Feeling Weird After a Chiropractic Adjustment? Here’s Why

Feeling Weird After a Chiropractic Adjustment? Here’s Why

Chiropractic treatment is an excellent way to treat joint, back, or neck pain among many other ailments such as vertigo, and scoliosis. It can do wonders for your overall health because it has a holistic approach to dealing with inflammation, and it will help you fight out pain in the long run. But, every once in a while, you could feel weird after a chiropractic adjustment, which might seem strange since this type of treatment is well-known for helping you relax.

In fact, this is a perfectly normal reaction to the toxins leaving your body, so rest assured that once these side effects pass, you will be feeling energized and relaxed.

Wondering how that happens? Let’s see…

Cold-like Symptoms

You might be surprised to notice a runny nose or cough after your first few chiropractic adjustments if you didn’t know what to expect. However, cold-like symptoms can happen, especially in response to your first few chiropractic adjustments. This is actually your body’s way of releasing built-up toxins in the body. Chiropractic adjustments and treatments promote a healthy immune response and this is your body’s way of flushing out any built-up toxins that try to interfere with your health and functioning.

Fatigue

You may also experience fatigue due to the release of toxins from the body. It is also common to experience tiredness and fatigue after your first few adjustments as your body adjusts to these newer, healthier positions that promote better functioning in the body. When your immune system is activated, your body often appreciates you resting so it can work to flush out toxins and sickness while you sleep.

Sore Muscles

Some people wonder why they have sore or tight muscles after a chiropractic adjustment, but this is actually a very normal response. The muscles that support your spine are used to working for your back in ways that were not as healthy or beneficial. When your spine is properly aligned, your muscles initially may work harder to adjust to this new normal. Your muscles may have weakened over time due to poor posture or misalignment, so it takes time to build up strength so they can provide proper support to your healthily functioning spine.

Irregular Bowel Movements

Another way your body releases toxins is through more frequent bowel movements. You may notice a need for the bathroom more frequently after your first few adjustments as your body is ridding itself of these toxins. Chiropractic adjustments also promote better functioning in the whole body, which includes your digestive system. When your spine is properly aligned and your digestive system is encouraged to function more healthily, this may prompt a release.

Western Sydney Chiropractic Clinic Serves Suburbs – Chiropractor Near Me

Seven Hills NSW 2147

Kings Langley NSW 2147

Kings Park NSW 2148

Blacktown NSW 2148

Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Norwest NSW 2153

Castle Hill NSW 2154

Rouse Hill NSW 2155

Kellyville NSW 2155

Kellyville Ridge NSW 2155

Schofields NSW 2762

Quakers Hill NSW 2763

Marsden Park NSW 2765

Box Hill NSW 2765

Rooty Hill NSW 2766

Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

The Ponds NSW 2769

Sciatica: How to treatment ?

How To Choose A Good Chiropractor

Chiropractic treatment is a solution for many people dealing with injuries or chronic pain. Learning how to choose a good chiropractor can help align your body in a safe, helpful way.

But choosing a chiropractor is a difficult process. Putting your health in another person’s hands can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t know where to start.

1. Your Chiropractor Communicates Well

Communication style is an important factor to consider when choosing a chiropractor. Chiropractors are going to be touching and adjusting your body, so you want to choose someone that you can communicate honestly with. You also want a chiropractor that will listen to you and can understand your concerns.

The best way to determine if it is a good fit is to get the chiropractor on the phone before committing to any sessions. Just explain that you are considering treatment and would like to speak with them first. This is a good time to bring up any concerns you have and ask questions.

This is also a good time to ask them about different ways that you can communicate with them during the course of your treatment. Some chiropractors will answer questions over the phone or video conference. This can help you make adjustments on your own and get the most out of your in-person sessions.

If you feel comfortable during the course of this conversation, then you may have found the right chiropractor for you.

2. Your Chiropractor Doesn’t Rush You

Many doctor’s offices feel like revolving doors. You’re rushed in (after waiting for 45 minutes past your appointment time), rushed through the consultation with the doctor, and rushed out again to make room for other patients. No one likes to feel like just another number, especially when it comes to their health care.

