lasting control of your health.

Posture Exercise Program

Conducted by Dr Kelvin Ng (Doctor of Chiropractic*, USA)

Certified Posture Exercise Professional

The Posture Exercise Program focuses on Posture and Balance Assessment, Rehabilitation, and Motor Control Exercise (also known as “Balance”, “Alignment” and “Motion” exercises). It is a comprehensive and innovative program designed to address the critical issues of posture and balance in clinical practice, rendered in conjunction with Chiropractic services provided at our office. It combines passive therapies with active strategies to empower individuals to improve their posture and overall body awareness. Through systematic protocols, this course guides patients towards building personal awareness and functional strength in posture, balance, alignment, and motion. The integration of patient-friendly concepts of postural biomechanics and the use of common-sense principles make this course highly accessible and engaging for all participants.

The program utilizes various low-tech tools such as balls, bands, and foam pads. This multifaceted approach enables patients to progress from acute care to rehabilitation and ultimately to wellness. The overarching goal is to enable people to move well, prevent micro- and macro-trauma injuries, enhance performance, and promote healthy choices for optimizing biomechanical wellness.

Functionally strengthening posture is at the heart of this program, emphasizing the importance of correcting sensorimotor errors between perceived posture and external reality. It empowers individuals to find their strongest, core-engaged posture and stand taller, ultimately fostering a wellness identity specialized in posture.

As individuals become more aware of their posture through StrongPosture® exercises, they often experience tangible improvements in how they move during daily activities.

Case Study 1

Below is a case study of a 11-year-old client who enrolled in the posture exercise program initially with a forward head carriage. The most recent picture showed significant improvement in her posture after about 5 months.

Case Study 2

Below is a case study of a 32-year-old client who enrolled in the posture exercise program initially with a forward head carriage. The most recent picture showed significant improvement in his posture after about 6 months.

Case Study 3

Below is a case study of a 16-year-old client who enrolled in the posture exercise program initially with a forward head carriage. The most recent picture showed significant improvement in his posture after about 4 months.

For more information about this program, please contact Dr Kelvin Ng (Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Ergonomist, Certified Posture Exercise Professional**, Certified Pediatric Posture Specialist) at 63367714 or info@familyhealthchiro.sg

* Not a medical doctor or dentist

** The Certified Posture Exercise Professional Program is directed by Dr. Steven Weiniger of BodyZone.com.  Dr. Weiniger, author of Stand Taller~ Live Longer, is an international expert on posture and balance as it relates to the aging process

Who Should Consider the Posture Exercise Program Singapore?

  • Office workers with chronic neck pain, back pain, or poor posture from prolonged sitting
  • Individuals who have completed chiropractic treatment and want to prevent recurrence
  • Athletes looking to improve their movement quality and reduce injury risk
  • Parents concerned about their child’s posture due to heavy school bags or device use
  • Anyone who has been told they have scoliosis, kyphosis, or a forward head posture
  • Anyone who spends long hours on smart devices and find frequent need to stretch or fidget.

Contact Family Health Chiropractic at 6336 7714 to enquire about the posture exercise program Singapore. Visit us at TripleOne Somerset, 111 Somerset Road #08-03, Singapore 238164.

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No more “no pain, no gain”: protect your sustainability in sport  https://familyhealthchiro.sg/no-more-no-pain-no-gain-protect-your-sustainability-in-sport/ Tue, 04 Jun 2024 16:56:55 +0000 https://familyhealthchiro.sg/?p=1099 Sports injury prevention Singapore — if you are an athlete or recreational sports enthusiast, understanding when to push through discomfort and when to stop is one of the most critical skills for long-term performance and health. At Family Health Chiropractic, we work with athletes of all levels and help them develop sustainable training habits that protect their bodies for the long run. This article explores why the outdated “no pain, no gain” mindset can be dangerous, and how a smarter approach to sports injury prevention Singapore leads to better outcomes.

