Chiropractic care covers a wide range of approaches, from philosophy to practice and beyond. Research is essential for understanding our strengths and areas for improvement. Let's examine three recent studies on low back pain and cervicogenic headaches. Low back pain is a common health issue among Australian adults, prompting numerous studies on treatment over the years, which have produced a range of results. Here’s a recent finding:
A 2023 article published in the Journal of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine compared data for the effectiveness of chiropractic and conservative care (E.G. cold packs, medications, physiotherapy, and rest), in treating low back pain. The researchers concluded that chiropractic care seemed more effective in reducing low back pain, increasing range of motion in lumbar spine, improving disability status, and enhancing general health. Cervicogenic headaches are caused by issues in the neck. A randomised controlled trial published in the journal PLOS ONE in 2024 investigated the impact of spinal adjustments on these headaches: Ninety-six participants were divided into three groups: one received neck (cervical) adjustments, another received mid-back (thoracic) adjustments, and the third had conventional physiotherapy, including massage and targeted exercises. The trial concluded that cervical spine manipulation was more effective than the others in reducing pain intensity, headache frequency, and improving neck function and quality of life. Research published in 2023 in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice supports these findings. The results of 17 randomised controlled trials (involving 1190 people), on the effectiveness of manipulative therapy for chronic neck pain were analysed. They showed that spinal adjustments reduced the degree of ongoing neck pain and disability. While the studies mentioned provide valuable insights, it's important to consider that research outcomes can vary due to factors like sample size, study design, and methodology. Individual results may also differ based on personal health conditions, the specific nature of the treatment and other variables. Therefore, we stress that what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. That’s why our treatments are carefully tailored to each person's unique needs and circumstances. We look forward to supporting your health.
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The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in your body. It's formed by the joining of nerves in the lower lumbar spine and sacrum. Think of it like tributaries feeding into a river. Each side of your body has a sciatic nerve, which powers muscles in your thighs, legs and feet. These muscles allow actions like pushing off with your toes, extending and flexing your toes and feet, and tipping your feet outward. This incredible nerve enables activities like dancing, sprinting, jumping, and walking.
While the sciatic nerve itself doesn't cause sensation, its branches transmit feelings to your foot and lower leg. This connection explains why symptoms are often felt in these areas. Sciatica, by definition, only affects the sciatic nerve. Let's explore common causes and symptoms of this painful condition. What causes sciatica? One common cause of sciatica is intervertebral disc damage. The nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve originate in the spine and pass near the discs. If a disc bulges or is damaged, it can press on these nerve roots, affecting the sciatic nerve downstream. Another common cause is piriformis syndrome. As the sciatic nerve travels from the pelvis to the leg, it passes under or through the piriformis muscle. If this muscle tightens excessively, it can compress and irritate the sciatic nerve, resulting in symptoms of sciatica. Symptoms and treatment You may experience a variety of symptoms, but they typically include: sharp, severe pain in one leg, numbness and/or tingling that radiates to your foot or toes. In cases involving disc issues, the straight leg raise test can increase leg pain. For piriformis muscle issues, pain may intensify with sitting. Sciatica can be quite painful, but can resolve on its own - although this may take up to four to six weeks. However, some people continue to experience persistent pain, which can become problematic. If you experience symptoms of sciatica, seeking prompt assistance is advisable. The first and crucial step is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. We will ask relevant questions, perform tests, and facilitate imaging if appropriate. This process helps you understand your condition, allowing us to make informed decisions about your treatment together. Your sleep habits play a crucial role in your spinal health. The position you choose, the mattress and pillow you use, and ensuring you achieve sufficient zzz’s matter. These five tips may help you achieve better sleep and spinal health. Choose the right mattress
Your mattress is crucial for spinal health. A medium-firm mattress is often recommended. The ideal option should support your spine's natural curves and alignment, providing both comfort and pain relief. Choose the correct pillow Pillow choice is as crucial as your mattress. For back sleepers, a thinner pillow is best for spinal alignment. Side sleepers benefit from a pillow that fills the space between your ear and shoulder. A cervical pillow designed to support your neck’s natural curve is ideal. If you must sleep on your stomach, use the thinnest pillow possible or none at all. Sleeping positions Your sleep position is important as it affects spinal alignment and health. The best positions are on your back or side. For back sleeping, use a pillow under your knees to reduce spine pressure. For side sleeping, place a firm pillow between your knees to lessen strain on your lower back and hips. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as it forces your spine and neck into unnatural positions. Stay active and stretch Regular physical activity and stretching are essential for spinal health and good sleep quality. Engaging in exercises that strengthen your core and back muscles can support your spine and reduce discomfort during sleep. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, and incorporate stretches that target the neck, back, and legs into your daily routine. Gentle stretching before bed can help relax your muscles and improve flexibility, making it easier to find a comfortable sleeping position. The sleep environment Create a sleep environment that encourages rest and comfort. Regularly inspect your mattress and pillow, and replace them as needed to maintain optimal support. Use soft, natural, breathable bed linens. Keep your bedroom clean, uncluttered, and slightly cool, dark, and quiet to promote uninterrupted sleep. Creating a sleep routine Consistency is vital for good sleep. A regular sleep schedule helps to regulate your body’s internal clock which leads to better sleep quality. Choose set bed and wake times and aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Create a calming bedtime routine by avoiding screens, caffeine, and heavy meals before bed. Instead, try relaxing activities such as reading or meditating or gentle stretching. Adopting thse simple sleep tips can significantly improve your spinal health and restorative sleep, leading to a healthier, more energetic life. 10/7/2024 0 Comments Easy sweet potatohash brownsServe these crispy sweet potato hash browns as a delicious and healthy snack or meal for any time of the day. Ingredients
