Body pain affects a significant portion of the Filipino population, with studies showing that roughly 1 in 6 adults in Metro Manila. About 16.3% experience musculoskeletal complaints like joint aches and muscle discomfort. 

Many patients turn to pain relief sprays for quick comfort, but these provide only temporary relief. Chiro therapy has emerged as a notable treatment option that addresses the root causes of pain, offering a more comprehensive approach to long-term wellness and recovery.

Read the rest of this article to understand how pain relief sprays work and how chiro therapy can help.

How do pain relief sprays work? 

Pain relief sprays work by distracting the brain or acting on pain receptors when applied to the affected area. Afterward, they prevent pain by delivering the following: 

• Cooling effect 
• Warming effect 
• Anti-inflammatory action 
• Numbing effect 

Cooling effect. Menthol and camphor create a cooling sensation that distracts your nervous system from pain signals, making discomfort feel less intense.

Warming effect. Ingredients like methyl salicylate or capsaicin produce warmth that increases blood flow, relaxes tight muscles, and helps clear out inflammatory chemicals causing soreness.

Anti-inflammatory action. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) sprays containing diclofenac penetrate the skin to block prostaglandins: chemicals that cause inflammation and pain in muscles and joints.

Numbing effect. Local anesthetics like lidocaine temporarily block nerve signals, creating short-term numbness in the treated area for quick relief.

Why do people use pain relief sprays? 

Pain relief sprays offer targeted, fast-acting relief applied directly to the painful area without affecting your whole body like oral medications. They’re non-greasy, portable, and convenient for treating muscle strains, joint pain, sports injuries, and back or neck discomfort as part of a complete pain management approach.

What is chiro therapy? 

Chiro therapy is a manual, hands-on holistic treatment that focuses on the body’s musculoskeletal system, mainly the spine by means of manual manipulation. If properly performed, it can relieve pain by fixing spinal subluxation and tapping the body’s natural capacity to heal itself. 

Some of the methods that are performed by doctors of chiropractic are as follows: 

• Spinal adjustments 
• Mobilization
• Soft-tissue work 
• Rehabilitation exercises  

Spinal adjustments. These controlled, precise movements realign vertebrae in your spine to reduce nerve interference, improve mobility, and decrease pain. You may hear a popping sound during adjustments, that’s just gas being released from the joint.

Mobilization. Gentler than adjustments, mobilization uses slow, measured movements to gradually increase your joint’s range of motion. This technique is particularly helpful for patients who prefer a softer approach or have conditions requiring more delicate treatment.

Soft-tissue work. Chiropractors apply targeted pressure and massage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons to release tension, break up scar tissue, and improve blood flow to injured areas. This helps reduce inflammation and speeds up healing.

Rehabilitation exercises. Your chiropractor will prescribe specific stretches and strengthening exercises tailored to your condition. These exercises support your treatment by stabilizing problem areas and preventing future injuries.

What conditions are commonly treated by chiro? 

Chiro therapy can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from neck pain and headaches to sports injuries and joint problems.

• Back pain 
• Neck pain 
• Headaches
• Joint stiffness 

Back pain 

Chiropractors treat back pain primarily through spinal manipulation, a hands-on technique where they apply controlled force to misaligned vertebrae to restore proper alignment and reduce nerve irritation. The most common approach is the high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust, which creates the characteristic popping sound as gas releases from the joints.

Neck pain 

Chiro doctors treat neck pain through several methods, including spinal adjustments to fix joint subluxations, personalized exercise and stretching programs, electronic stimulation for pain relief, postural assessments, and soft tissue therapy.

Headaches

Chiropractors treat migraines and headaches through spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Spinal manipulation relieves pressure on the nervous system by correcting neck problems, reducing stress and pain throughout the body. Soft tissue therapy improves blood circulation to ease muscle tension and accelerate healing.

Joint stiffness 

Chiropractors address joint stiffness through spinal adjustments, joint mobilization, stretching, massage, heat or cold therapy, TENS electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and low-level laser therapy. These techniques target the ripple effect of joint subluxation that causes tightness and spasms in surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissues, helping to relieve pain and restore mobility.

Can you use pain relief spray with chiro? 

Yes, you can safely use pain relief sprays alongside chiropractic treatment. Combining these approaches often provides more effective relief than using either method alone.

Pain relief sprays contain active ingredients like menthol, camphor, or methyl salicylate that create cooling or warming sensations on the skin. These topical analgesics work by temporarily blocking pain signals and reducing inflammation in the affected area. When used with chiropractic adjustments, they can enhance treatment outcomes by providing immediate comfort while your body responds to the manual therapy.

