Is your sacro-iliac joint causing pain?

Is your Sacro-Iliac joint causing your back, hip or leg pain?

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What actually is a Sacro-Iliac Joint?

The Sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the base of your spine to your pelvis. It acts as a shock absorber, distributing weight between your upper and lower body. While normally incredibly strong, it is a frequently overlooked source of severe lower back pain.

The Great Imposter:

SI joint pain is notoriously tricky because it mimics other injuries by radiating to different areas:

  • The buttocks and back of the leg (mimicking sciatica or a disc issue).
  • The groin and front thigh (mimicking hip arthritis).
  • The lower spine (mimicking a spinal facet joint issue).

Why It Hurts:

The SI joint relies on surrounding muscles to keep it stable. When those muscles don’t fire properly, the joint loses support, leading to tissue damage. This can cause:

  • Hypermobility: Too much movement in the joint.
  • Hypomobility: Too little movement in the joint.

How to Fix It:

Because it mimics so many conditions, an expert evaluation is essential. Spinal professionals, like chiropractors, look beyond the surface to fix faulty muscle patterns around the pelvis using adjustments and rehab.

The Bottom Line: Good spinal function is essential for movement, and good movement is essential for your health.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Featured image by RadsWiki (RadsWiki) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Family Health

It’s Summertime

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With summer around the corner, it’s important to stay healthy so you can do the things you love. Here at Pure Health Chiropractic, we can help with that!

Summer is all about constant movement—from hiking and beach volleyball to gardening and weekend sports. The trouble is, jumping straight from a desk job into intense summer activities can throw your body for a loop. Going from zero to sixty often leads to muscle strains, misaligned joints, and lower back pain that can ruin your summer plans.

That’s where routine chiropractic care comes in. Think of it as routine maintenance for your body. Instead of waiting for an injury to happen, proactive adjustments help by:

  • Keeping your spine functioning well to prevent uneven wear and tear.
  • Improving your range of motion so you can move freely.
  • Boosting your nervous system for better overall body function.

By keeping your body balanced and fluid, you can spend less time recovering on the couch and more time doing what you love.

Family holiday

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Chiropractic assessment

Why should you see a chiropractor?

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With the likes of Google and social media readily available to most people, it’s fairly easy to find news and information about what chiropractors do nowadays. Despite this, I still see a surprising number of people who are unsure of the conditions we can help with and our level of skill, qualification, and competency. So what do we do?

According to the World Health Organization, chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system. When I began my training in 2005, I assumed it would be fairly easy since it wasn’t considered “mainstream” medicine. I was very wrong!

Becoming a chiropractor is a highly rigorous journey. Here is a glimpse into what it actually takes:

  • A Four-Year Masters Degree: This full-time program demands high-level knowledge in complex subjects like anatomy, neurology, physiology, and radiology.
  • Intensive Hands-On Training: We spend countless hours mastering specialized joint manipulation, soft tissue techniques, and exercise rehab.
  • A Demanding Clinical Year: After passing a strict entrance exam, the final year is spent in a public training clinic. We are required to treat at least 40 new patients, perform 400 treatments, write a dissertation, and pass a tough exit exam just to graduate.

The hard work doesn’t end once we get our degree, either. Like all healthcare professionals, chiropractors are lifelong learners!

Every year, the General Chiropractic Council ensures we complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD), pass competency and criminal record checks, and maintain professional indemnity insurance. All of this rigorous training and ongoing education serves one main purpose: to ensure that patients are protected and receive the best care possible.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Chiropractic can help your back pain

Suffering back or neck pain? Here are some helpful tips

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New research released to mark Chiropractic Awareness Week (13-19 April), has found that more than two fifths (41%) of people in the Midlands are currently experiencing back or neck pain and up to 65% will face lingering neck pain in their lives.

The research, which was carried out by the British Chiropractic Association, found that for sufferers in the Midlands, the top triggers for this pain were;

  • Lifting or carrying heavy objects (53%)
  • Sitting for long periods of time (43%), and;
  • Poor posture (35%)

Notably, incidences of neck and back pain among younger people are also on the rise, with 40% of people in the Midlands experiencing neck or back pain by age 20.