As a marathoner, as a well as a *Doctor of Chiropractic that happens to care for athletes of all abilities (recreational to national athletes) and ages (from as young as my own “Little Runner” 2-year-old son to seniors keeping active), I often hear the following phrase: “I just ran/pushed through the pain.” When I was growing up I also often heard the exercise motto we are all still familiar with: “no pain, no gain.” Naturally as athletes we want to push those boundaries and better our Personal Bests, so isn’t “pain” a necessary part of the process? However, in the words of American Olympian runner Molly Huddle in Runner’s World 2021 which I fully agree with, “It’s time to stop glamorizing the ‘no pain, no gain’ mindset.”  [World Marathon Majors completion at London Marathon 2023 (left), starting with Boston Marathon 2013 (right)]  What is pain?   First, we need to understand what is pain. Pain is a neurological process, with biopsychosocial causes triggering this pathway. The brain receives a combination of sensory bodily inputs and nociceptor signals (detect potentially dangerous environmental stimuli) travelling up the spinal cord. Then, the Central Nervous System interprets this stimuli, and formulates a potential response via nerve signals travelling back down the limbs. If the brain interprets a potential threat, then pain signals alert the body accordingly, triggering the unpleasant bodily sensation we know of as “pain”. In short, pain is merely a signal that something may potentially be wrong with the body. Thus, pain in itself should never be used as an accurate indicator of root issues. Another takeaway here is that one’s entire Nervous System (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) is vital. Bear in mind it is even possible to not feel any “pain” despite potential body damage already sustained, especially if one’s Nervous System is not firing well at any point.  Qualifying pain  Next, we need to qualify the term “pain”. I do so by classifying one’s sensations as “good pain” versus “bad pain”. Last year at London Marathon 2023 I finally finished my Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Journey with an average marathon finish time of 2 hours 54 minutes over 6 marathons, a 10-year journey that started in Boston Marathon 2013. It is no surprise that regular chiropractic care continues to keep me running well since my first visit in 2010. Boston Marathon is (in)famous for “Heartbreak Hill” about 32km into the 42.2km race, a point in which I proudly say I experienced “pain”. What kind? It was in my terms “good pain”: quadriceps muscles feeling heavier with extra lactic acid, breathing getting more laboured, and trying hard to mentally focus on cresting that hill. However I did not worry, because this is a shared experience even among Olympians. Another kind of “good pain” is the general soreness in the legs especially when going down staircases post-marathon, something I have frequently personally seen even among top Kenyan runners. These sensations are self-limiting and dissipate with the right recovery in a few days.  “Bad pain”  On the other hand, please do not mess around with “bad pain” to any body part, otherwise you risk acute or long-term damage to your spine and overall health. If you experience any of the following, please recalibrate or temporarily stop your training, otherwise you risk ruining the sustainability of your sporting journey: numbness, weakness, sharp or electric-like pain, burning sensation, radiating sensations down any of your four limbs (e.g. toes or fingers), worse symptoms on coughing or sneezing, everyday activities of daily living affected (e.g. bending, standing, wearing socks, sleeping), or unable to bear weight. Experiencing any of these issues should never be seen as a “Badge of Honour”, and it is imperative we also look out for fellow athletes to gently nudge them into the right direction.   [“Check Engine Light”] Check your engine  When we suffer any of the above signs or symptoms, we should look into the root cause of them, rather than covering them up. When driving and the “Check Engine Light” comes on, it makes sense to bring their vehicle to the mechanic. Potentially it is just an early warning of a potentially bigger issue, in which case nipping it in the bud quickly is cost-effective and even possibly life-saving. Or would you rather ignore this light, until the engine literally breaks down on the expressway? In an even more important way, pain functions as an indicator warning us there are potential bodily issues like spinal misalignments. If we athletes just dismiss them as a “normal” muscle strain, it may escalate into more serious sensations like numbness or sharp pain, at which point the road to recovery would be longer.   Recalibrate if you are in pain  Assess and recalibrate to have sustainability in your sport. By the time pain sets in, there has likely been stress to the body, possibly silently building up for weeks (or years) earlier over repetitive micro-trauma from your sport. Athletes at this point should not “push through the pain”. I took care of a dancer before that continued to push herself through classes despite struggling to tie her shoelaces due to her low back misalignments, so I had to strongly advise her to prioritize her recovery until her spine stabilized. Recalibration does not mean complete bed rest (unless in more severe cases), so you can still move because “motion is lotion”; the caveat is the right kind of motion matters. For example, for a temporary period you can reduce your running kilometers, minimize intensity of your workouts, cross-train via the elliptical or walk in the pool, any combination of which would take pressure off those stressed joints. Recalibrating will be more helpful in the “long run”.  Look into the root cause and consider gentle chiropractic care  At the same time, look into the root cause of your pain(s), rather than just ignoring or covering up the symptom. Athletes sometimes brush things off as a minor “muscle” issue, but if it persists for weeks despite resting and light stretching, there is nothing “minor” about it. Please do not delay gentle and specific intervention, for example through chiropractic care. Chiropractic focuses on correcting vertebral subluxations – spinal misalignments that cause nervous system interference. Muscles attach to bone, so if the bone is misaligned (even slightly) and we only focus on stretching or massaging those tight muscles, it may not be addressing the root cause of the imbalance. Gentle chiropractic adjustments via a vibrating instrument called an Arthrostim and a protocol called the Koren Specific Technique (KST), allow us *Doctors of Chiropractic to locate and correct these body stresses, so the body can be allowed to self-heal for recovery and optimal sporting performance. The advantage of this gentle and specific technique is that there is no “popping, cracking, or twisting” of the spine, allowing athletes to be adjusted when sitting, standing, or in their unique Posture of Subluxation (POS) associated with their sport.  [Marathoner and *Doctor of Chiropractic at Family Health Chiropractic Clinic] My own story of training injury-free  I shared in my earlier blog post after placing runner-up Singaporean at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2017 the following: “In the bigger picture, athletes are not merely trying to avoid aches and pains or to stay injury-free, but more importantly to maximize athletic potential in the long run.” This is true for me, having received regular chiropractic checks since 2010 and adjusted when necessary. Since 2010 until today in 2024, I have not sustained any (over)training injury despite routinely running >100km weekly. I have also neither needed to take any more than 2 consecutive days off planned training due to any musculoskeletal issues, nor resort to taking any painkiller or muscle relaxant for any joint discomfort. This allows me to train consistently and perform optimally on the roads. This is also why I am so passionate about spreading this message: injuries do not have to be part and parcel of sports, even at the higher levels. It comes about with a preventive health approach by investing in my own spinal health proactively (rather than reactively), something especially important for athletes.  If you are in the unfortunate position of suffering any sport injury (whether diagnosed or suspected), think about the bigger picture so you can keep hopefully safely doing what you love in your later years. Hitting that temporary “pause” button to recalibrate, and getting your imbalances sorted out first, would also give you peace of mind when resuming training again on a well-aligned foundation.  So the next time someone tells you for example that knee pain is normal for athletes, you can tell them it may be common but definitely not “normal”.  In health,  *Dr. Ashley Liew (Doctor of Chiropractic)  * – not a medical or dental qualification]]>
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Are You Sitting Yourself to Death? https://familyhealthchiro.sg/are-you-sitting-yourself-to-death/ Tue, 05 Dec 2023 06:21:32 +0000 https://familyhealthchiro.sg/?p=1074 Sitting disease Singapore — the health consequences of prolonged sedentary behaviour — is increasingly recognised as one of the most serious threats to modern health. If you sit for 8–12 hours a day at a desk, in your car, or on the couch, you may be unknowingly accelerating the deterioration of your spine, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being.

