Education Corner

Many mothers in Hong Kong juggle work, childcare, and household chores daily, making them like superheroes who seem to do it all. However, prolonged repetitive work, physical strain during pregnancy, or a backward shift in center of gravity while walking can easily lead to sciatica. What exactly causes sciatica? What are the symptoms? How is it treated? And if pregnant, will it affect the baby? Let's explore these questions. How can you test if you have sciatica? Strictly speaking, sciatica is a symptom caused by nerve root compression due to herniated discs, degeneration, bone spurs, or deformities in spinal nerve canals. This results in pain originating in the lower back that radiates through the buttocks to the thigh or calf. Severe cases may cause numbness and weakness in the lower limb. Sometimes lower back pain is mistaken for a strain or sprain that typically resolves in 3–5 days. For recurring pain, the "straight leg raise" test helps identify sciatica. This test is also suitable for pregnant women up to 27 weeks. Straight Leg Raise Test (Modified Shovel Test)Lie flat on your back and lift one leg straight up. Normally, a person can raise their leg 60–90 degrees without pain. If pain occurs around 20 degrees of elevation, seek medical advice promptly. Can heat therapy effectively relieve pain?Many mothers worry about sciatica during pregnancy. Around 27 weeks, as the baby develops and body weight increases, added strain on the lumbar spine can cause sciatica. Generally, pain eases after the baby is born, so many mothers endure this discomfort. If you experience pain, inform your doctor early. Using a warm compress or soaking in warm water for 15 minutes can help. Also, try these gentle exercises to relax back muscles: Leg KicksSit on a chair and slowly kick one leg upward, feeling a stretch. Repeat 5 times, holding each kick for 10 seconds. Cat and Camel ExercisePlace hands straight on the ground, keep back level, knees bent on a mat. Slowly lift head, arching the spine forward and hold 3–5 seconds. Then slowly arch backward and hold 3–5 seconds. Repeat 6–10 times. Stop exercises immediately and consult a doctor if discomfort occurs. Hong Kong Registered PhysiotherapistThe information on this website is for educational purposes only.You should consult your doctor regarding surgical options and not rely solely on this information.

What is scoliosis? Can people with scoliosis exercise? Will having scoliosis affect fertility? Is carrying a heavy school bag the cause of scoliosis? Parents face many questions and often feel anxious and worried. Generally, scoliosis is not life-threatening, but daily care is important. It is a misconception that people with scoliosis should avoid exercise; in fact, they should exercise more.   How is scoliosis defined?Scoliosis is defined as a spinal curvature of 10 degrees or more. Normally, the spine forms a straight vertical line, but signs such as uneven shoulders, asymmetrical ribs, uneven pelvis, or frequent neck and back pain indicate a high likelihood of scoliosis.   Will scoliosis affect future fertility?Data shows females are more affected by scoliosis, about 80%, so parents often worry if it will affect fertility. The answer is no, provided the individual does targeted stretching and muscle strengthening exercises to prevent worsening of curvature angles. Scoliosis can cause fatigue and affect cardiopulmonary function. Its appearance may draw attention. After diagnosis, regular monitoring and strengthening of back and abdominal muscles to relax tight muscles are important, along with attention to posture. Wearing an orthotic brace may be necessary as corrective treatment.   Should one see a chiropractor or physiotherapist?Both can treat scoliosis. Chiropractors focus on manual therapy, while physiotherapists emphasize exercise-based correction. They are not mutually exclusive; parents should choose trusted professionals. When is surgery needed? Mild: 10–25 degrees Moderate: 26–40 degrees Severe: over 40 degrees (surgery required) Advice:Scoliosis causes fatigue, cardiopulmonary impact, and visible deformity. Regular monitoring, back and abdominal muscle strengthening, posture awareness, and orthotic braces if required are crucial.   Hong Kong Registered PhysiotherapistThe information on this website is for educational purposes only.You should consult your doctor regarding surgical options and not solely depend on this website.