 

GB mapped back pain

Local chiropractor, Chris Mallett from Pure Health Chiropractic in Stafford and Newport, comments on these findings:

“The BCA’s findings reflect what we regularly see in clinic, especially the impact lifting and carrying can have on neck and back pain. It highlights the importance of staying strong, active, and mobile so your body can better cope with everyday demands.”

“For those affected by long periods of sitting and sedentary lifestyles, movement is key. Holding your body in one position for too long can often lead to stiffness and pain.“

“Simple daily habits and exercises can help reduce the effects of inactivity and prevent neck and back pain. Small changes such as shoulder rolls, regular stretching, and taking the stairs can make a real difference to your back health.”

Top Tips to Help Neck & Back Pain

  • Improve Your Workspace – Make sure your chair, desk, and screen are set up to support a comfortable posture throughout the day. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
  • Keep Moving – Sitting for long periods can increase stiffness and discomfort. Try to stand up, stretch, and move around every 30 minutes.
  • Stay Active – Regular movement and exercise can help reduce neck and back pain. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are great ways to stay mobile without putting too much strain on your body.
  • Lift Carefully – When lifting or carrying items, bend from your knees instead of your waist, keep objects close to your body, and avoid rushing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with heavier loads.
  • Prioritise Good Sleep Support – Your mattress and pillow play a key role in supporting your spine. If your mattress is old or no longer supportive, it may be time for a replacement.
  • Stretch & Strengthen Daily – Gentle daily exercises can improve flexibility, balance, and strength, helping to prevent future neck and back pain.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Gardening and Chiropractic

Stiff and achy back pain after gardening? We can help!

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It’s that time of year when (hopefully) things start to dry out a bit and warm up. Unfortunately, that can often mean that we get more aches and pains, back pain and injuries when out in the garden looking to tidy things up. It’s easily done after a winter off, and frustrating as you want to get back out there as soon as possible.

BOOK IN NOW if you are struggling. We can help get you back in the garden if you have muscle, joint or nerve problems affecting your quality of life.

Gardening should be a workout for your green thumb, not a literal pain in the neck (or back). Most gardening injuries are avoidable with a bit of strategy. If you struggle with stiffness in your spine, hips, or ankles, use these pro tips to keep your back happy while you work:

1. Warm Up First

Don’t dive straight into heavy lifting. Start with “low-impact” tasks like mowing, light sweeping, or raking. Think of it as a pre-game stretch to get your blood flowing before the real work begins.

2. The 30-Minute Shuffle

Repetition is the enemy of a healthy spine. To prevent joints from stiffening, switch tasks every 30 minutes. By varying your movement, you ensure no single muscle group takes the brunt of the load.

3. Lift Smarter, Not Harder

Whether you’re moving mulch or laying a patio, keep the weight close to your body.

  • The Power Squat: Bend at the hips and knees, never the waist.
  • The “Golfer’s Lift”: For lighter items, try bending one knee while keeping the other leg extended for balance and strength.

4. Listen to your body!

Your garden isn’t going anywhere, but a back injury will definitely side-line you. If you feel tightness or a “twinge,” stop and take a walk – your garden isn’t going anywhere, but if you give yourself a back injury then neither are you! If you are feeling tight and stiff in those muscles after a buy gardening session, Liesa our massage therapist can help! BOOK IN NOW.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Sports and Remedial Massage

Sports Massage in Stafford

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If you have an injury, are feeling the new niggles of your training plan, or simply need loosening up, then get yourself booked in with a qualified sports massage therapist.

Our Sports Massage Therapist Hannah is offering Sports Massage in Stafford on Saturdays to help you get back to your best.

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn sports injury, feeling tight after an event, need loosening up before a big competition, or simply need support recovering from training — Hannah’s here to help you get back to peak performance.