Serving suggestions: Top with baby spinach leaves, poached eggs and garnish of choice. Serve with a fresh baby spinach, tomato and feta salad, or chopped avocado and yoghurt dip. Strong glutes are essential for more than just gym buffs. Discover more about these muscles, and how they support overall joint function and mobility. What are your glutes?
This nickname refers to the gluteus minimus, medius, and maximus muscles, often called the bottom muscles. The gluteus maximus is the largest of the three and the strongest muscle in your body. It stabilises your hip and extends and rotates it when needed, and supports the correct position of your leg. Together, these muscles help keep you upright by fighting gravity, enabling correct leg movement, and stabilising your pelvis and body. Strong glutes are crucial for functional movements like squatting and bending, everyday activities like walking, and sports like cycling. They also support the proper functioning of other joints. Why are glutes important for joint health? Joints need to move freely to avoid stiffness or injury, relying on muscles for stability and proper function. Inadequate glute strength may result in a range of issues, potentially leading to discomfort and pain. These include:
Strengthening the glutes can help address these issues by providing support and stability in the hips, pelvis, and lower back. Before trying these exercises, ask us if they’re suitable for you and how to perform them safely. We’re here to help! Do you have tight calf muscles? When they're tense, you might feel cramping, pulling, or tightness. Though discomfort is common, tight calves usually aren't painful. However, they can still hinder foot, leg, and overall body function. The calf muscles connect the thigh bone to the heel and aid leg movement. When they contract, they bend the knee and point the toes downward. Tight calf muscles restrict these movements, making it harder to lift the toes and straighten the leg.
Many factors - not all well-known - can cause tight calves. Issues like reduced blood flow, nerve problems, overexertion, dehydration, poor physical condition, and flat feet may increase the risk. Nutrient deficiencies such as low magnesium, potassium, or calcium levels, along with biomechanical issues like an irregular gait, can also contribute to tight calf muscles. Tight calves affect more than just your calves. They limit ankle mobility crucial for activities like walking, increasing the risk of foot, heel, and ankle issues. Additionally, tight calves impair weight distribution while walking; affecting balance and gait, even without pain. The good news is that there are ways to treat tight calves. A five-minute massage to each calf muscle can improve flexibility. You can knead the muscles with your hands or roll your calves back and forward over a foam roller. Stretching your calves provides numerous benefits, such as improved flexibility, balance and stability, better ankle mobility, stronger lower legs, and reduced risk of injury. Ensure you warm-up beforehand; and get professional advice to determine the most suitable stretches for your needs and how to execute them safely. Remember, overstretching or using improper technique can increase the risk of injury. If you're struggling with tight calves, we can investigate the causes and offer personalised guidance to help alleviate tightness and keep you safe from injury. Your wrist is a complex joint composed of many bones, cartilage, and ligaments, which together enable a wide range of movement. Try rotating your hands to see how flexible your wrists are! Wrist structure
The wrist's structure allows flexibility for daily tasks while protecting vital nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. This protection is provided by bones and ligaments forming a secure framework. The wrist has eight carpal bones in two rows: one near the forearm and one near the hand. Ligaments connect most of the wrist bones, providing flexibility, strength, and stability. Cartilage absorbs shock and reduces friction during movement. Muscles that move the wrist start in the forearm and attach to the hand and fingers. A broad ligament secures the tendons of these muscles, maintaining alignment during wrist movements. Why wrist injuries can occur Despite your wrist's clever structure, it's still vulnerable to various injuries. Trauma, lifestyle, and underlying medical issues can all contribute to wrist problems.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, is a common wrist condition with several contributing factors. Inflammation causes swelling in the wrist and compresses the median nerve, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers. This condition is often worsened by repetitive hand movements such as typing. Maintaining good wrist health involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits, using proper ergonomics, and adjusting how you perform activities. If you need advice on preventing or treating wrist problems, feel free to ask us. Winter in Australia often brings chilly winds and illnesses such as colds and flu. However, we’re fortunate to have an abundance of incredible fruits and vegetables that can boost our immune systems and help combat infections. Let's meet five of these winter superstars! Citrus fruits: such as oranges, mandarins, lemons, and grapefruit are high in vitamin C, which offers numerous health benefits. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, which helps protect your body against damage. It also aids the function of various white blood cells, which are an important part of your body’s immune system response. Consume foods high in vitamin C daily, as it doesn’t stay in your body for long.