What are the symptoms of cervicogenic headache?Cervicogenic headaches typically present as unilateral or sometimes bilateral pain, often more pronounced on one side. The pain is usually described as tension-like, pressure, or dull ache, and is accompanied by neck pain and stiffness. The pain often starts at the suboccipital area (base of the skull) and radiates to the temporal (above the ear), frontal (forehead), or periorbital (around the eyes) regions, and sometimes may extend to the same side’s arm. The symptoms often worsen with neck rotation, tilting, or maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods. Unlike migraines, the pain is usually not pulsating and usually lacks nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, or visual aura.   What causes the symptoms?The nerves from the upper cervical spine segments (C1 to C3) converge with sensory nerves from areas around the back of the head, temples, forehead, eye sockets, and temporomandibular joint in the trigeminal spinal nucleus before entering the brain. If joints, discs, muscles, fasciae, or other soft tissues around the upper cervical spine cause irritation or pain, the brain can misinterpret this as pain originating from the head or face regions—similar to how heart pain may radiate to the chest, arm, neck, or jaw due to nerve convergence.   How is cervicogenic headache diagnosed?Diagnosis includes evaluating headache characteristics, onset, and medical history along with clinical assessments: Posture assessment: Looking for forward head posture or rounded shoulders (see Upper Crossed Syndrome). Neck movement assessment: Reduced rotation on one side is common, as the C1 and C2 vertebrae account for over half of neck rotation. Muscle and soft tissue examination: Tightness or tenderness in suboccipital or paraspinal muscles, with trigger points referring pain to the head or arm. Cervical joint examination: Assessment of facet joint mobility and restrictions, treated with mobilization or manipulation to restore normal movement. Muscle strength testing: Weak deep neck flexors and back muscles worsen posture and increase joint and muscle strain. Imaging: X-rays, CT, or MRI may be necessary to exclude other conditions.   How is cervicogenic headache treated? Physical therapy modalities: Includes transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), cryotherapy to reduce inflammation and swelling, low-level laser therapy to relieve pain and enhance circulation, ultrasound therapy to relax tissues and reduce inflammation. Manual therapy: Mobilization or manipulation to free restricted joints and relax tight muscles. Soft tissue release: To loosen adhered fascia and muscles and relieve trigger points. Rehabilitation exercises: Stretching tight, shortened muscles. Strengthening muscle coordination, control, strength, and endurance. Posture correction to improve awareness and reduce poor postural habits.   When to seek immediate medical attention?Sudden severe headaches, worsening headaches over time, associated fever, neck stiffness, skin rash, head trauma, or visual changes require urgent medical evaluation. Hong Kong Registered PhysiotherapistThe information on this website is for educational purposes only.You should consult your doctor about surgical methods and not rely solely on this website.

What harms can high heels cause?People without immunity to Hepatitis A or B, who have never received vaccination and are at risk of infection, should be cautious.   Harm 1: Toe DeformationMedical studies have long proven that wearing high heels over time can deform toes and the soles of the feet. Pointed shoes exert great pressure on the big toe, causing enlargement of the joint beside the big toe (Bunion). Severe cases lead to overlap of the big toe and second toe (Hallux Valgus Deformity), requiring surgery. Toe deformation is not only unsightly but also painful, affecting walking and should be prevented.   Harm 2: Calf Muscles EnlargementKorean researchers found young women wearing high heels walking 5 hours daily more than 6 days a week have calves twice as muscular as women wearing flats. High heels keep the rear calf muscles tight for prolonged periods; the higher the heel, the tighter the foot, making calves appear thicker. This is how “radish legs” form.   Harm 3: SwellingBlood circulation in feet depends largely on heel movement. Walking on tiptoes in high heels reduces heel motion and blood flow, causing foot swelling. A Brazilian university warned this could impair heart health long-term.   Harm 4: Premature AgingInitially, you may feel soreness in knees, thighs, and lower back. Over time, prolonged pressure leads to wear and degeneration. Scientific studies link high heels to knee osteoarthritis and low back disorders. This implies loving fashion over health may cause premature aging. As a woman, giving up high heels forever may be impossible. Balance is key: reduce walking time in heels and avoid very high heels to protect your health. Hong Kong Registered PhysiotherapistThe information on this website is for educational use only.Consult your doctor about surgical options and do not rely solely on this site.