400dpiLogo(1)

10 Toormina Court. Pottsville 2489

FOR AN APPOINTMENT CALL US: 02 6676 2270

Archive for Back care tips

Why your back can cause limb pain

Posted by admin 
· November 17, 2021 
· 276 Comments

If you have persistent or recurring headaches or pain in your limbs or joints that can’t be explained, it could be coming from your back.

You may experience referral pain in one part of your body but it comes from another part, most commonly from your spine.

This is because our spines are very complex with many nerves that are connected to other parts of our body.  Problems with the spine, such as an injury, disc bulge or disc herniation may not necessarily present as back pain.  They can sometimes appear as knee, hip, arm or leg pain.

So how do you know when the pain you experience in one part of your body is coming from your back? There are three ways to identify if your joint or limb pain is really back pain.

  1. Do you have any back pain along with your joint or limb pain?

If you have back soreness that accompanies your joint or limb pain, it may be your back causing pain in multiple areas of your body.

2. Are you experiencing back stiffness that is limiting your range of movement? 

Stiffness in your back may be a sign of disc bulge, with the pain from your spine travelling down a nerve to another part of your body.

3. Does the joint or limb pain keep returning and your health professional can’t find an obvious cause?

If there is no obvious cause for pain on one part of your body, it could be due to pain referring from your spine.

Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat the cause of pain that refers from the spine. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to avoid more complicated health problems.

To learn more, or if you need help with identifying and treating the cause of suspected referral pain contact Lane Chiropractic Pottsville on 6676 2270.

276 Comments
Categories : Back care tips
Tags : , , , , , , ,

Why do my knees hurt?

Posted by admin 
· June 22, 2021 
· 34 Comments

We love our knees when they work.  But just as much as knees help us run, dance, jump and play, they can also cause a lot of pain and immobility at any age.

There are three main reasons for knee pain.

  1. Injury

Knees are always getting bumped and bruised, especially when they belong to children. Aside from bruises, there are many common types of knee injury:

  • fractures. This is a key cause of knee injury and can occur in any of the knee bones or the kneecap (patella). Knee fractures are most often caused by falls or accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents. Complications of weak bones caused by osteoporosis can also result in a knee fracture
  • anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This is a popular injury for football and basketball players. You’ll definitely know if you’ve done your ACL because the pain is excruciating. The ACL is one of four ligaments that connect your shin bone to your thigh bone. Over-stretching of this ligament, often due to a sudden change in direction while walking, running or playing sport, can cause this injury. A popping sound may be heard when the ligament is over-stretched or torn, and the knee will swell in the following hours
  • torn meniscus. The meniscus is rubbery cartilage that acts as a cushion between the shin bone and thigh bone. It can be torn when you suddenly twist your knee while it is bearing weight, such as when quickly standing up from a squat
  • patellar tendinitis. Tendinitis can occur in both children and adults, and is often caused by rigorous exercise that results in inflammation of the patellar tendon. This tendon connects the shin bone and knee cap, and is most often impacted by exercises such as running, skiing, jumping and cycling
  • iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) often occurs in runners, hikers and weightlifters. Constant flexing and extending of the knee impacts the iliotibial tendon, which becomes inflamed and causes pain along the side of the knee.
  • Arthritis

There are many types of arthritis that cause knee pain.  Some of the most common types include:

  • osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage of the knee deteriorates with age
  • rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune illness that can impact any joint in the body, including knees
  • pseudogout occurs when joint fluid develops calcium containing crystals and can commonly occur in knees.
  • gout, that involves uric acid crystal build up in the joint, most often occurs in toes but can also occur in knees
  • septic arthritis occurs when the knee joint becomes infected, causing swelling, pain and redness. It can accompany a fever. This type of arthritis requires immediate medical attention due to the infection.
  • Mechanical issues

Sometimes we can have genetic or mechanical issues that cause knee pain.  Some of the more common mechanical issues include:

  • poor alignment caused by hip, feet or ankle issues. If you have biomechanical problems with your hips, feet or ankles, this can cause the knee to move at an unnatural angle, which puts pressure on the knee joint
  • popliteal cyst. Otherwise known as a baker’s cyst, it is a fluid-filled bulge that can occur at the back of the knee. This is a mechanical issue that can result from arthritis and often heals on its own once the cyst pops
  • osteochondritis dissecans. This is a joint disorder that affects adolescents and children, and involves cracks that occur in cartilage resulting in pain and swelling. It is thought to occur as a result of trauma caused by injury or repetitive stress on the joint
  • patellofemoral pain syndrome. This occurs when the knee cap doesn’t track properly in its groove and causes pain. A dislocated knee cap also causes knee pain
  • bursitis. Each of our knees has 11 bursae, which are small sacs of fluid that reduce friction so tendons and ligaments can glide smoothly over knee joints. Inflammation of any of these sacs is called bursitis, which causes pain and limits mobility.

