How Chinese medicine could fix slumped spines of Hong Kong’s smartphone generation and put them ahead of the curve
Prolonged use of mobile phones, playing games for hours and slouching can affect development of spine, says leading practitioner Lam Chung
Traditional Chinese medicine could hold the key to treating an increasing number of children and teenagers with abnormally curved spines in a city increasingly populated by “smartphone zombies”, according to practitioners.
The condition of a 14-year-old girl diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), an abnormal curvature of the spine, had significantly improved after two months of a combined treatment of tui na – a type of Chinese massage therapy – acupuncture and daily exercise routines.
Angel Man’s spine, which was curved sideways in an S-shape at an angle of 31 degrees, was corrected to 18 degrees – a condition that only requires regular observation.
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Depending on the severity of the curve, scoliosis is conventionally treated by wearing back braces or surgery. Curves over 45 degrees are considered serious and would be recommended surgery.
However, the two traditional methods can only prevent the spine curvature from worsening, and do not correct or straighten the spine completely.
Lam Chung, a Chinese medicine practitioner specialising in AIS, has developed a comprehensive treatment for youngsters living with the condition.
Based on ancient traditional treatment theories and more than 30 years of clinical experience, the chiropractic-like therapy combines massage, acupuncture and a set of 22 different exercise routines that aim to loosen muscle tension, increase blood circulation and realign displaced bones.