Sweet potatoes: These hearty root vegetables are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They’re a great source of beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A, crucial for supporting immune function. Sweet potatoes also provide vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants. Broccoli: This nutritious vegetable contains significant amounts of vitamins A, C and E as well as dietary fibre. Vitamins E and C are effective antioxidants which can aid in protecting your body against bacteria, viruses, and other germs. Spinach: This leafy green is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene and antioxidants and folate. These nutrients work together to strengthen your immune system, fortify your body's defences, and promote overall health. Garlic: Not only does garlic add an aromatic touch to your cooking, but it also serves as a potent immune booster. Packed with sulphur-containing compounds, garlic possesses antimicrobial properties that can help fend off infections. It may even contribute to reducing the severity and duration of colds. So, feel free to include garlic in your recipes – your immune system will appreciate it. These are just five examples of the wide array of fruits and vegetables that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to strengthen your immune system and fight infections. Eating a colourful variety of nutritious fruit and vegetables daily is not only tasty, but also an effective way to support your health. Your spine is an extraordinary feat of biological engineering, designed to move, support, protect, weight-bear, absorb shock, and more. Understanding this intricate marvel helps you know your body better. Spinal regions
The spine has five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccyx.
Each spine bone is called a vertebra, and the vertebrae in each region are given a number. For example, most people have five bones in the lumbar region named L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5. L1 is the uppermost lumbar vertebra, and L5 is the lowermost vertebra. This numbering is for identification purposes, used to identify and record “problem” spots accurately. Vertebral shapes Each vertebra in the spine has a distinct shape that corresponds to its specific function. For example, the first cervical vertebra (C1) is ring-like with a hole in the centre. In contrast, the tailbone is triangular. These structural differences enable your spine to support a range of movements and functions. The cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae have a thick, solid section at the front called the vertebral body, which supports most of your body's weight. Two bony "arms" extend from the vertebral body and connect at the back, forming a space for the spinal cord. Small holes on the sides of the vertebrae allow nerves to exit from the spinal cord, enabling communication between it and the rest of your body. Spinal discs The cervical, thoracic, and lumbar bones have an intervertebral disc (IVD) between them, with the exception of C1 and C2. The IVD is a rubbery cushion with a softer inner and tough outer section. The disc connects vertebrae, allows safe movement, absorbs shock, and helps your spine to work well. Additionally, some people have discs between the sacral and coccygeal bones. Long and short ligaments connect the vertebrae, while long and short muscles, which are primarily responsible for the movement of the spine, allow for bending, twisting, and other movements. Spinal injury and care Some spinal areas are more difficult to damage and treat due to anatomical differences and location. For instance, the thoracic region is less prone to injury compared to the lumbar region because the ribcage provides stability and protection. Conversely, treating the coccyx can be more complex because it’s very small and situated in a difficult-to-access area. Please feel free to reach out for more information - spine health is our passion! Hairdressing can be high risk when it comes to injury. We care for many in this profession and understand that the physical toll can be significant. Standing and working with tense shoulders and raised arms for long periods can be exhausting. The awkward postures and the mechanical stress placed on your joints can be troublesome. Your muscles must stay “switched on” for long periods. Like a car that runs out of petrol, your muscles run out of energy.
Additionally, repetitive hand motions and limited breaks can be really hard on the body. Hairdressers often experience neck, shoulder, wrist, hand, and back pain. Fortunately there are ways to reduce your risk, help improve your posture and ease discomfort. Here are five suggestions:
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AuthorAdam's Back is a team of dedicated complimentary health professionals. Our aim is to support you in finding drug-free solutions for better health. Archives
November 2024
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