Stafford Massage Room

About Hannah

Hannah is a qualified Sports Massage Therapist based at our Stafford Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic. She’s also a qualified physiotherapist, working full-time within the NHS. Her love of movement and sport began at just five years old as a competitive gymnast, and that passion has continued into adulthood through Pilates and regular gym training. Hannah has a strong interest in musculoskeletal health and injury recovery, and her professional training includes a range of soft tissue techniques to support rehabilitation and enhance performance.

She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP).

What is Massage Therapy

Our massage therapists offer sports, remedial (therapeutic) and deep tissue massage which is focused on the soft tissues of the body. This includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. Before treatment, our qualified therapists discuss any areas of pain, tension or limited movement you may have.

For more information about how massage therapy could help you, please see our massage therapy page.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could help. That could mean short-term relief or lasting improvements. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Chiropractic can help your back pain

“I’ve got Sciatica!”

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As experienced chiropractors and massage therapists in Stafford and Newport, we are often presented with ‘I’ve got sciatica’ when seeing patients for the first time. But did you know that ‘sciatica’ isn’t really a true diagnosis?

‘Sciatica’ is just a term that describes any injury in the low back that causes pain down the legs or buttocks. It is derived from the name of the largest and longest nerve in that region: the sciatic nerve.

Need expert advice?– BOOK NOW

Stop guessing and start healing.

“Sciatica” is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Whether it’s a pinched nerve or a simple muscle strain, our Stafford and Newport teams are here to find the root cause and get you back on your feet.

There are also different types of sciatica.

MRI broken

1. True Sciatica (The Nerve Issue) – Think of this as direct nerve irritation, usually caused by a “slipped” or bulging disc pressing on the spinal nerves.

  • The Rule: Your leg usually hurts significantly more than your back.
  • The Path: Sharp pain that travels deep into the leg, often shooting past the knee and into the foot.
  • The Feel: Often includes “electrical” sensations—pins and needles, numbness, or actual muscle weakness.

2. Referred Pain (The Muscle/Joint Issue) – This is much more common. It isn’t a pinched nerve; it’s your brain “misinterpreting” pain from injured muscles, joints, or ligaments in your back.

  • The Path: Dull or aching pain that radiates into the buttock or thigh but typically stops above the knee.
  • The Feel: No tingling or numbness. While it hurts to move, your muscles aren’t actually “weak” in a neurological sense.
  • The Rule: Your back usually hurts more than your leg.

It’s important to get it checked

In all cases it is essential to get a diagnosis with suitable treatment and advice as soon as possible. Nerve symptoms can become chronic or even permanent if serious and left too long.

We are experts in assessing and treating back pain with sciatica

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Back Pain – don’t let the fear stop you!

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For anyone who has experienced true back pain, we salute you. It can be agonizing, excruciating, and debilitating. Often, the fear of that next sharp, shooting spasm is just as bad as the pain itself.

The good news? Almost all injuries will heal.

Your pain will subside, and you will get back to normal activity. The key to recovery isn’t just treatment—it’s understanding your problem and losing the fear of it.

Need expert advice? – BOOK NOW

Beware of “Scaremongering” Language

We’ve lost count of the number of clients afraid to move because they’ve been told they have a “crumbling spine” or “crumbling discs.” This language is poor, misleading, and fear-inducing. It causes apprehension and a loss of control over your own health. If a clinician tells you your back is “crumbling,” it’s time to seek a second opinion. Most back injuries are manageable and capable of healing.

Case Study: From Surgery to Strength

Our chiropractor, Chris, is a perfect example of why you shouldn’t let a scan dictate your life. At age 23 (prior to being a chiropractor), he had a disc prolapse and surgery. By age 27 his MRI showed:

MRI broken
  • Multiple disc bulges.
  • Vertebral inflammation.
  • A narrow spinal canal.
  • Degenerative changes.

A doctor told him he had the “spine of a 65-year-old.” He was terrified. How would he cope? Would it ever stop?

