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Shoulder Pain
Chiropractic Awareness Week 2022 – Interview with Clinical tutor in addition to Chiropractor, Joy Harrison – AECC University College
Chiropractor and Clinical Tutor, Joy Harrison is a former student of the AECC University College Chiropractic and currently works in the Chiropractic Clinic, having joined us in September.
To commemorate Chiropractic Awareness Week, an annual event organized by the British Chiropractic Association, we talked to Joy about her reasons for choosing to become a Chiropractor , and what she enjoys most about her work. She also offers helpful tips and tips on how individuals can remain mobile and pain-free for longer by staying active.
What inspired you to join AECC University College?
I attended AECC University College, starting in 2014. I was licensed in the year 2019. I practiced for three years, and worked in private practice at various clinics. I was back at AECC University College to do some work. I thoroughly enjoyed the educational side of the job as well as helping the students. Therefore, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be a full-time member of the team at the beginning of the year.
Was it something about Chiropractic work that attracted you to this profession?
I’ve always had an interest in healthcare, and when I was older, I was introduced to Chiropractic job opportunities as a career. It was something that appealed to me as I could have some sort of life balance, and I loved the practical aspect and practice-based aspect. However, the primary reason for me was because I wanted to assist people. It’s always been my dream job. It’s really rewarding helping those who are suffering or suffering, and bring them back to their health.
Do you like the most about being a Chiropractor?
One of the most important aspects has been to help people. Then there’s the wonderful patient-facing aspect of my job as well as the relationships you establish with others and that I think is the most enjoyable part of what I do.
One that we often hear from our patients is that they are happy with the time they get to spend with our personnel and pupils here, truly receiving help and being heard. Are you in agreement?
Yes, absolutely. It’s what we do. We often see individuals for multiple visits dependent on the specifics of the problem. This is a good way to establish the relationship when you’re visiting people for months or weeks at an time. It’s really wonderful.
Do you have any memorable moments that were particularly satisfying for you?
HTML0I believe the most satisfying aspect for me is when patients come to my office, and, for instance they’re unable to engage in an activity that they’ve always enjoyed such as sports or hobbies that I can assist them in returning to the thing they love. I believe that’s the most satisfying aspect of watching them go often from a point of no return to the exact way they used to live their lives before. This is, in fact, one of the greatest advantages.
Are there any frequent complaints you receive?
The most frequent complaint I encounter is lower back problems. Sciatic-related pain is very frequent, as is shoulder injuries and neck pain.
In most cases, the injury is likely to develop over time. We also handle sports injuries, or injuries that occur when somebody has been injured in an accident or fallen also.
Do you have any advice you would offer to someone who is worried about an injury or pain?
My suggestion is to don’t let it go. Do not let it get worse or get any worse. If you’re aware there’s an issue, make sure you get it addressed as quickly as you can.
What can people do to look after themselves at home and in their daily lives to be fit and healthy?
Stay active and try to maintain your movement as long as you are able to.
Do you have any myths that you’d like to eliminate or something you’d like to clarify to anyone reading this?
I think I’d like to talk about the work chiropractors do, as I think many people don’t know the things we do and what we can do to help. We are able to help with all kinds of musculoskeletal problems such as a back issue, wrist pain or the knee, or an other extremity issue, we are able to help. We’ll be able to assess the issue to diagnose it, and treat it in addition.
Do you typically discover that people be referred to you for one issue however, there could be additional issues that you could assist the person with?
Absolutely. In the majority of cases there is more than one thing happening that causes a problem. All of it is connected in the body. That’s why the 90-minute appointment is so vital, because we’re able to conduct a thorough assessment and develop an appropriate treatment program for the patient as an entire. Some people may come in with knee pain after running, but the problem lies with the hips or ankles while the knee may be where pain manifests. It’s therefore important not to think of these issues in isolation.
Could you describe to the reader what they receive from a consultation and how you will collaborate with them to determine and determine the cause?
The answer is yes, and it will depend entirely on the region of the body that we’re taking a look at or the reason for the complaint. The first step is to begin the process by conducting some background research, determining about the patient and what their issue is. We’ll then look deep into their past and previous medical history, and then take part in conversation. We’ll then move on to look at the issues – through an examination. We’ll look at the way joints move and determining whether it’s functioning in the way it should or if there’s discomfort.