How a Sedentary Lifestyle is Causing Chronic Disease and Early Mortality

Research has consistently shown that prolonged sitting is independently associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, depression, and musculoskeletal disorders — regardless of how much exercise you do outside of sitting hours. This is what scientists call “sitting disease Singapore”: even regular gym-goers are at risk if they spend most of their waking hours seated.

The Typical Day of a Singaporean Office Worker

You sit at a desk all day at work, then commute home seated on the MRT or in your car. You check your social media and watch TV after dinner. You go to bed and repeat the same sedentary pattern tomorrow. You end up sitting 10–12 hours per day and sleeping another 8, leaving just 4–6 hours of potential movement. Over weeks, months, and years, this takes a profound toll on your body — especially your spine.

What Prolonged Sitting Does to Your Spine

  • Increased disc pressure: Sitting increases the load on your lumbar discs by 40% compared to standing. Over time, this compresses and dehydrates spinal discs, accelerating degeneration.
  • Hip flexor tightening: Prolonged sitting shortens the hip flexors, tilting the pelvis forward and creating an exaggerated lumbar curve. This strains the lower back.
  • Gluteal inhibition: Your glutes become “switched off”, placing excessive load on the hamstrings and lower back muscles.
  • Forward head posture: Staring at a screen for hours causes your head to drift forward, increasing the load on your cervical spine and causing neck and upper back pain.
  • Poor circulation: Sitting compresses the blood vessels in your legs, reducing circulation and increasing the risk of varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.

How to Break the Sitting Disease Singapore Cycle

The good news is that simple, consistent changes can make a significant difference. Aim to stand up and move every 30–45 minutes. Take walking meetings when possible. Use a sit-stand desk if available. Do brief stretches or walks during lunch. Every bit of movement counts in combating sitting disease Singapore.

