Chronic back pain, spinal misalignments, joint stiffness, and other musculoskeletal conditions often go unnoticed or untreated in rural communities, yet they significantly affect individuals’ daily lives.
For many, these disorders result in restricted mobility, decreased productivity, and persistent discomfort that interferes with routine chores, especially farming and household responsibilities.
Despite their prevalence, access to specialised care for such conditions is limited, leaving countless residents to endure pain without proper medical attention.
Recognising this pressing health issue, the County Government of Nandi, in collaboration with the University of Eldoret and Life University of the United States, last week organised a four-day chiropractic outreach at Meteitei Sub-County Hospital in Tindiret Sub-County.
The initiative aimed to provide assessment, treatment, and education on spinal and musculoskeletal health to residents of Tindiret and surrounding areas.
The outreach drew hundreds of patients who had long suffered from musculoskeletal pain. Among them were farmers, teachers, and elderly residents, many of whom reported difficulties in performing daily tasks such as bending, lifting, or walking.
Medical teams conducted comprehensive spinal evaluations, offered chiropractic adjustments, and provided guidance on posture, exercise, and preventive care.
The County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Dr. Angeline Kirui, explained that musculoskeletal disorders are an emerging public health concern in Nandi County, particularly for manual labourers, the elderly, and office workers.
She emphasised that the outreach was part of the county’s broader strategy to expand access to specialised healthcare services, reduce preventable disability, and improve quality of life for residents.
According to Dr. Kirui, integrating chiropractic care into community health programmes is critical for reducing pressure on referral hospitals and improving long-term health outcomes.
Representing the University of Eldoret, Dr. Eric Korir highlighted the value of university-county partnerships in addressing real-world health challenges.
He noted that community outreach programmes provide hands-on training for health students while simultaneously serving residents in need.
Dr. Korir also explained that such collaborations promote knowledge transfer, improve local healthcare capacity, and foster innovative approaches to managing musculoskeletal disorders.
The delegation from Life University, USA, led by Dr. William Morgan, underscored the global importance of chiropractic care and its role in holistic health. They observed that many patients suffer unnecessarily due to limited awareness and access to non-invasive treatment options.
Dr. Morgan expressed optimism that continued partnerships with local institutions would help train more practitioners, expand community-based chiropractic services, and promote public understanding of spinal health.
Beyond treatment, the outreach featured educational sessions emphasising preventive care. Patients were guided on maintaining proper posture, engaging in daily exercises to strengthen the back and neck, and recognising early signs of spinal stress.
Health workers also distributed informational materials aimed at demystifying chiropractic treatment and encouraging residents to seek timely care.
For many patients, the outreach brought immediate relief. One elderly farmer shared that she had been living with chronic back pain for over a decade, which had limited her ability to farm and care for her grandchildren.
After receiving assessment and treatment, she described feeling lighter, more flexible, and hopeful for the first time in years. Similar stories echoed throughout the four-day clinic, illustrating the tangible impact of bringing specialised care closer to rural communities.
By the end of the outreach, hundreds of patients had been attended to, sparking plans for similar initiatives in other parts of Nandi County.
Officials emphasised that the collaboration between the county government, a local university, and an international institution represents a model for expanding access to specialised care while strengthening local healthcare capacity.
As musculoskeletal disorders continue to silently affect residents’ lives, such partnerships highlight the critical role of community-centred, preventive healthcare programmes.
Beyond alleviating pain, they help restore mobility, productivity, and overall quality of life, offering hope for healthier futures across the region.
By Sammy Mwibanda