Get lasting relief with chiro therapy

Body pain isn’t just uncomfortable—it can mess with your work, your mood, and your day-to-day life. Pain relief sprays are handy and work fast, but they’re usually just a quick fix. Chiropractic care takes a different approach. Instead of masking the pain, it tackles what’s actually causing it and helps your body heal naturally for relief that lasts.

If you keep reaching for pain sprays because the discomfort keeps coming back, there might be a better way. Book an appointment with Posture Perfect Chiropractic and see what personalized, hands-on treatment can do for your spine, muscles, and joints.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Severe pain happens a lot in hospitals, mainly after surgery or trauma. It’s not just uncomfortable, it can hurt your body in other ways. It can cause stress chemicals to spike, make breathing harder, hamper movements, and lead to more health complications.

Many patients turn to Salonpas for immediate relief, while others explore chiro therapy, a holistic approach, to manage and prevent pain. What’s the better option? Read on for details. 

What is Salonpas? 

Salonpas is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) topical adhesive patch that delivers medication directly to the muscle and joints. It uses ingredients like methyl salicylate, menthol, and camphor to provide temporary pain relief for sprains, strains, back pains, and muscle pains. 

What are the benefits of Salonpas? 

For years, Salonpas has been a trusted name in topical pain relief for over a century, offering fast-acting solutions for muscle aches, joint pain, and everyday discomfort. Below are some of the reasons why it became popular. 

• Simple to use 
• Alternative to oral medication 
• Targeted relief with fewer side effects 
• Flexible pain management 

Simple to use

• Apply directly to the painful area. No measuring, no water needed.
• Portable and discreet enough to use anywhere: work, travel, or home.
• No swallowing required. Ideal for those who struggle with or dislike taking pills.

Alternative to oral medication

• Reduces reliance on pills for mild to moderate muscle and joint pain
• Helpful for people with stomach sensitivities, medication interactions, or who simply prefer non-oral options

Targeted relief with fewer side effects

• Delivers medication directly where it hurts, working locally on the skin
• Limited absorption into the bloodstream means lower risk of whole-body side effects
• Better option for those concerned about long-term effects of oral painkillers

Flexible pain management

• Use as needed: day or night, around your schedule and activities.
• Designed for short-term relief from muscle strain, sprains, backaches, or arthritis flare-ups.
• Easy to remove once pain subsides or wear time is complete, giving you full control.

What are the side effects of Salonpas? 

Salonpas patches are  safe to use. Most people don’t experience any problems, and when they do, the side effects are typically minor. You’re more likely to notice issues if you leave the patch on longer than recommended.

Common reactions include:

• A burning or stinging feeling
• Irritated or red skin
• Itchiness

Some people may develop a skin allergy called allergic contact dermatitis when using Salonpas. This is especially common with the Hot Gel Patch version, which contains latex in the sticky backing. If you’re allergic to latex, you might notice a rash, itching, burning sensation, or blisters shortly after putting the patch on.

What is chiro therapy? 

Chiro therapy is a hands-on approach that’s focused on treating and preventing musculoskeletal issues, particularly those that involve the spine. Here, a licensed chiro doctor carefully adjusts your joints and spine to fix joint subluxation or spinal subluxation. When they’re back to the right position, you can experience lasting pain relief. 

What conditions is chiropractic therapy used for?

Since chiro therapy is hands-on and non-surgical, it’s used to treat musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions. Read the succeeding paragraphs for details. 

Low Back Pain

Low back pain can be short-term (less than 4 weeks), medium-term (4–12 weeks), or long-lasting (more than 12 weeks). No matter which stage you’re in, the best approach is staying active, doing specific exercises, and fixing your posture and how you move.

Neck Pain and Certain Headaches

Neck pain and some types of headaches often happen together, especially when your neck and shoulder muscles get tight from staring at screens too long or having a poorly set up workspace. Staying active, doing specific neck and upper-back stretches, and fixing your posture and desk setup can help ease the pain and stop it from coming back.

Sciatica 

Sciatica creates sharp, shooting, or burning pain that runs from your lower back down your leg. This happens when the sciatic nerve gets irritated or pinched. Meanwhile, sports injuries and joint issues like pulled muscles, sprains, and tendonitis commonly affect your shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. These usually need a combination of rest, slow recovery exercises, and changes to how you move or train.

What are the benefits of chiro therapy? 

Chiro therapy has been shown to provide numerous health benefits, from pain relief and improved flexibility to better overall physical performance and wellbeing. 