How Chiropractic Helps with Sitting-Related Back Pain

Chiropractic care is one of the most effective interventions for back pain and postural problems caused by prolonged sitting. At Family Health Chiropractic, our chiropractors assess your spinal alignment, identify areas of dysfunction, and apply targeted adjustments to restore proper movement and relieve pressure on irritated nerves and joints. We also provide personalised postural advice and corrective exercises to help you counteract the effects of sitting disease Singapore.

Do not wait until your back pain becomes chronic. Contact Family Health Chiropractic at 6336 7714 or visit us at TripleOne Somerset, 111 Somerset Road #08-03, Singapore 238164. We are conveniently located 2 minutes from Somerset MRT and open six days a week.

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Does your child belong to the Generation C? https://familyhealthchiro.sg/does-your-child-belong-to-the-generation-c/ Fri, 24 Nov 2023 03:42:49 +0000 https://familyhealthchiro.sg/?p=1053 Forward head posture Singapore in children has reached epidemic proportions. Does your child belong to “Generation C” — the Tech Neck Generation? A 2021 study by Chandoliya et al found that 73% of school-aged children have forward head posture, and 36% have severe head posture. If your child spends hours on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, their spine may already be developing in a concerning direction.

What is Generation C and Forward Head Posture Singapore?

Generation C basically refers to the Tech Neck Generation, where forward head posture is prevalent. Forward head posture Singapore refers to the condition where a child’s head drifts forward of the shoulders while using devices — sometimes called “tech neck”. When a child positions their head in front of their shoulders for extended periods as early as one year old, the spine starts to be conditioned to develop in the wrong way. Their neck muscles, ligaments, and spinal joints all adapt to this abnormal position, making correction progressively more difficult over time.

Why Forward Head Posture Singapore is a First-World Problem

Singapore’s children are among the most digitally connected in the world. From tablets in school to smartphones at home, children in Singapore are spending an average of 6–8 hours per day on screens — often in poor postural positions. This is creating a generation of young people with chronic neck tension, headaches, reduced shoulder mobility, and early disc wear that can cause significant health problems in adulthood.

Signs Your Child May Have Forward Head Posture

  • Head visibly positioned in front of the shoulders when standing or sitting
  • Rounded upper back or “hunchback” appearance
  • Complaints of neck stiffness, headaches, or upper back tension
  • Difficulty sitting up straight without effort
  • Fatigue after sitting for short periods

How Chiropractic Helps Correct Forward Head Posture Singapore

At Family Health Chiropractic, our chiropractors are experienced in assessing and treating forward head posture Singapore in children of all ages. Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper cervical spinal alignment, reducing the postural stress on the developing spine. We also provide exercises and lifestyle advice to help your child develop better postural habits that protect their spine as they grow.

Early intervention is key. The younger a child is when postural correction begins, the better the long-term outcomes. If you are concerned about your child’s posture, contact Family Health Chiropractic at 6336 7714 or visit us at TripleOne Somerset, 111 Somerset Road #08-03, Singapore 238164. We are 2 minutes from Somerset MRT and open six days a week.

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Safe and Gentle Pediatric Chiropractic https://familyhealthchiro.sg/safe-and-gentle-pediatric-chiropractic/ Sun, 04 Dec 2022 06:54:25 +0000 https://familyhealthchiro.sg/?p=924 Children chiropractic Singapore — safe, gentle spinal care for your child from birth through adolescence. At Family Health Chiropractic, Dr Ashley Liew and Dr Kelvin Ng provide specialised children chiropractic Singapore care that is tailored to the developing spine and nervous system. Many parents are surprised to discover how early chiropractic assessment can benefit their child’s long-term posture, health, and well-being.