Other mechanical issues can be caused when a piece of bone or cartilage breaks off and floats in the knee joint space, causing irritation.

How to protect your knees

It’s never too late to take actions that help your knees.  Here are just some of the things you can do to ease pressure on these important joints.

  1. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight causes stress on your knees, while being too underweight can cause weaknesses and make you more susceptible to injury.
    1. Maintain muscle strength and flexibility. Having good muscle strength and flexibility allows you to achieve a full range of motion and reduce the risk of knee injury.
    1. Be careful during sport. Some sports such as football, soccer, skiing, running, weightlifting and contact sports can put you at higher risk of knee injury. Make sure to have the right equipment, such as good quality sporting shoes, stretch before exercising, and try to avoid sudden sharp movements of your knees as much as possible.

When knee pain is not your knee

In many cases, knee pain actually has nothing to do with the knee but is caused by back pain. This is due to referral pain, where a bulging disc in the spine may present as knee pain because the nerves that branch off the lower spine send pain down the nerve to the knee.

To learn more or for relief from knee pain contact Lane Chiropractic Pottsville on 6676 2270.

34 Comments
Categories : Back care tips
Tags : , , , , , ,

Feeling stiff and sore when you wake up? Four tips to ease joint stiffness

Posted by admin 
· May 6, 2021 
· 13,538 Comments

When you do a heavy workout you can expect to be a bit stiff and sore the next day but what happens when you wake up every day feeling stiff and sore even when you haven’t exercised the day before?

Apart from muscle soreness caused by exercise, there are a number of reasons why people wake up stiff and sore in the morning.

  • Ageing

As we age, the cartilage that provides cushioning between our joints starts to dry out. We also produce less synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. Weak muscles and stiff tendons tend to tighten even further as we sleep. This results in various forms of arthritis that cause morning stiffness.  The most common forms of arthritis are:

  • osteoarthritis (wear and tear)
  • rheumatoid arthritis (swelling and inflammation)
  • psoriatic arthritis (inflammation linked to the psoriasis condition that causes red, patchy and scaly skin).

Stiffness can also be caused by ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease that can cause the bones in your spine to grow together. 

Stiffness associated with arthritis usually lasts around 15 minutes and goes away as you move and warm up joints and muscles. Stiffness from rheumatoid arthritis may last for more than an hour. Unfortunately you can’t reverse the effects of ageing but you can manage symptoms through regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.[1] Herbal supplements such as fish oil and evening primrose oil may help to ease joint stiffness caused by arthritis but ensure to check with your doctor before trying supplements.

  • Sleep position

The wrong sleeping position can cause muscle stiffness.  Try to avoid sleeping on your stomach because this can cause stiffness in the neck and back when you wake up.

  • Weight

When our bodies carry too much weight it puts pressure on the joints, which causes muscle and joint pain. 

  • Smoking

Smoking significantly impacts the body’s oxygen intake.  Oxygen is required for good circulation, so smoking impacts circulation in the body that can also impact joint movement.

  • Stress

Stress is a major factor that causes muscle tension and sleep disturbance, which contributes to morning stiffness.

  • Illness

When you are ill, muscles and joints can become stiff and sore. Chronic illness such as thyroid disease can also cause muscle and joint stiffness.

Four tips to ease morning joint stiffness

There are four key tips to easing morning joint stiffness.

  • Keep limber

While you can’t stop the impact of ageing, you can reduce symptoms through regular gentle exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga and pilates. Keeping the joints and muscles limber helps to reduce morning stiffness. Also focus on building core strength to support your spine and reduce back stiffness.

  • Maintain a healthy weight

Maintaining the optimum weight for your height and body type reduces pressure on joints, which also reduces morning stiffness. Ensure to follow a healthy diet that consists of plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and limit sugar intake. 

  • Reduce stress

Consider the stress factors in your life and things you can do to relieve stress.  For example, deep breathing and meditation can help, as well as a warm bath with lavender oil.  