Your chiropractor should take the time to answer all your questions in a calm manner while still making sure that they don’t waste your time with lots of waiting around. If you feel rushed after your first time visiting a chiropractor, that clinic may not be the best fit for you.

3. The Treatments You Get Are Working

Chiropractic care, like other healthcare treatments, can take a little while to see results. However, if you don’t feel like the treatments are working—or they’re making things worse—it may be a good idea to get a second opinion.

A good chiropractor will make sure you’re seeing progress. And if you’re not, he or she will refer you to another professional. For example, since chiropractors don’t write prescriptions, you may be referred to a physician by a good chiropractor if they think that you will benefit from prescription medicine or injections.

4. You’re Offered Multiple Treatment Modalities

While spinal adjustments are a big part of chiropractic care, they aren’t the only thing you should be getting during the course of your treatment. Studies show that multiple treatment modalities work best for those with musculoskeletal pain. Your chiropractor should offer multiple treatment modalities for effective care. These include:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments
  • Physical Therapy/Rehab
  • Chiropractic Massage Therapy
  • Stretches and Exercises
  • Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

5. Your Experience is Good Overall

You can tell a lot about a chiropractor from the way the office operates. A good chiropractic experience is achieved through all the employees with which you interact. From the front desk team member to the patient care coordinator, all the way to the massage therapist, your overall experience should be positive.

You’ll enjoy going to a good chiropractor because the environment is friendly and hospitable.

6. You Know What to Expect From Your Chiropractor

Part of good communication is knowing what you should expect from your chiropractor. The scope of chiropractic care is focused on the musculoskeletal system. So a chiropractor that promises you the world is probably just trying to get your money.

Like other specialists, chiropractors can’t cure everything. And a good chiropractor will be clear with you on what to expect and an approximate timeline in which to expect it.

If you feel comfortable during the course of this conversation, then you may have found the right chiropractor for you.

Western Sydney Chiropractic Clinic Serves Suburbs – Chiropractor Near Me

Seven Hills NSW 2147

Kings Langley NSW 2147

Kings Park NSW 2148

Blacktown NSW 2148

Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Norwest NSW 2153

Castle Hill NSW 2154

Rouse Hill NSW 2155

Kellyville NSW 2155

Kellyville Ridge NSW 2155

Schofields NSW 2762

Quakers Hill NSW 2763

Marsden Park NSW 2765

Box Hill NSW 2765

Rooty Hill NSW 2766

Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

The Ponds NSW 2769

5 Things You Must Know about Spinal Decompression Today

5 Things You Must Know about Spinal Decompression Today

Chronic back pain can affect your quality of life. Persistent symptoms that come with the condition only get you thinking of finding relief. You might have explored various pain relief options, like massage, exercises, epidurals, or heat packs. However, the respite from pain was short-lived, and you’re back to feeling the discomfort again.

At some point, have you heard of spinal decompression therapy? Many people think it’s a type of surgery, but there’s more to the treatment. When performed by a professional chiropractor, spinal decompression won’t require surgery in several cases.

An overview of spinal decompression

A chiropractor may offer this treatment to patients who have been suffering from back problems. This process works by stretching the spine and changing its position. When the chiropractor does this, the spinal disks feel less pressure. It may help water, oxygen and other fluids move effectively through the body. The chiropractor will have the patient lie on the table face-down and then controls a traction system via a computer. The doctor will customize the treatment to fit the client’s needs.

Conditions it may address

Patients enjoy spinal decompression because it may help reduce the symptoms of several different conditions. The chiropractor can treat bulging or herniated disks with this therapy. People with worn spinal joints or injured nerve roots may benefit from this intervention. It may also be effective for patients who complain about neck pain, including tingling in the neck extending to the leg.

Patients who may need it

Spinal decompression may not be for everyone. It is helpful to understand what issues may lead to a person seeking this treatment. People who experience numbness in the back or legs might benefit. Also, patients who have tingling sensations in their neck or back may want to consider this treatment. When other treatments have not successfully relieved pain, spinal decompression could be the next step to reducing these feelings.