A young tree is easy to straighten, but when it is big it is difficult.” – Filipino Proverb I was especially reminded of this quote in August 2022, when my then 15-weeks-old baby, wife, and I planted a young tree at East Coast Park. It also resonated with me as a Doctor of Chiropractic who regularly checks the spines of the pediatric community, including newborn babies. If this young tree did not have a good foundation at the start, would it not be difficult to attempt to correct that when the tree was older, bigger, and already heavily bent? As parents, we always desire the best for our children, importantly to be blessed with good health. Similar to a young tree, a young child should also be well aligned at an early age, before layers of stress get added on in later years. This is why as a new father myself, I have been safely and gently checking my own son’s spine since birth, and adjusting if necessary. This is a privilege I do not take lightly, because what we do as chiropractors can have a profound impact on maximizing one’s nervous system potential. Developmental milestones From a developmental neurobiology standpoint, there are general milestones parents can observe in their children to evaluate for potential nervous system interference. The following milestone examples are listed by International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) instructor Dr. Michael Hall (Doctor of Chiropractic and Fellow of the International Academy of Chiropractic Neurology): – 1-2 months: Holds head up, raises head to 45 degrees when prone, turns head and eyes to sound, acknowledges faces, visual field follows objects, alert in response to voices, smiles responsively and spontaneously. – 3-5 months: Holds head high and raises body with hands when prone, reaches for and brings objects to mouth, sits with support while head is steady, follows objects 180 degrees, starts rolling from front back and turning from back to side, smiles and laughs, excited on recognizing familiar faces. – 6-8 months: reaches out to be picked up, can sit alone for short time, completely rolling front to back and back to front, imitates “bye-bye”. – 9-11 months: Crawls, sits alone, pulls to stand up, uses thumb and index finger to pick object, self-feeds finger foods, imitates peek-a-boo, follows one-step verbal commands. – 12 months: Walks with support or independently, pincer grasp, gives toys on request, releases objects after demonstration, points to desired objects. Please note that each child’s milestones may differ so the above mentioned should just be referenced as a guide. Regardless, it is good to have your child evaluated by a pediatric chiropractor. Safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic Most parents who bring in their children (including newborn babies) are already patients of our clinic and through their experiences, are convinced that chiropractic care is safe, specific, gentle, and effective. As such, they likewise tend to have the assurance that this remains the case for their own children. Below is the research to support this. With regards to safety, according a research paper published in 2009 in the peer-reviewed journal, Explore, chiropractic responders indicated only 3 adverse events from 5,438 office visits involving the care of 577 children (defined as below 18-years-old) of an average age of 7.45 years. To put that in perspective, reported adverse events only made up 0.055% of total pediatric visits, and in these 3 events were only limited to muscle stiffness which eventually self-resolved. There were no serious injuries reported. Next, chiropractic is also perceived as effective by chiropractors, parents, and caregivers alike. In the same paper, 518 out of the same 577 children cared for reported an improvement in their presenting complaint attributed to the chiropractic care received, making up the vast majority. This 2009 paper titled, “The Safety and Effectiveness of Pediatric Chiropractic: A Survey of Chiropractors and Parents in a Practice-Based Research Network”, is available at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830709002079. It was written by Dr. Joel Alcantara (D.C.), Dr. Jeanne Ohm (D.C.), and Derek Kunz. What to look out for in a pediatric chiropractor It is important to note that Doctors of Chiropractors undergo a rigorous academic curriculum. For example, Sherman College of Chiropractic in the United States (https://www.sherman.edu/), where Dr. Kelvin Ng and I studied as a post-graduate degree, requires 5,032 core hours before graduation. On top of this, chiropractors intending to care for the pediatric community are encouraged to take additional certifications specific to this field, such as the ICPA’s Certification Programme involving many structured hours of comprehensive training pertaining to the safe care of children (including babies) and pregnant women. Dr. Ng and I are both long-time ICPA members and are both certified in the Webster Technique. The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment, the goal to reduce effects of sacral subluxation and sacro-iliac joint dysfunction, and thereby improve neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis. In addition, I was also awarded the CACCP credentials (Certified by the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics) for fulfilling a 200-hour certification programme specific to perinatal care, participating in two ICPA Practiced-Based Research Network projects, and passing a final comprehensive exam. If you are looking to find a pediatric chiropractor, please check the ICPA international directory at https://icpa4kids.com/find-a-pediatric-chiropractor/ Gentle adjustments only Chiropractors trained in pediatric care are expected to uphold safe and professional standards of care, especially important for this age group. A thorough assessment must first be done by the trained chiropractor to assess whether it is appropriate to adjust that patient. These standards on babies mean that any chiropractic adjustment on babies involves only the gentlest of pressure applied to a specific spinal vertebra, with about the same amount of force used to check a tomato’s ripeness. There is no popping, cracking, or twisting, especially on children’s spines. In summary, it is safe and effective for the vast majority of children and babies to receive gentle chiropractic care, as long as the chiropractor has the right training and preferably pediatric-specific certification. You can also read more about this topic on the Today Online article published on 22 September 2022, which was a response article written on behalf of The Chiropractic Association (Singapore) titled, “Safe for babies to receive ‘gentle’ chiropractic care”, at https://www.todayonline.com/voices/your-say-safe-babies-receive-gentle-chiropractic-care-2000451 Every child has their own unique milestones and timelines in their own journey. That said, if there was a way to holistically and safely maximize one’s innate health potential so that children could be the best version of themselves, why not? Do consider getting your child, and perhaps even yourself, checked by a Doctor of Chiropractic soon. In health, Dr. Ashley Liew | DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) | CACCP (Certified by the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics) | Member of ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association)]]>
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My sister’s chiropractic experience https://familyhealthchiro.sg/my-sisters-chiropractic-experience/ Thu, 08 Sep 2022 14:21:22 +0000 https://familyhealthchiro.sg/?p=896 Chiropractic testimonial Singapore — Dr. Kelvin Ng, clinic director at Family Health Chiropractic, shares a personal chiropractic testimonial about his sister’s experience with chiropractic care during pregnancy. As a chiropractor himself, Dr. Ng walks the talk by ensuring his own family receives regular chiropractic check-ups at their clinic in Somerset, Singapore.