As a way to assess, I’d conduct some neuro- and orthopaedic testing as well as some movement control and strength tests, and so on trying to determine the root of the problem. After the session, I’ll communicate my observations to the person. I’ll share what I’ve learned during that session, and what I believe is happening as well as whether they may be a suitable candidate for treatment. I’ll then outline what the treatment will be and the length of time they’d require it for. If I’m unable to assist the person with their medical health condition, I’ll recommend them to a different medical professional.
How long does treatment differ from person to patient? What is the average length you require to visit them?
It is completely dependent. It’s dependent on how long it is as well as the intensity or frequency of the problem. For instance when someone comes to me for a consultation with an ache from musculoskeletal cause that began just a day ago, they might only require a couple of sessions, while someone who has 20 years of back pain might require additional sessions over the course of time.
Of course, you’re obviously a Chiropractor however, there are many additional services offered in AECC University College aren’t there?
Yes, there’s a range of services available here which include an up-right MRI scanner, Xray and ultrasound at the campus, too. I am also certified in dry needling and employ exercise rehabilitation services at my workplace as well.
What do you like about working with students at Clinic?
HTML0I am really enjoying it. It is very satisfying to observe their progress as they first start the clinic, and then as they progress towards their tests. It’s great to help the process and watch the confidence in their abilities improve. They find lots of benefit from having us clinicians around so that they are able to inquire and we can discuss our experience and methods. It’s a enjoyable aspect of the job to watch their progress from being trainees to clinical professionals.
Learn more about the chiropractic courses AECC University College has to provide here.
Or, if you’d like to schedule an appointment with our Chiropractic Clinic or to make an appointment, our telephone is open between 9.30am until 6pm on Mondays and 8.30am until 6pm on Tuesdays and Friday. Contact us with our helpful receptionists by calling 01202 436222.
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We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.
Shoulder Pain
If You’re Not Sleeping In These Two Positions, A Chiropractor Says You Need To Change That | Sleepopolis
Sleeping positions vary from person to person depending on what’s most comfortable for you and what you’re used to. However, a sleep expert on TikTok suggested you should just be sleeping in one of two specific positions to get the best sleep.
In a TikTok video that, as of publication, has earned over 2 million views, the Levitex Chief Sleep Posture Expert, James Leinhardt, explains which two sleeping positions you should be in when drifting away to sleep. (1)
He starts the video by showing the sleeping position known as “the soldier.” He points to a diagram that shows a figure laying on his back. But there is a twist. There is a pillow underneath the figure’s knees.
“If you pop a pillow underneath your knees you’ll find that you slightly tilt your pelvis and more of your back is now touching the bed,” he said in the TikTok.
With this, he said the pillow makes a huge difference because your body will be better supported.
The next sleeping position he suggests is the “the dreamer,” which involves sleeping on your side. He said that clinical research supports that when you sleep on your side, you put the least amount of tension on your spine.
The pillow serves a dual purpose, not only in the initial sleeping position but also in the “dreamer” stance. In this position, the pillow is positioned between the knees and ankles, providing support to the left leg and reducing the pressure on it.
Adopting a side-sleeping position is also beneficial according to Leinhardt, as it guarantees proper alignment of all body segments, creating an even stack.
“You want your ears, your hips, your shoulders, your hips, your knees, your ankles all stacked on top of each other,” he said.
Wait, what about the stomach sleepers? Leinhardt unfortunately doesn’t add that position to his list of best sleeping positions.
One user definitely was not too happy about this, posting, “The clinical reason is I physically can’t sleep unless I’m on my stomach.”
Other users expressed their fear of the sleep demon coming their way when they sleep on their back. One user said “The sleep demon comes when I lie on my back,” and another commented, “My sleep demon said no, sorry.”
So, are these two extremely specific sleep positions that include the help of a pillow recommended by the experts? Let’s see!
Another Chiropractor Weighs In
Looking to try the “dreamer” or “soldier” sleep position? We wanted to speak with someone who truly knows if these positions are worth the try.
We spoke with Dr. Sherry McAllister, DC, M.S. (Ed) CCSP, and the president of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.
Dr. McAllister said the first sleeping position, the “soldier,” can truly help alleviate any tension or pain you might have on your body while sleeping. She said when you place a pillow under your knees, it can take any pain away you might feel in your low back.
