Back to basics for aligned spines (From Bournemouth Echo)

Back to basics for aligned spines

10:57am Wednesday 3rd February 2010 in

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HOW did I get into this? I am lying prostrate on a couch and a man I’ve never met before has got me in a headlock. Suddenly, with a single deft movement he gives my head a tweak and there is a loud crack.

Even our Echo photographer, who is trying to capture the moment on film, looks startled. But there’s no cause for alarm. There’s no pain. Welcome to the world of chiropractic.

Like osteopaths, chiropractors use manipulation to treat the spine although they are more forceful than a physiotherapist and are trained to interpret X-rays.

Chiropractic is a holistic treatment which has been practised for over a century and there are around 16,000 licensed chiropractors throughout the UK.

And I’m in expert hands. Dr Nashir Karmali established The Alchemy Health Clinic in Wimborne in 1982 and he estimates that around 10,000 people have passed through his door over the past 28 years.

“People of all ages can benefit from regular treatments whether or not they are in pain and whatever their level of activity,” he explains.

“We tend to see a doctor when something is wrong when we really we should be having check-ups to help prevent future health problems – rather like taking your car in for a service.”

My consultation with Dr Karmali starts with a short medical questionnaire followed by an observation of my posture, range of movement and reflexes.

He quickly spots that I have a fallen arch in my right foot (something I’d been vaguely aware of) and explains how this has a knock-on effect on posture and muscle strength.

To illustrate his point he asks me to push against his arm in one direction and then to do the same with the other. One side is noticeably stronger than the other.

On closer examination one side of my neck and back is more tender in places too but with a little manipulation it appears to have been sorted – it’s a clever trick although Dr Karmali stresses he is not a magician.

He also fixes me up with some foam insoles called orthotics to improve my balance and posture.

“I like to work holistically. I might recommend a session with our fitness instructor as we have a fully equipped gym on site here too and we also offer homeopathy, acupuncture and oriental herbal medicine.”

Dr Karmali, who was born in Uganda, says he has been working on people’s backs since he was a child. He started to treat his mother at the age of five. Today his clients include professional athletes such as Olympic cyclist Barney Storey.

“Regular treatment can help prevent injuries and it also makes sure injuries are not compounded. We also provide specialist care for new-born babies. Our youngest patient has been only a few hours old and the oldest has been 104 years young!”