Some say family members can be the most difficult customers. But on the flip side, they can also be the best customers.

As a chiropractor, I always believe in walking the talk. While I always encourage my patients to get their spines checked regularly, I make it a point to check my family members just as regularly.

They may not be the most patient to listen to my explanation of chiropractic but when they really experience what chiropractic can offer, it’s priceless!

My sister started receiving chiropractic care as soon as I returned from the USA in 2009. She sprung me a surprise yesterday when she sent me this testimonial:

This is a long overdue post. Over the years, I have talked to mostly close friends about my condition and how chiropractic has helped myself and my sis-in-law, yet I have never shared on a public forum. There is this small part of me who would overthink, will others believe fully what I say because this chiropractor Dr Kelvin is my very own brother? So I never got to telling people much because I was afraid of others thinking I was trying to sell. During a recent gathering, I realized that many couples face fertility issues (and they usually just go for the invasive and artificial IVF procedure) and thought, why not share my story and hope it may help others too?

For more than 10 years since I was in my early twenties, I did not have periods at all. I have lost count of the number of private and government western specialists and TCMs I have seen, be it gynae or fertility specialists, what have you. Not to mention the amount of money I have spent down the bottomless drain. No one could diagnose my condition nor put a finger to why I had this condition. The most likely cause was PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) but then again, I did not have the typical symptoms and doctors have ruled this out as well. The only thing they could do was to put me on long term hormone or ovulation pills just to artificially induce the periods so that the shedding could happen as it should have been. So I dutifully just kept taking those pills for the longest time. They made me temperamental, feel bloated and awful but there was no other way out. Each time I stopped those pills, trying to see if my body would self-regulate, it never happened. So I had to go back to those pills even though I simply dreaded it. It got to a point where there was one day I got so sick of it all, constantly seeing doctors to get my regular supply and popping those pills that I just decided to stop taking them altogether. It just happened that by this time, my brother had just returned from US from his Chiropractor studies and he insisted that I regularly get adjusted by him.

I have heard that my sis-in-law had fertility issues, went through TCM and even IVF but did not have a child for 10 whole years until she got chiropractic care. Nevertheless, at that time, I just brushed it aside, did not think too much about it nor placed any hope. In fact, I have already resigned myself to not having a kid and I frankly shared that early with my then boyfriend who fortunately did not mind at all. Even when my periods came back naturally after a while, I was amazed deep down but did not dare to think that it meant my fertility was all okay.

Miraculously, immediately after I got married, I conceived 2 kids in succession. Life went on and I took things for granted during my first pregnancy. Due to busy work schedule, I subsequently missed out on regular chiropractic sessions. My baby still had not turned around at a very late stage and my gynae said I would have to consider C-sect. That was the wake-up call and I turned to my brother again. As the very calm persona he always has been, he just said, “don’t worry, come for more regular adjustments and you will be fine”. Indeed, my first born turned in time and I was able to give birth naturally and without epidural. Same went for my second child.

Who would have imagined? From a medical mystery to someone who could conceive and give birth to 2 beautiful kids. Chiropractic is not your traditional western field and not all may believe it. During adjustments, sometimes I don’t even feel much, just a few taps here and there and it is done. But if you have experienced the result and seen the miracle yourself, you just know it works.”

Chiropractic has been widely used to treat musculoskeletal issues. However, patients receiving regular chiropractic care often reported experiencing other abundant benefits that is beyond pain or discomfort, for example, increased energy, better mood, improved immune system, better range of motions, and better performing body functions.

Do you have a health concern or discomfort that is bugging you for some time? Feel free to call us at 63367714 or whatsapp us at 81988148 to find out how we can help.

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