She said it allows for full support from one’s neck to their back. It can also prevent anti-aging and reduce pain in hips and knees.
“The most common scenario for sleeping on your back is to aid in neck, back and hip pain,” she told Sleepopolis. “Others may be for sinus issues and even jaw aches or headaches.”
On the other hand, with the “dreamer” sleep position, the pillow helps prevent one from rolling over and switching sleeping positions while sound asleep.
Even though many people enjoy sleeping on their stomachs, Dr. McAllister confirmed that the best two sleeping positions are in fact on your side and back.
“The side lying position allows your spine to rest as it mimics the natural curves, relaxing the muscles and relieving tension,” she said.
Do you notice you fall asleep in one position and wake up in another? Dr. McAllister suggests putting a pillow between your legs to prevent yourself from rolling over to different positions that might cause sleep apnea or snoring.
Sorry in advance to all the stomach sleepers because this position is not supported by Dr. McAllister. She said it affects the natural curve in your spine and could cause the aches and pains to feel even worse.
“Stomach sleepers may unknowingly contribute to decreasing mobility and flexibility by chronic stress to joints, ligaments and muscles,” she said.
If you are looking to switch up your sleep positions, it might be worth trying these two sleeping positions. But, as always, if you are experiencing pain, Dr.McAllister recommended that you see a specialist or chiropractor to improve your sleep health.
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Sources
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McAllister, Sherry. Personal Interview. August 9, 2023.
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1. Levitex on TikTok. TikTok. July 24, 2023. Accessed August 9, 2023. https://www.tiktok.com/@levitex/video/7259444791069461787?_t=8ehCOnAueWE&_r=1.

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.
Shoulder Pain
Crack! Crunch! Chiropractic videos help chiropractors find the correct spot.

NEW YORK – There’s a recurring motif in the comments on Instagram videos featuring Justin Lewis, a blond Manhattan chiropractic doctor with broad shoulders and a boyish grin: Alongside comments marveling at how crisply and loudly his patients’ joints clicked into alignment are unmasked expressions of longing.
Lewis’s 165,000-plus followers wrote “I need it” in response to a post showing Lewis adjusting a lower back while a clip-on mic amplified the crunching, cracking and grating sounds.
“I need some,” a woman commented on a video showing Lewis adjusting the neck of a female patient with a series of loud pops.
“Ugh, I NEED this right here,” one user writes beneath a video showing Lewis scraping shoulders of a young female wearing a workout top before he sinks deep into the crevice of the spine and shoulder blade. This is Lewis’s “scapular-release,” a technique that aims at relieving shoulder pain and increasing range of motion.
After watching enough videos of Lewis releasing scapulae and cracking backs, one can easily notice the stiffness of their own lumbar. Hearing their mic’d up pops and cracks also evokes a desire for a sudden bodily release bordering on the indecent, as well as a secondhand feeling of relief.
Lewis is one of many friendly, photogenic chiropractors who have become influencers in recent years. This is largely due to algorithms that keep recommending more chiropractors for people who have watched just one chiropractor. Lewis, who has a following of nearly 3 million on TikTok has a lot more than Alex VanDerschelden, the “OC Chiropractor” from Southern California, with 4.5 million. Dr. Cracks, a chiropractor known only by his name, has upwards of 6 million. CrackAddictz, a YouTube page, offers a compilation of the most satisfying chiropractor adjustments. These are to be consumed in the same way that pimple-popping videos are: obsessively and parasocially.
Humans have always sought to restore their bodies to a vague sense of their natural, divine functioning order — a feeling of overall well-being that specialized, targeted medical care can’t provide. For better or worse practitioners have always been ready to intervene whenever our chakras appeared blocked, when our humors were unbalanced, when our meridians became constricted, or when our orgone levels seemed out of whack. The search for relief is universal, and the solutions are as endless as the options. In 2023, it’s not surprising that laptop workers connected to the internet around the world will find relief through online videos.
Lewis, 35, began posting videos on Instagram in spring 2020 with the help a social media-savvy pal, after the steady stream of visitors to the newly-opened chiropractic clinic suddenly slowed down. Three years later, Lewis posts between three and five clips a week on his various pages on YouTube, Instagram TikTok Facebook and Pinterest. These include adjustment videos that are usually made in partnership with influencers or sportspeople, as well as songs or memes tailored for chiropractic care. Lewis’s fanbase has grown accordingly.
