We’re living in a sedentary, screen-based culture. That drives forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and anterior pelvic tilt—working against the spine’s natural curves.
Welcome to the MUO podcast. Guest: Ricardo, a chiropractor from South Africa now practising in Spain. Today’s focus: how chiropractic can support weight loss, gym performance, posture and overall health.
Ricardo studied a 6-year chiropractic programme in Durban (5 years theory plus a Master’s with clinical work). He opened a practice with a friend and worked for six years. After two armed robberies at the clinic, he decided SA wasn’t where he wanted to raise a family. He explored Spain—liked the climate and expat-friendly Costa del Sol—and moved. Early jobs fell through; pay issues followed; he was twice let go. He chose to back himself and start CostaSpine.
Started in Guadalmina; added a second location in Aloha/Los Naranjos. Now five chiropractors, four physios, and several sports massage therapists. He reflects on naivety about Spain’s bureaucracy (licenses, tax, self-employment) and how failure built resilience. The host shares similar “start from scratch” struggles and why sun/sea and health drew him to the coast.
People ask: chiropractic vs physiotherapy? Within chiropractic there are “straight” (adjustment-only, quick sessions over weeks) and “mixed” approaches. Ricardo is mixed: he treats soft tissue and joints together—release tight muscles (which pull on bones/joints) and adjust fixations—plus educates on habits and exercise. He stresses ergonomics: lumbar support when sitting, screen at eye level, avoid long stomach-sleeping with head rotated.
The “click” isn’t bone rubbing—it’s nitrogen gas releasing from a joint capsule as it reaches end-range (cavitation), often with a brief endorphin rush. Many feel pleasantly tired after. Adjusting the spine can influence nearby nerves; better nerve function can improve respiration mechanics, explaining that “I can breathe better” feeling.
Chiropractic can help lifters by restoring joint range and symmetry—key for how muscles load and hypertrophy. He recalls Ronnie Coleman being treated; powerful musculature can stabilise damaged discs, but when training stops and muscles atrophy, disc issues may flare. Alignments plus mobility help bodybuilders pose and train more evenly.
You’re generally tallest in the morning and slightly shorter by night as discs lose water under load (then rehydrate during sleep). Decompression/Y-strap or long-axis distraction can create a small, temporary height change—think millimetres, not centimetres.
Losing natural cervical/lumbar lordosis from sustained slouching straightens the spine and loads the base segments. He’s seeing more disc herniations, sometimes misdiagnosed or poorly treated, leading to chronic issues and even surgery. Move more; be vigilant about ergonomics from a young age
Indirectly, yes. If spinal/nerve function and alignment are better, digestion and energy can improve, people feel better and move more, and healthier habits stick. It’s not a magic fat-loss tool, but it can facilitate activity and discipline that support weight management.
He often blends adjustments with soft-tissue work for better outcomes. On sex drive: patients rarely bring it up; no formal protocol taught in school. The host mentions personal anecdote where pelvic trigger points plus adjustments felt energising; Ricardo jokes that Viagra might not love that claim.
Many patients report deep, restorative sleep post-adjustment and even a “detox” feeling (sweating). Good sleep is when healing hormones do their work; resetting the system may help reach that state.
If you’re moving to Spain, first get accredited with the Spanish Chiropractic Association (AEQ). Spain doesn’t officially regulate chiropractic like physio/osteopathy, so expect gray areas. Also expect contradictory admin advice and confusing “autónomo” (self-employed) setup—persevere.
Spain prioritises living over working; that shift can frustrate productivity-driven expats but also improves family life. In clinic he meets everyone from CEOs to unconventional entrepreneurs and learns daily from their perspectives.
He’s hiring: good chiropractors can reach €2.5–4k/month early (higher in summer), and experienced clinicians often make €4–6k on 3–4 days/week; full-time can reach €6–8k. Marbella is seasonal and housing can be tricky. More Americans and Canadians seem to be arriving; if you’re relocating, the host’s team can help.