Spinal health is rarely spoken of as much as heart disease or new global infections, but it is important. Studies have shown that low back pain is the biggest contributor to years lost in productive work life because of a disability. So, while it may not make the news, spinal disorders are a significant cost to the health of our communities.

Not all spinal disorders are made equal. Neck and back pain can range from a mild niggle in the neck in the morning to severe radiating pain that never seems to let up. While some of the aches and pains simply need a good rub from a loved one, others can persist and need professional help. Also, the experience of pain often does not match the actual severity of damage to a part of the spine. All these factors make it all the more important to be proactive and take care of your spine and also know when to go ahead and get care from a qualified professional.

3 ways to be proactive with your spinal health:

1. Watch your back.

Your posture says a lot about you, so you should watch your back. Not out of fear, but respect for your body. Pay attention to your posture in how you position yourself in your free time on a couch or bed, how you sit at work or school and even the positioning of your body in your seat when driving or commuting. Be sure to chat to your chiropractor about your posture to know what things you need to watch out for.

2. Keep it moving.

In recent years, exercise has become almost like a buzzword. Everyone claims to be doing it and much of the exercise practices revolve around the gym. You may not always be able to go to a gym, or even feel comfortable in one but that does not leave you without alternatives. Once in your living room, walk instead of drive, add a stretch routine to your tooth brushing process and take regular breaks every hour you spend sitting down at work or school. So much of modern life keeps us seated and in the same position which can aggravate spinal pain. Take action today and keep it moving.

3. Get clarity

Be sure you understand the nature of your spinal pain. Severe pain does not always mean severe damage to the spine. People often fear the worst when they have spinal pain, and this can lead to unhelpful fear avoidance behaviours that can hinder recovery. While bed rest has a place in some cases of spinal pain for a few days, prolonged bed rest and inactivity has been found to actually have a negative impact on spinal pain. Be sure to consult with your spine care provider for persistent spinal pain and get clarity on the nature of your pain and how best you can recover.

How can a chiropractor help?

As chiropractors we specialise in assessing, diagnosing and treating pain associated with joints, muscles and nerves. These complaints are often associated with the spine but can also include peripheral joints. We are able to examine and diagnose these conditions and refer for appropriate imaging and onto other professionals when we recognise a patient’s presentation is out of our scope of practice. We are also trained in x-ray reading and reporting. Complaints are treated with a course of hands-on therapy using some of the following as needed: joint mobilisation, manipulation, soft tissue manipulation and stretching, exercises and education. We also see pregnant women for various aches and pains related to pregnancy, as well as new-borns and infants for various musculoskeletal complaints.

What do chiropractors treat?

Please see below for a list of conditions that are effectively managed at the Chiropractic Wellness Clinic:

• Mechanical Back pain (often caused by disc, joint or muscle irritation) with or without leg pain
• Mechanical Neck pain (often caused by disc, joint or muscle irritation) with or without arm pain
• Joint pains including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis
• Tendonitis of the joints of all extremities
• Frozen shoulder, shoulder from back and neck problems
• Elbow pain or tennis elbow from back and neck problems
• Headache caused by neck problems
• Prevention of migraine
• General aches and pains from joints, muscle spasms and cramp
• Sporting aches and pains like sprains and strains
• Musculoskeletal aches and pains related to pregnancy
• Various musculoskeletal complaints in newborns, infants and children

If you are unsure if we can help and have ruled out red flags, you may refer a patient to us and we can make an assessment to determine if they are in our scope of practice or need further studies or referral. If you are unsure, we can work with you and help to determine if the patient is a good patient for chiropractic care.

Thank you,

Chiropractic Wellness Team

Phone: 74470669 / 3926053

Email: reception@chiropracticwellnessclinic.org

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