“We receive messages from people as distant as Africa, and Europe.” Lewis tells me that patients have flown in from Italy. Visitors “are often like, ‘Oh we’ve watched hundreds of your videos. Like, that’s crazy,” he adds.
Michael Rowe, a St. Joseph, Mich. chiropractor with nearly 2.8 million YouTube subscribers, has found that his popularity online has inadvertently threatened the stability of his office. “I’m a small town chiropractor, but now we have people calling us from all over the globe, just to talk to me or come see us. Rowe tells us that we have to explain what I do at the office is not different from what you get at your local chiropractic clinic. “I feel bad for my receptionist.”
Chiropractic videos are no different. At a certain point you start looking for more intense content. This may explain the popularity the Y-Strap – a tool that is fastened under a supine patients’ chin, and then yanked from the body in order to “release the pressure from the vertebrae on the spine from top-to-bottom,” according to the website of the manufacturer.
Caroline Smith, a waitress from Columbus, Ohio who shares chiropractic videos with her sister via direct message, jokes she’ll block any chiropractors whose videos do not feature the Y strap — for wasting her valuable time. Smith, who has suffered from back pain ever since a basketball accident in her teenage years, fantasizes about how life would be without it. “I want my spine decompressed,” says Smith. Smith enjoys watching VanDerschelden’s Y strap adjustment videos.
VanDerschelden is possibly the most popular idol among all the Internet’s dreamy chiros. He is also known for his “magic-hug” videos in which he stands up on the table and leans in to his patients. He then cradles the head and neck of his patients in his arms, until he finds a stiff spot, at which point he pulls inward. A microphone picks sounds that are crunchier than the sound of a brick falling into a bowl full of potato chips. (The cracks and crinkles, for what it’s really worth, are caused by pockets of gas escaping between joints – not bones colliding.
The Y-Strap is what fascinates and alarms the most aficionados. VanDerschelden declined my request for an exclusive interview. However, Joseph Cipriano a chiropractor who has offices in Tampa, Atlanta, and Greenville, S.C. and a YouTube channel that boasts him as “Y Strap Doctor” and has more than 2,000,000 subscribers, told me he swears it. He says that patients feel “lighter and taller” after using the straps. Many swear they can “breathe better, smell better, hear better, and even see clearer” after using the device.
Lewis and other chiropractors have reservations. “When I adjust someone’s neck, i’m feeling the neck. “I can adjust this area by putting my hand there,” he said. A Y strap, on the other hand, uses a more blunt force. “You’ll feel cracks in your back, but they’re not specific.” I think that specificity is important in this industry to ensure your safety. (William Zelenty a spine surgeon from New York’s acclaimed Hospital for Special Surgery watched a few Y Strap videos for this article.) He was dismayed when we spoke over the phone. “There is very little difference between these straps and a noose.”
Cipriano estimates that “99.9 per cent” of his patients visit him because they have seen his clips on the internet. “Everyone says that the Y strap is the main reason that they are coming.”
The videos have become a part of many people’s jobs in this field. Lewis films at least a couple of hours every day he is in the office. He estimates that 80 percent his clients book with him because they saw his videos. Cipriano wants to post new content on YouTube every other day, and offers a discount for patients who allow him to film their adjustments.
One wonders, of course, if being adjusted by a viral chiros gives the same satisfaction as watching someone else do it. When I visited Lewis on a warm, sunny Friday in his office, located on the 8th floor of a gray, nondescript building near Penn Station I requested a full-body adjustement, including the scapular releases. I thought the latter looked beautiful in the videos. Lewis warned me that it didn’t feel lovely while it was happening.
Lewis contorted my arm back behind my torso, slowly and painfully, with the Graston tool. It felt like a rug-burn, not a massage. He assured me that it would only take a few seconds each time. I could only nod, my brows twitching like an accordion.
Even the fabled, back-cracking back-cracking felt surprising similar to my brother body-slamming into the couch, when we were children. The crunch could be heard. The relief was muted.
The next morning, however, as I stretched out my arms into angel wings during a sun salutation class on a Saturday morning, I felt that they extended longer and further back than in previous years. That was transcendent.

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.
Shoulder Pain
How can your pillow help? How your pillow can help you
It can be painful to wake up with a stiffened neck. You may not be able even to turn your neck without pain. A stiff neck may not bother you for a few hours but it can be excruciatingly painful in the morning. It’s not a good way to start your day.