• Pain relief without surgery 
• Better movement and flexibility 
• Less reliance on pain medication 
• Natural, whole-body approach 

Pain relief without surgery

Chiropractic adjustments help reduce pain from back issues, neck strain, headaches, and joint problems. All without needing surgery or invasive procedures. By realigning your spine and joints, chiropractors address the root cause of discomfort rather than just masking symptoms.

Better movement and flexibility

When your joints are properly aligned, you can move more freely and comfortably. Chiropractic care helps improve your range of motion, making everyday activities like bending, reaching, or turning your head easier and less painful.

Less reliance on pain medication

Many people find they can reduce or even eliminate their need for pain relievers after regular chiropractic treatments. This is especially helpful if you’re concerned about long-term medication use or dealing with stomach issues from oral painkillers.

Natural, whole-body approach

Rather than just treating one specific symptom, chiropractors look at how your entire musculoskeletal system works together. This holistic approach can help prevent future problems while addressing current pain.

What are the key differences between Salonpas and chiro therapy? 

The key differences between Salonpas and chiro therapy boils down to their approach to pain relief. Check the table below for details. 

Aspect	Salonpas	Chiro therapy
Main focus	Provides symptom relief by numbing or soothing a localized, painful area (muscles or joints).	Aims to address potential root causes such as joint restriction, spinal alignment and movement dysfunction.
Type of relief	Short-term, localized reduction in mild to moderate aches and pains.	Short- to longer-term change in mobility, posture and mechanics, which may reduce pain over time.
Short-term vs long-term	Often gives relatively quick relief but does not correct underlying structural or movement problems.	May take multiple sessions; focuses more on long-term function and recurrence reduction than instant numbing.
Duration of effect	Works for several hours per application and is used intermittently as needed.	Benefits usually build over a course of visits, plus home exercises and lifestyle changes.

Which pain relief option is right for you?

When you’re dealing with ongoing pain, quick fixes aren’t enough. You need to figure out what’s actually causing it. Salonpas patches work well for everyday aches and sore muscles when you need relief right away. But chiropractic care takes a different approach by fixing the root problems like bad posture, spinal misalignment, and how your body moves, giving you results that last.

The right choice depends on what’s causing your pain and what fits your lifestyle. If you want long-term relief and better posture, the team at Posture Perfect Chiropractic can help. They look at the whole picture to restore balance, increase flexibility, and prevent pain from coming back.

Don’t let pain run your life. Check out your options and start moving better with Posture Perfect Chiropractic today.

Book an appointment today! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Main points: 

• Most heel pain responds well to conservative treatments including chiro therapy, which addresses underlying biomechanical imbalances and promotes natural healing.
• If you’re experiencing minor to moderate pain at the back of your foot or heel, chiro therapy can be an excellent first-line treatment option before considering more invasive interventions.
• With early intervention and a personalized treatment plan, most people experience significant improvement and can return to their normal activities pain-free.

Back of foot pain or heel pain affects millions of people worldwide, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with everyday life. Whether you’re dealing with sharp morning stabs, dull aches after prolonged standing, or persistent soreness, identifying the cause is crucial for effective treatment. Common culprits include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and heel spurs, often triggered by overuse, poor footwear, or biomechanical issues. 

Fortunately, most heel pain responds well to conservative treatments including chiro therapy, which addresses underlying biomechanical imbalances and promotes natural healing. Early intervention is essential for lasting relief and preventing the condition from worsening.

What are the common causes of back of foot pain? 

Common causes of back of foot pain are achilles tendinitis, insertional achilles tendinopathy, haglund’s deformity, and retrocalcaneal bursitis. Know more about them in the succeeding paragraphs. 

Achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis happens when the thick cord of tissue that connects your calf to your heel gets irritated or injured from doing too much, too soon, or too often. You’ll usually feel pain, tightness, and possibly swelling at the back of your ankle or lower leg, particularly when you’re active or right after exercising—like when you run, jump, or go up and down stairs.

Insertional achilles tendinopathy 

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy occurs when the bottom part of the Achilles tendon, where it attaches to the heel bone, becomes damaged and painful. This condition typically develops from repetitive stress, overuse, tight calves, or pressure from shoes, causing swelling and tenderness at the back of the heel. Symptoms usually get worse during activities like uphill walking, running, or stair climbing.

Haglund’s deformity

Haglund’s deformity is a bony bump that forms on the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon connects, creating a visible and palpable protrusion. This bump can cause heel pain, particularly when wearing shoes with rigid or tight heel counters, and the constant friction may lead to complications like Achilles tendinitis and heel bursitis. However, most cases can be effectively managed through proper footwear, orthotic inserts, and other non-surgical treatments.