  • Invest in sleep

Invest in the right pillow and mattress that helps to support your spine and gives you a good night’s sleep.  Also try to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees, or on your side with a pillow between your knees. It’s a good idea to develop a sleep routine to prepare your mind and relax your body for sleep.

If you are experiencing ongoing joint stiffness and soreness in the morning seek advice from your health professional.  To learn more, contact Lane Chiropractic Pottsville on 6676 2270.

[1] https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/what-makes-my-joints-stiff-in-the-morning

13,538 Comments
Categories : Back care tips
Tags : , , , ,

Beware bad posture can cause heartburn, incontinence and other health issues

Posted by admin 
· April 14, 2021 
· 40 Comments

Bad posture can cause neck, joint and back pain but it also causes a number of other health issues such as heartburn, incontinence and constipation, according to Harvard Medical School.

Modern work and life involve spending many hours sitting at desks, looking down at smartphones or lounging on the couch. Harvard Medical School has found that poor posture causes many health concerns such as poor balance, headaches and breathing difficulties, as well as:

1. Incontinence. Poor posture promotes stress incontinence, when you leak a little urine if you laugh or cough. Slouching increases abdominal pressure, which puts pressure on the bladder. The position also decreases the ability of the pelvic floor muscles to hold against that pressure.

2. Constipation. Poor posture on a toilet, hunched over with your knees lower than your hips, can promote constipation. This position makes it harder for the abdominal muscles to help move faeces out of the body.

3. Heartburn and slowed digestion. Slouched posture after a meal can trigger heartburn caused by acid reflux (when stomach acid squirts back up into the oesophagus).

To avoid health issues caused by poor posture, it’s important to develop a habit of ensuring good posture by maintaining a neutral upright spine position with shoulders back and down at all times. 

It’s a good idea to do core strengthening exercises such as yoga and Pilates to support your posture. 

If you think your spine may be out of alignment and impacting your posture, contact your chiropractor for an assessment.

For more information about how to maintain good posture contact Lane Chiropractic Pottsville on 6676 2270.

Source article: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/3-surprising-risks-of-poor-posture

40 Comments
Categories : Back care tips
Tags : , , , , , , , ,

Why skin numbness or tingling should not be ignored

Posted by admin 
· March 22, 2021 
· 36 Comments

If you have persistent numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, even if it’s slight, you should immediately seek advice from your health professional.

Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs indicates an interruption to proper nerve function. If you feel temporary numbness or tingling after sitting or standing in one position for too long, that is just due to a temporarily pinched nerve and will rectify itself. However, ongoing numbness or tingling signals continual pressure on the nerve that can cause lasting damage, or indicate the presence of disease. 

The most common causes of persistent numbness or tingling are:

  • a partial dislocation of a joint or organ, known as subluxation
  • a bulge or herniation of the rubbery discs that sit between vertebrae on your spine
  • diabetes
  • multiple sclerosis
  • stroke
  • systemic disorders such as kidney disorders or hormonal imbalances, including hypothyroidism
  • autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Raynaud’s phenomenon
  • vitamin B12 deficiency
  • chemotherapy.

How numbness and tingling can be treated

Most cases of ongoing numbness or tingling can be treated by a chiropractor, who can restore alignment, improve mobility, relieve nerve pressure, and reduce inflammation in the body.

In addition to chiropractic manipulation, your chiropractor may treat the numbness and tingling through methods such as ice packs, massage, traction, stretching and strengthening.  If the chiropractor identifies that the numbness and tingling is caused by a serious medical issue such as diabetes, stroke or multiple sclerosis, they will refer you for medical reviews. 

Some methods for reducing numbness and tingling include eating a healthy, balanced diet, avoiding toxins such as cigarettes and alcohol, and following an exercise program recommended by your doctor.

To find out more about how to treat numbness and tingling sensations in your body contact Bruce at Lane Chiropractic Pottsville on 6676 2270.

36 Comments
Categories : Back care tips, Uncategorized
Tags : , , , ,

Five ways to ease muscle pain

Posted by admin 
· March 5, 2021 
· 40 Comments

It’s not uncommon to get muscle pain up to 48 hours after exercise. Even if you haven’t been to the gym or completed a triathlon, you can get muscle pain from working in the garden, or doing strenuous household chores.