The good news is, you can solve this problem by simply changing your pillow. Stiffness can be caused by awkward neck positions, muscle tension, and poor sleeping posture. Your pillow could be the culprit if it doesn’t support your neck and head correctly. The wrong pillow can aggravate neck pain, even if it was caused by a sports injury.
The best pillow will help you sleep and wake up pain-free.
Sleeping causes stiff neck? Pillow guide for pain-free sleep
To sleep comfortably, you must first determine your sleeping style. The best mattress is one that cushions and supports your body based on the position in which you sleep. Choosing a pillow based on your sleep style is the key to pain-free sleeping.
(Image credit: Courtesy Nate Berkus & mDesign
Is your pillow at fault?
Your pillow may be the cause of a stiff neck when you wake up. Pillows need to be adapted to your weight, size, and sleeping style. If the pillow you are using is not right for you, it’s no wonder you’re in pain. Dr. Kevin Lees , director at The Joint Chiropractic , explains that pillows that are not sized correctly or have lost support can cause a stiff neck.
If your pillows are no longer fluffy and have lost shape, they may not support your neck as effectively as they used to. Your current pillows, even in good condition, may be the culprit. You can tell if you have a stiff neck by your sleeping style.
- Back Sleepers: When you lie in bed and find yourself ‘looking down at your feet instead of the ceiling, it could be that your pillow is too dense,’ explains Lees. ‘Forcing your neck to forward.’ If your neck is sagging and you are having trouble breathing, your pillows may be too flat.
- Side sleepers If your “shoulder falls forward” in bed, your pillow is too low. Lees says that the pillow should be positioned as if it were standing up and not folded under you. This will allow your head to reach the pillows. If your ear is pushed against your shoulder by your pillow, it could be too thick. Both of which can cause upper back pain and a stiff neck. He states.
- Front Sleepers:Stomach Sleepers will either turn the head to sleep, or bury it face-down in a pillow. If your pillow is not at the right height, it can cause severe neck pain. If your pillow is too thick, it will push your neck away from the spine. Front sleepers are advised to sleep without a pillow or with a very thin pillow.
Dr. Kevin Lees D.C
The Joint Chiropractic
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Kevin Lees, D.C., a chiropractor who has spent more than 20 years in the clinic, joined The Joint Corp. in 2020 as Manager of Auditing and Quality and was promoted Director of Chiropractic Operations by 2023. Dr. Kevin received his Doctor of chiropractic from Cleveland University Kansas City in 2000.
How to choose the right pillow for you
You should consult a physician if you are experiencing severe and persistent neck pain. A pillow can make you more comfortable. However, a doctor may be able identify and treat any underlying causes.
If you want to find the best pillow to relieve a stiff neck, it is important to choose the one that fits your sleep style and size. James Leinhardt (opens in new tab), sleep and posture expert and founder of Levitex (opens in new tab), states that ‘the pillow we sleep on is not a one-size-fits-all-approach’. Choose a pillow that is appropriate for your size and sleeping position. When lying down, the head should be in a neutral position and not pushed forward, to the back, or sideways, says Lees.
Side sleepers will generally choose medium loft pillows to fill the gap created by the shoulders between the bed and the head. Front sleepers can use a thin, soft, pillow to cushion the neck and relieve pressure. Back sleepers should use a firm, thinner pillow to prevent the head from sinking or lifting.
Casper Original Pillow
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Nolah Queen Squishy Pillow, 2 pack
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Coop Home Goods Original Pillow
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This product is designed to relieve shoulder, upper back and neck pain.
FAQs
How long can a stiff neck be caused by sleeping incorrectly?
A mattress that does not meet your needs may also cause a stiffneck. A mattress that is too firm can cause discomfort by applying pressure to your joints. A mattress that is too soft can cause your body to sink into the bed and misalign your spine, neck, or shoulders. Poor sleeping posture can cause back pain and stiff neck. To ensure pain-free sleeping, you should choose a bed based on your sleep style.
Uncomfortable sleep isn’t something you should ignore. If you’re suffering from a stiff neck, back pain, or simply not getting a good night’s sleep, it’s important to prioritize your well-being. Sleeping well is vital for your health – make sure to consult a doctor and invest in getting your full eight hours a night.

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.
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