Free spine care camp transforms lives in Watamu as over 4,000 treated in one week
Chiropractic therapy is a drug-free treatment for musculoskeletal disorders, especially those affecting the spine, using manual adjustments to relieve nerve pressure and support the body’s natural healing.
For the first time, residents of Watamu, Kilifi County, experienced the healing power of chiropractic care—an alternative, drug-free treatment focused on the spine and nervous system—during a week-long medical outreach that drew more than 4,000 people seeking relief from pain, stiffness, and mobility challenges.
The free clinic, held at Seven Island Resort and led by two visiting American chiropractors, introduced locals to a form of therapy that is rarely accessible in rural Kenya but has already made a deep impact on the coastal community.
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“I came here with severe back pain, and I could barely sleep. But now I sleep soundly and my legs feel lighter,” said Najma Ali, a mother of four from Timboni village in Watamu.
The outreach offered spinal adjustments, posture correction, and joint care at no cost, serving elderly residents, children, and adults who had long suffered in silence.
“I have had neck pain for years, and nothing ever worked. After the session, the pain eased significantly. I am honestly amazed,” said 61-year-old Said Athman.
Overwhelming response
The initiative was organised in partnership with Watamu Ward MCA Ibrahim Abdi Matumbo, who described the community’s response as overwhelming.
“Elderly people, children and even women who have suffered silently have found relief. The doctors have done this entirely free of charge, without asking for a single shilling. These are the kinds of treatment our county government should invest in,” Ibrahim said.
For Abbas Mohamed, the treatment brought more than relief. “Before I came, I struggled to walk or bend. Now I can move freely and even return to work,” he shared.
Chiropractic therapy treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system—especially the spine—without the use of pharmaceutical drugs. It involves manual adjustments to relieve nerve pressure and help the body heal naturally.
Dr Angela Marick, one of the chiropractors leading the camp, explained that chiropractic treatment focuses on the nervous system, which serves as the communication pathway between the brain and the body.
She said that when this communication is blocked, the body’s ability to function or heal is compromised.
According to her, chiropractors assess the body, spine, and nervous system to identify areas of pressure, and then perform adjustments to relieve that pressure—enabling the body to heal more effectively.
She said many patients had reported better sleep, improved mobility, and reduced pain after just one session.
Dr Angela Marick, one of the chiropractors leading the medical camp in Watamu. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
Sleeping better
“The things we have been noticing people say they are sleeping better is the number one report we got. We are seeing people with more mobility. There was a gentleman with crutches who couldn't lift his leg after the treatment.”
Dr Marick added that they had observed a reduction in seizure activity among patients who previously experienced frequent episodes, along with fewer headaches and lower blood pressure levels.
She described the results as incredible, noting that chiropractic treatment offers a drug-free approach to supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
She emphasised that delivering effective spinal adjustments requires extensive training and explained that their team was encouraging patients to return for follow-up sessions to deepen the impact of the care provided—especially given the scarcity of chiropractic services in the region.
According to her, there are only about 12 chiropractors in Kenya serving a population of 57 million, and their goal is to help expand access to this type of care.
Empower more Kenyans
Dr Marick expressed a desire to empower more Kenyans through improved function and vitality, pointing out that some children with autism had shown improvements in muscle tone and eye contact after treatment.
She said her team was keen on returning to Kenya and planned to engage with chiropractic colleges in the United States to explore potential partnerships that could increase awareness, expand services, and possibly support chiropractic education locally.
Her colleague, Dr Christopher Tabick, noted that they treated over 4,000 people in just five days.
“We have seen remarkable cases of stroke patients regaining movement, children with cerebral palsy starting to speak, and those with seizures showing fewer symptoms.”
The two doctors first arrived in Kenya in 2022, purchasing a villa at Seven Island Resort. It was during this time that they noticed the lack of chiropractic services in the country and decided to offer their expertise to the local community.
“We met in 2022 when they bought one of the villas from us. Afterwards, they realised that what is missing in Kenya is chiropractic, so they got the idea that we can come and help the community, as this exercise is very expensive in Kenya. So I thought it was a good idea. So we arranged the exercise with help from the Governor and area MCA,” said Ravi Rohra, General Manager at Seven Island Resort.
A doctor attends to a patient during the Watamu chiropractic care medical camp. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
Kilifi County Health Executive, Peter Mwarogo, acknowledged the potential impact of chiropractic therapy, although he noted that the field remains underdeveloped in Kenya.
“These doctors told us that a session abroad could cost up to 10,000 dollars. That’s not affordable to the average Kenyan. So we are working with them to explore ways of training local practitioners,” Mwarogo said.
Traditional remedies
He added that in rural areas, many residents often turn to traditional remedies first.
“This could complement what hospitals offer. We are hoping to upskill health workers who already have a foundation, rather than starting from scratch.”
For residents like Salma Mzee, a fruit vendor at Watamu Market, the change was immediate.
“I used to sit down a lot because of lower back pain. Now, I can stand at my stall all day without feeling tired,” she said.
Local elder Hassan Athman urged the government to support such initiatives. “We need these services to continue. They have made a huge difference in people’s lives. We hope the county will help bring them back.”
Dr Marick said the team is exploring partnerships with chiropractic colleges in the US to help train more practitioners in Kenya.
“There are only around 12 chiropractors in the entire country. We want to change that so more people have access to this form of care,” she said.
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