The good news is that normal muscle soreness is a sign that your body is getting stronger. Muscle pain is often associated with something called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which occurs when your workout has created tiny tears in muscle fibres.  The pain occurs as the fibres repair and become even stronger. A burning sensation in the muscles is due to a build-up of lactic acid that often occurs immediately after intense exercise, but this tends to resolve itself fairly quickly.

Muscle soreness often goes away by itself within a few days. However, while the muscles are healing, it can be uncomfortable and restrict movement. Try these quick tips to ease your muscle pain.

  1. Rest

As your body recovers, it needs time to heal.  If you can, take some time out and rest the muscles to give them a chance to heal faster. 

2. Do gentle exercise

Even when resting muscles, it’s still important to keep joints and muscles moving for overall better mobility. Try doing some gentle exercise such as a walk, gentle stretch, or a swim.  Swimming in particular is great for easing those sore and stiff muscles.

3. Get a massage

Massages are a great way to ease muscle tension by improving blood flow and mobility. We have fantastic massage therapists right here in Pottsville.

If you can’t afford a massage, try a foam roll.  Place the foam roller on the floor underneath the sore area and roll your body over it. You can buy foam rollers from exercise equipment stores, and check out online videos about how to use them.

4. Have a salt bath

Epsom salts are great for alleviating muscle pain and inflammation.  Try some Epsom salts in a warm bath with a bit of lavender oil to aid relaxation.

If you don’t like the thought of a bath, you can carefully apply a heat pack to relieve muscle soreness. But be careful to apply the heat pack for no longer than 10 minutes at a time.  There is a risk with heat packs of burning yourself if too hot, or with causing inflammation to muscles and joints, which could make the problem worse.

If the heat isn’t working, try a cold pack to reduce inflammation and nerve activity. Also only leave this on for 10 minutes at a time, and never put ice packs directly onto the skin.

5. Eat antioxidants

While it may seem easy to take an anti-inflammatory such as Panadol, there is emerging evidence that antioxidants may be more effective in relieving muscle soreness. For example, watermelon has an amino acid called L-citrulline, which can reduce muscle soreness.  Other foods to try include cherries, ginger and pineapple. Antioxidant supplements such as fish oil and curcumin (found in turmeric) may also help. Using topical arnica on the skin can also relieve muscle soreness.[1]

The best way to prevent muscle soreness is to stretch before exercise, and to work your way up to vigorous activity rather than jumping straight into it.  Also, ensure to keep well hydrated throughout exercise so that the muscles have more fluid during intense activities. It’s a good idea to have regular chiropractic, massage or acupuncture treatments to help keep your joints and muscles in peak condition.

However, if you experience ongoing muscle pain even without exercise, or pain that continues for more than a few days, see your health professional.

Chiropractors can help alleviate muscle pain that is associated with joint dysfunction and restrictions in the body. This allows muscles to move much more freely, and helps to reduce the risk of future injury.

For more information contact Bruce at Lane Chiropractic Pottsville on 6676 2270.

[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/sore-muscles#22.-Hydration,-proper-form,-and-mindful-practice-are-the-only-way-to-prevent-future-soreness

40 Comments
Categories : Back care tips
Tags : , , , , , , ,

Ten tips to get a good night’s sleep

Posted by admin 
· January 30, 2021 
· 157 Comments

Sleep is just as important as a nutritious diet and exercise to maintain good health. A lack of sleep can lead to health issues such as a weakened immune system, mood problems like anxiety and depression, memory problems, high blood pressure, weight gain, and an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.

However, getting a good night’s sleep is easier said than done in today’s busy world. In addition to work and home pressures, we are often bombarded with information from smart devices that can make it very hard for us to wind down at the end of the day. To help solve your sleeplessness issues, here are ten quick tips you can try for a good night’s sleep.

1. Get some sunlight

Your body naturally acts in accordance with its circadian rhythm, which is your natural internal alarm clock that lets your body know when to wake and sleep. Many of us spend too much time inside during the day, which impacts this rhythm. Try to get some natural sunlight each day, with sun protection, to help your natural body clock and improve your sleep.  If you can get yourself up early enough, try to watch the sunrise each day. Not only is it magical, but the sun’s first light helps to put you in a great mood and gives you energy for the day ahead. Getting up early to see the sunlight will also help you set up a pattern of going to bed a little earlier at night.

Blue lighting, which comes from our televisions, computers and smart devices, affects our circadian rhythm and keeps our bodies awake.  It also reduces hormones such as melatonin, which help us relax and get to sleep.