Retrocalcaneal bursitis

Retrocalcaneal bursitis happens when a small fluid-filled cushion between your heel bone and Achilles tendon becomes swollen and irritated. This causes pain, stiffness, and swelling at the back of your heel and ankle. It’s usually triggered by doing too much activity, repetitive ankle movements, direct injury to the area, or inflammatory conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

When is a chiropractor a good option for back of foot pain?

If you’re experiencing minor to moderate pain at the back of your foot or heel, chiro therapy can be an excellent first-line treatment option before considering more invasive interventions. Below are other reasons that make the said holistic approach a good option.

• You believe your heel pain stems from mechanical issues like overuse, improper footwear, flat feet, or sudden changes in your activity level, and you prefer a conservative, hands-on approach that doesn’t involve surgery or medication.
• Your heel pain is accompanied by discomfort in other areas such as your ankle, knee, hip, or lower back. This pattern often signals underlying posture or gait problems that require a comprehensive, whole-body assessment rather than isolated foot treatment.
• You’re looking for more than just symptom relief. If you want immediate pain management and a long-term prevention strategy, which includes targeted stretches, strengthening exercises, and guidance on gait mechanics or footwear adjustments—chiropractic care offers a holistic approach that addresses root causes and helps keep heel pain from returning.

What to expect at a chiro visit

If you’ve never visited a chiro for back of foot pain before, knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and prepared for your first appointment. Read on to find out what you’d expect on your visit.

Comprehensive Assessment

Your chiropractor will conduct a thorough evaluation that goes beyond just your heel. This includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms and activity history, plus a physical examination of your foot, ankle, knees, hips, and spine to identify mechanical imbalances or postural issues contributing to your pain. If the underlying cause remains unclear or if more serious conditions are suspected, your chiropractor may refer you for imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on the assessment findings, your chiropractor will develop a tailored treatment approach that may include:

• Joint mobilization and adjustments to restore proper alignment and movement in the foot, ankle, and related areas
• Soft-tissue therapy targeting tight or restricted muscles in the calf, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia
• Customized exercise program with specific stretches and strengthening exercises to support recovery and prevent recurrence
• Practical guidance on selecting appropriate footwear, managing training intensity and volume, and modifying daily habits that may be contributing to your heel pain

Get back on your feet with Posture Perfect Chiropractic 

Back of foot pain doesn’t have to control your life or limit your daily activities. Whether you’re dealing with Achilles tendinitis, insertional Achilles tendinopathy, Haglund’s deformity, or retrocalcaneal bursitis, understanding the root cause of your discomfort is the first step toward effective relief. 

Chiro therapy offers a safe, natural, and comprehensive approach that goes beyond masking symptoms, it addresses the underlying biomechanical issues contributing to your pain while providing you with the tools and strategies to prevent future problems. With early intervention and a personalized treatment plan, most people experience significant improvement and can return to their normal activities pain-free.

Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living

Don’t let back of foot pain hold you back any longer. If you’re experiencing heel discomfort, Achilles pain, or related symptoms, our experienced chiropractors are here to help. We’ll conduct a thorough assessment to identify the root cause of your pain and create a customized treatment plan designed specifically for your needs and lifestyle.

Book an appointment today and discover how chiropractic care can help you move better, feel better, and live without limitations. 

Also, if you’re in the Clark, Pampanga area on January 18, head over to Posture Perfect Chiropractic Clark Clinic for our Patient Thanksgiving Wellness Event. It’s a great opportunity to get treated and take proactive steps toward better health. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes pain at the back of the foot or heel?

Pain at the back of the foot often stems from conditions like Achilles tendinitis, insertional Achilles tendinopathy, Haglund’s deformity, or retrocalcaneal bursitis. These issues are usually linked to overuse, tight calf muscles, poor footwear, or sudden increases in activity.

Can chiropractic therapy help with heel pain?

Yes, chiropractic therapy can be very effective for back-of-foot pain. Chiropractors address the root cause by correcting joint misalignments, improving movement mechanics, and releasing tight muscles in the calf and heel area to promote healing.

How long does it take for back of foot pain to improve with chiropractic care?

Recovery time varies based on the severity and cause of the pain. Most patients notice improvement within a few sessions, especially when combining chiropractic therapy with stretching, strengthening, and proper footwear.

Can posture or gait problems cause heel pain?

Poor posture, uneven leg alignment, or improper walking and running mechanics can place extra stress on your heel and Achilles tendon. Chiropractors specialize in assessing and correcting these mechanical imbalances.