The Results Today: Now nearly 50, Chris is stronger than ever. Thanks to his chiropractic training and neuro-mechanical nutrition, he can:

  • Ride mountain bikes down technical trails.
  • Squat his own body weight.
  • Deadlift twice his own body weight.

The degeneration on the scan hasn’t changed, but his function has. He still gets the occasional flare-up, but he knows exactly how to manage it – and he can help you do the same.

How to Take Back Control

There are no shortcuts to managing persistent back problems. It requires building stability, strength, and mobility. We recommend a multi-faceted approach:

  1. Appropriate Exercise: Tailored to your current level.
  2. Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on diet and nutrition.
  3. Movement Techniques: Incorporate Yoga, Pilates, or Massage.
  4. Professional Care: Chiropractic adjustments to maintain quality movement.

Don’t let fear control your life. Getting good advice and maintaining quality movement is essential to your recovery.

[ BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW ].

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could be the answer — whether that means short-term relief or lasting improvements, our care could help. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Stafford Massage Room

Clinics in Stafford & Newport

We can help you to achieve better health. Our team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists are ready to help you. We look forward to seeing you.

Your team at Pure Health Chiropractic

Article by Ethan Mallett
Content and Media Manager

Hannah Sports Massage

Good News! – Saturday Sports Massage appointments are now available

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Are you busy during the week and need a weekend appointment to sort out those niggles? Would you like a recovery massage after a tough week? Then we have good news for you!

Starting from 24th January, our Sports Massage Therapist Hannah is offering Sports Massage in Stafford and will be available on Saturdays to help you get back to your best.

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn sports injury, feeling tight after an event, need loosening up before a big competition, or simply need support recovering from training — Hannah’s here to help you get back to peak performance.

Stafford Massage Room

About Hannah

Hannah is a qualified Sports Massage Therapist based at our Stafford Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic. She’s also a qualified physiotherapist, working full-time within the NHS. Her love of movement and sport began at just five years old as a competitive gymnast, and that passion has continued into adulthood through Pilates and regular gym training. Hannah has a strong interest in musculoskeletal health and injury recovery, and her professional training includes a range of soft tissue techniques to support rehabilitation and enhance performance.

She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP).

What is Massage Therapy

Our massage therapists offer sports, remedial (therapeutic) and deep tissue massage which is focused on the soft tissues of the body. This includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. Before treatment, our qualified therapists discuss any areas of pain, tension or limited movement you may have.

For more information about how massage therapy could help you, please see our massage therapy page.

Take the Next Step

If you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or nerve pain that’s impacting your quality of life, chiropractic care, massage or shockwave could help. That could mean short-term relief or lasting improvements. If you are unsure which may be best for you, please feel free to contact us.

BOOK IN NOW. to start feeling better, move more freely, and support your body’s natural healing. We’ll work with you to identify any underlying issues and give you the tools to maintain your health.

Christmas opening

2025 Chiropractic & Massage Christmas opening hours :-)

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It’s that time of year again when we can have a well earned break over the festive period and spend some quality time with friends and family. Wishing all of our loyal and trusted clients a Happy Christmas and New Year, and thank you for loyalty during what has been a tough time for small businesses like ours.

If you’d like a Christmas chiropractic or massage appointment before we break up, please book now as our final day is Monday 22nd December for Chiropractic, and Tuesday 23rd December for massage. We will then be closed until Monday 5th January. For our full hours, please see below.

Our online store will also be closing over the holiday break to allow for postage and relaxation time. If you’d like some gift ideas, please see our Gift Idea page before it closes on the 20th December. Our gift vouchers and pillows make ideal Christmas presents 😉

We can help you to achieve better health. Why not come and see what our chiropractors and massage therapists in Stafford and Newport can do for you. We look forward to seeing you.

From all of us at Pure Health Chiropractic & Wellness, we hope you enjoy your Christmas and New Year break. See you in 2026!

Chris & Liesa
Principal Chiropractor & Senior Massage Therapist
Pure Health Chiropractic & Wellness (Stafford and Newport)