2. Reduce blue light exposure

Many new devices now have blue light filters that you can turn on when working on, or watching the screen. If your device doesn’t have an in-built blue light filter you can either wear glasses that block blue light, download apps that block blue light on your computer and smart devices, or avoid television, computers and smart devices such as mobile phones for two hours before bedtime.

3, Reduce your caffeine intake and avoid caffeine after 3pm

Caffeine can stay in our bodies and stimulate the nervous system for up to eight hours, making it difficult to sleep when caffeine is consumed late in the day.

Try to limit the amount of caffeine you have throughout the day, replacing it with water to hydrate your system, and avoid drinking caffeine after 3pm.

4. Try to maintain a sleep routine, and avoid lengthy daytime naps

Set yourself a sleep routine that includes consistent sleeping and waking hours each day, and a bedtime routine that helps prepare your body for sleep.

When you get into a regular sleeping and waking routine, it helps your body’s circadian rhythm and supports the production of the right levels of hormones, such as melatonin, that help you sleep.

As part of this routine try to avoid daytime naps wherever possible.  While short power naps can be beneficial, longer or irregular napping in the day can impact your circadian rhythm, which puts your body’s natural sleep clock out of time.

5. Avoid alcohol

Contrary to popular belief, alcohol doesn’t help you sleep and, in fact causes problems such as sleep apnea, snoring and disrupted sleep patterns. It also dehydrates the body, which impacts the ability to have a sound night’s sleep.

Replace alcohol with water – but not too much and not too late at night so you aren’t getting up to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.

6. Create a bedroom for sleep

Our sleep environment goes a long way to ensuring our comfort levels and a sound night’s sleep.  If your room is draughty or impacted by noise or light from outside, you won’t get a good night’s sleep.

Consider the temperature, smell, noise, light and furniture in your bedroom, including even the colours you use in your bedroom, and what will make the environment the most comfortable for you to get a good sleep.

Also invest in a comfortable and supportive bed, mattress and pillow that will help reduce your risk of joint and back pain.  Aim to achieve the most relaxing, quiet, clean and safe space you can get to optimise your sleep.

7. Avoid a big meal before bed

While your stomach may be rumbling and that midnight snack is tempting, aim to keep it light otherwise your body will be working hard to digest food, and this will make it difficult to get a deep sleep.

Conversely, avoid going to bed hungry otherwise your stomach may be getting you up during the night for a feed. Try to maintain a comfortable feeling in your stomach before going to bed. Sometimes a banana and glass of milk can do the trick.

8. Clear your mind

Stress is a big factor that impacts our ability to sleep. There’s not a lot you can do late at night to solve all the stressors in your life, so there is no point stressing about them when you need to sleep.  In fact, you’ll deal with stress and make better decisions after you get a good night’s sleep.

Try listening to calming music, or try meditation, a warm bath, reading a book, deep breathing or positive visualisation to help calm your mind before bed.  Your bedtime routine could incorporate some of these practices so that, over time, your body knows that any of these practices indicates it’s time to go to sleep.

9. Exercise regularly but not before bed

Exercise is a great way of burning up excess energy, reducing stress, and helping your body relax for a better night’s sleep. Exercise also releases those “feel good” hormones, endorphins, that help to reduce stress, depression and anxiety, which can impact sleep.

However, keep the exercise to daylight hours and avoid exercising before bed to reduce the risk of stimulating the nervous system and increasing hormones such as adrenaline that will keep you alert and awake.

10. Assume the sleep position

When sleeping, try to avoid sleeping on your stomach because it can cause neck problems, which then leads to pain and discomfort that in turn impacts sleep. 

Try to get in the habit of going to sleep on your side or on your back because this will reduce your risk of pain and discomfort, and will also provide a greater ability to breathe easier, and therefore sleep better.

If you still suffer from lack of sleep despite trying all of these methods, you may need to contact your health practitioner to confirm that you don’t have an underlying medical condition that is impacting your sleep. For example, sleep apnea causes sufferers to stop breathing during sleep, which severely impacts the quality of their sleep.

For more information about some natural approaches to helping you get to sleep contact Lane Chiropractic Pottsville on 6676 2270.

157 Comments
Categories : Back care tips
Tags : , , , , , , , ,

New World Health Organisation guidelines recommend 150 minutes of exercise each week

Posted by admin 
· January 16, 2021 
· 47 Comments

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is now recommending that adults have at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, and children average one hour of exercise each day.

