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Five Most Dangerous Words "Maybe it will get Better"
Healthy Spines
19-25 May, 2014 is Spinal Health Week in Australia. The chiropractic theme for Spinal Health Week 2014 is "Live Better, We've Got Your Back". With that in mind, we are dedicating this month's newsletter to spinal health.Osteoarthritis (OA)
We are all familiar with the term "arthritis". Arthritis affects 1.9 Million Australians. Most of us know people who suffer from arthritis. In fact, many of the musculo-skeletal symptoms that we personally experience may actually be signs of osteoarthritis (OA).What is Osteoarthritis (OA)?
OA is a degenerative condition that affects the joints. OA usually affects people over the age of 45, but it can also develop in younger people. Although we often think of shoulders, hips and knees when we hear about "arthritis", the spine is a common site for these degenerative changes, which makes your chiropractor a valuable partner in the ongoing management of this condition.
How Safe Is Chiropractic Treatment?
This is a valid question that you or your family members may have been thinking about.Chiropractic has a well-documented history as an extremely safe and effective method of drug-free health care since the late 1800's. However, there are still some concerns that are raised by members of the media and medical practitioners.
While we do not know the reason for these opinions, we will focus on the facts that are easily found in the scientific journals published around the world.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint is located in the lower part of the back and joins the tail bone (sacrum) to one of the pelvic bones (ilium). There are two sacroiliac joints – one on either side of the spine. The sacroiliac joints act to transfer weight from the spine to the pelvis and allow a small amount of movement to occur.A painful sacroiliac joint is one of the more common causes of mechanical low back pain. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction may occur from excessive forces being applied to the sacroiliac joint. This can be from bending, sitting, lifting, arching or twisting movements of the spine, or, from weight bearing forces associated with running or jumping. Injury to the sacroiliac joint may occur traumatically or due to repetitive or prolonged forces over time.
The New You
It's that time of year again when everyone is setting out New Year's Resolutions and unfortunately it won't be long till a majority of people start breaking them. There are many reasons why New Year Resolutions don't stick- they may be unrealistic, there is a lack of self-discipline or life gets "too busy". Our New Year resolution is all about you and what we can do to make 2014 a healthy and pain-free year for you. Our goal is not only to maintain but also to improve the high standard of care you've experienced with us.As part of our resolution, we are going to teach you how to live a healthy, pain-free life. Your success is ours, and we are committed to your health and well-being.
Give Yourself a Gift This Christmas
Stay Healthy During The Festive Season
It's that time of year again. It's not called the silly season for no reason. Partying, drinking, indulging, overeating and running around like a headless chicken from event-to-event and shop-to-shop, it's no wonder many of us feel tired, rundown, overweight and stressed as the new year comes around.Mid Back Pain and Chiropractic Care
Mid back pain is a kind of pain felt in the area below the neck and above the waist or lower back. The middle back is composed of 12 vertebrae which are part of the thoracic section of the spine. The middle back is naturally strong and stable as it is connected to the rib cage. The elastic cartilages which are found between each bone serve as shock absorbers and also, there are muscles and tendons that provide stability to the back.Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial Band Syndrome is the most common cause of knee pain in runners & multi-sport athletes by some estimates accounting for 12% of all running-related injuries. Iliotibial band syndrome describes a condition whereby the iliotibial band rubs against a bony prominence at the outer aspect of the knee and typically causes inflammation and damage to local tissue.ITBS is commonly labelled as an "overuse" injury. However this is really a misnomer, as it is generally not the fact that the knee is being used too much but rather that there are predisposing biomechanical factors causing injury with even appropriate levels of training.
Most cases of Iliotibial band syndrome settle well with appropriate Chiropractic care. This requires careful assessment by the Chiropractor to determine which factors have contributed to the development of the condition, with subsequent correction of these factors.
Sciatica
Sciatica is associated with pain, numbness, and muscle weakness in the hip, buttock, leg, calf, and foot. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest of all the body's nerves. It runs from the spinal column near the pelvis down each leg and can be as wide as your thumb. Each sciatic nerve is made up of five smaller nerves that branch into the thigh, knee, calf, ankle, and foot. Sciatica occurs when this nerve is compressed, irritated, or inflamed.Sciatica is most commonly a result of a misaligned lower spine that is pinching the root of the sciatic nerve. This subluxation can apply a good deal of pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause severe pain. Pain can either be dull and aching or can be a shooting pain down the leg all the way to the toes. This pain can last for several days or weeks or it can subside for even a few hours. However, someone who has had sciatica for a long period of time will find that the pain localises in the buttock and thigh. In severe cases it can damage nerves and reflexes or cause the calf muscle to deteriorate.
Kids + Technology
At least 70% of Australia's school students use computers. As a result of this increased usage, Chiropractors are treating more young patients suffering from the effects of working at computer stations that are either designed for adults or poorly designed for children. Many children are already suffering from repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic pain in the hands, back, neck and shoulders.Your back has 3 natural curves, cervical, thoracic and lumbar; they rely on proper posture to maintain these curves. Good posture remains crucial from childhood into adulthood, because the proper alignment allows your spine to do what it was designed to do. When the three curves aren't supported properly, muscles and ligaments must do the work the spine should be doing. This, in turn, puts stress on those over-taxed body parts.