The WHO guidelines outline the health risks of lack of exercise, and the need for adults and children to limit recreational screen time and get their bodies moving for both physical and mental wellbeing. Any physical activity is better than none, and more is better. Aerobic activity no longer needs to last 10 minutes or more to be beneficial but instead our health depends on us moving more as part of everyday life.

Current physical activity levels in Australia show that 85% of adults do not reach the recommended levels of physical activity and muscle strengthening exercise, while only one in five children meet the guidelines for physical activity of at least 60 minutes per day.

The WHO guidelines recommend:

  • Children aged 5-17 years should do at least an average of 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous aerobic physical activity. Activity that strengthens muscle and bone should be incorporated at least three days a week.
  • Adults aged 18-64 years should do at least 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity, or at least 75-150 minutes of vigorous aerobic physical activity throughout the week. Adults should also do muscle strengthening activities on two or more days a week.
  • Adults 65 years and older should do at least 150–300 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity, or at least 75–150 minutes of vigorous aerobic physical activity throughout the week. Mature adults should also do muscle strengthening activities at moderate or greater intensity on two or more days a week. As part of their weekly physical activity, mature adults should do varied multicomponent physical activity that emphasises functional balance and strength training on three or more days a week, to enhance functional capacity and prevent falls.
  • Pregnant and postpartum mothers once cleared by their doctor should undertake at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity throughout the week, and incorporate muscle strengthening and gentle stretching exercises.

For adults in particular, it’s important to keep moving to reduce the risk of joint and back pain from excessive time spent on the couch or at the computer.

To learn more about appropriate exercises for your body, and how to reduce your risk of joint and back pain, contact Lane Chiropractic Pottsville on 6676 2270.

47 Comments
Categories : Back care tips
Tags : , , , , , , , ,

Three key causes of back pain

Posted by admin 
· December 2, 2020 
· 40 Comments

Most people suffer from back pain at some time in their lives. Considering the back is a complex system of nerves, muscles, ligaments, discs, bones and of course the spinal cord, it can be tricky to pinpoint the exact cause of pain.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” cure for back pain and definitely no miracle cure. However, with the right treatment you can reduce the severity and impact of back pain on your life.

1.    Back injury

Injury is a highly common reason for back pain. Either as a result of direct impact from a fall, back strain from heavy lifting, or due to repetitive activities such as sitting for hours typing at a computer with incorrect posture.

Back injury can also occur as a result of bulging, ruptured or herniated discs, and osteoporosis that can lead to compression fractures.

2.    Inflammation

Inflammatory pain is caused by spinal disc inflammation.  This can be related to back injury but is more commonly the result of a medical condition, such as ankylosing spondylitis, that causes the immune system to attack the spine. Other causes of inflammation include arthritis and wear and tear caused by age, infection such as a kidney infection or shingles, and cancer.

3.    Chronic pain

With chronic pain disorders, such as fibromyalgia, the nervous system registers pain but there are no obvious health risks associated with the pain. This can be quite complex for medical professionals to diagnose, and frustrating for patients who have to live with the pain.

Chronic pain can also be the result of genetic factors such as curvature of the spine, or a short leg.

Symptoms of back pain

The symptoms of back pain can vary such as:

·      a dull aching pain

·      sharp pain that can be made worse by movement such as sitting, standing, bending or lifting

·      tingling pain or numbness down the legs or arms

·      loss of range of motion

·      leg or arm weakness

·      stiffness

·      muscle and joint tenderness

·      shooting pain

How high is your risk of back pain?

The following factors are linked to a  higher risk of developing back pain:

  • pregnancy
  • a sedentary lifestyle
  • poor physical fitness
  • older age
  • obesity and excess weight
  • smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
  • strenuous physical exercise or work, especially if done incorrectly
  • long-term repetitive activity, such as computer-based work
  • genetic factors
  • medical conditions, such as arthritis and cancer

Lower back pain is generally more prevalent in women than in men, possibly due to hormonal factors. Stress, anxiety and mood disorders can exacerbate back pain.

When to seek medical help

Short-term back pain can often resolve itself without treatment. However, if any of the following occurs seek medical help:

  • persistent back, joint or limb pain
  • sudden, unexplained weight loss
  • fever
  • inflammation or swelling on the back
  • pain down the legs
  • pain that reaches below the knees
  • a recent injury, blow or trauma to the back
  • urinary incontinence
  • difficulty urinating
  • loss of control over bowel movements
  • numbness around the genitals or buttocks

How to prevent back pain

There are ten key ways to prevent back pain.

  1. Regular exercise helps build strength and control body weight. Low impact aerobics can reduce the risk of straining the back or joints.  Core strengthening exercises strengthen muscles that support the back, while flexibility training helps improve flexibility in the muscles. Consult your health care professional before starting a new exercise program.
  2. A healthy diet with plenty of fresh, organic vegetables and a reduced sugar and fat intake can support bone health and control body weight.
  3. Eliminate smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. A significantly higher number of smokers and heavy drinkers experience pain compared to non-smokers and non-drinkers.
  4. Control body weight. The more weight people carry, the more stress it puts on the skeletal system, which results in pain. People who carry weight in the abdominal area are at greater risk of back pain.
  5. Practice good posture when sitting or standing. Make sure to sit or stand upright, lock your core muscles and keep your head in a neutral position. Avoid slouching as this puts pressure on the spine. When seated, ensure you have good back support and keep your feet flat on the floor.
  6. Use your legs to lift objects rather than your back. When lifting, bend your knees and keep your back as straight as possible. As you lift, carefully straighten your legs and try to maintain a straight back position.  Ensure to keep the object you are lifting close to your body. Also ensure to lock your core stomach muscles during lifting. Never lift and twist at the same time. If an object is too heavy to lift on your own, seek some help or use machinery to lift the object for you.
  7. When moving objects across the floor, use your leg strength to push the object rather than pulling it toward you.
  8. Wear flat, supportive and comfortable shoes to reduce strain on the back.
  9. When driving make sure your side mirrors are positioned so that you don’t need to twist. Take plenty of breaks during a long journey where you stop, get out of the car to stretch and walk around.
  10. Sleep on your back or side on a supportive mattress. Never sleep in a position where you have to twist your neck, such as on your stomach.

Chiropractors can diagnose and treat back pain with gentle manipulation techniques that are designed to strengthen and support the spine and joints. For more information and a spinal assessment contact Lane Chiropractic Pottsville on 6676 2270.

40 Comments
Categories : Back care tips

How to tell if you have carpal tunnel syndrome

Posted by admin 
· October 26, 2020 
· 594 Comments

If you have tingling or numbness in your fingers, nerve pain in your wrist or hand, weakness in your hand, or swollen fingers you may have carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your spinal cord down the arm through the carpal tunnel, is compressed. The carpel tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that has just enough room for tendons and nerves to pass through it. If any of your tendons become swollen, the median nerve can be compressed in the small passageway. This causes a significant problem because the median nerve controls movement for some hand muscles, and the sense of touch for the thumb and some fingers.

You may have carpal tunnel syndrome if:

  • you experience tingling or numbness, such as pins and needles, in your fingers or the palm of your hand
  • nerve pain in your wrist or hand that can spread up your arm or down to your fingers
  • weakness in the muscles in your hands, making it hard to grip things
  • swollen fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused by factors such as a wrist or arm sprain or fracture, repetitive use of the wrist and hand, rheumatoid arthritis, fluid retention, a cyst or tumour in the carpal tunnel, diabetes, thyroid issues, and kidney disease.

How to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome

There are a number of ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome such as:

  • ensure your wrists are correctly positioned in a neutral, almost straight position when using a keyboard or mouse. Avoid flexing the wrists in either direction
  • if your job involves heavy use of power tools, take regular wrist breaks and gently rotate your wrists to keep them mobile
  • avoid repetitive movements as much as possible. If your job requires repetitive wrist movements, such as for typing or maintenance work, take regular wrist breaks
  • physical therapy exercises and yoga that strengthen wrist mobility
  • medical treatment for underlying conditions such as thyroid problems, diabetes or arthritis.

Chiropractic treatments can be very effective at relieving carpal tunnel syndrome through light techniques and mobilisation to restore joint function in the wrist, and may help sufferers avoid surgery. For more information contact Lane Chiropractic Pottsville on 6676 2270.

594 Comments
Categories : Back care tips
Tags : , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Next Page »

CALL US:
02 6676 2270

Located at 10 Toormina Crt. Pottsville 2489

We have an wholistic and personalised approach to your treatment. As part of this approach we have a good network of local medical doctors, podiatrists, acupuncturists and other health specialists to best meet your needs when necessary.

Member of the Chiropractors Association of Australia http://www.chiropractors.asn.au

© 2015. All Rights Reserved.