Surgical spinal decompression

For more severe cases of back problems, the doctor may suggest getting surgery. This a rarer intervention but may be right depending on the patient’s issues. The surgery can repair ruptured disks and growths on the spine. It is always good to speak to the doctor first about concerns and questions.

Enjoy pain-free days

Your back problems may be so significant that you cannot even remember what it is like to live without pain. Thanks to spinal decompression, you can end this discomfort. A chiropractor near you can administer this treatment and help you enjoy the healthy living you want. Make an appointment today to discuss your options and what to expect from this procedure.

Western Sydney Chiropractic Clinic Serves Suburbs – Chiropractor Near Me

Seven Hills NSW 2147

Kings Langley NSW 2147

Kings Park NSW 2148

Blacktown NSW 2148

Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Norwest NSW 2153

Castle Hill NSW 2154

Rouse Hill NSW 2155

Kellyville NSW 2155

Kellyville Ridge NSW 2155

Schofields NSW 2762

Quakers Hill NSW 2763

Marsden Park NSW 2765

Box Hill NSW 2765

Rooty Hill NSW 2766

Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

The Ponds NSW 2769

Most Common Car Accident Injuries Treated By Chiropractic

Most Common Car Accident Injuries Treated By Chiropractic

Even if you take steps and safety precautions to avoid a car accident or injury, sometimes they still occur due to the recklessness of other drivers, poor weather conditions, and unforeseeable circumstances. Though many people take care to adhere to safety measures, such as wearing a seatbelt, practising defensive driving, avoiding impaired driving, and taking care of vehicle recalls or suggested repairs, they still may receive minor to major injuries while regular driving if involved in a collision or accident.

While each car accident is unique, there are some fairly common injuries that result from car accidents and crashes due to the nature of safety devices, vehicle composition, and how the human body reacts to trauma.

Symptoms of whiplash include:

  • Neck pain

  • Neck stiffness

  • Lost range of motion in the neck

  • Headaches

  • Arm tingling or numbness

  • Dizziness

  • Fatigue

Unfortunately, symptoms of whiplash can take time to appear after an automobile accident. Whether or not you experience symptoms of an injury after a car crash, it is crucial to receive a medical evaluation as soon as possible so that you can get the care that you may potentially need. Many chiropractic methods can be used to help you recover from whiplash, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and spinal manipulation.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Car accidents that involve a blow to the spinal cord or the ligaments, vertebrae, and discs surrounding the spinal cord can result in significant injury. Spinal cord injuries can range in severity, causing a variety of symptoms including loss of sensation, pain, difficulty breathing, and even paralysis. Chiropractic care can aid in the recovery of spinal cord injuries by relieving pressure on the spine, improving alignment, reducing inflammation in the spinal tissues, and restoring the spine’s range of motion.

Back Pain

Back pain is an extremely common side effect of being in a car crash. Whether due to a compressed spinal nerve, strain, sprain, or another back injury, this pain after a car accident may become worse over time. Your chiropractor can help you overcome back pain after an automobile accident with adjustments, spinal decompression, and manual therapy to realign the spine and ease inflammation.

Western Sydney Chiropractic Clinic Serves Suburbs – Chiropractor Near Me

Seven Hills NSW 2147

Kings Langley NSW 2147

Kings Park NSW 2148

Blacktown NSW 2148

Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Norwest NSW 2153

Castle Hill NSW 2154

Rouse Hill NSW 2155

Kellyville NSW 2155

Kellyville Ridge NSW 2155

Schofields NSW 2762

Quakers Hill NSW 2763

Marsden Park NSW 2765

Box Hill NSW 2765

Rooty Hill NSW 2766

Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

The Ponds NSW 2769

Can You Self-Diagnose a Herniated Disc?

How to Prevent Too Much Strain on Your Spine

We’re all too familiar with back pain, and one of its primary causes: spine strain. A strain happens whenever a tendon or muscle is injured, often due to excessive pressure, abnormal movements, or dehydration. Eventually, when a ligament or a muscle becomes torn, frayed, strained, or otherwise injured, we’re left with acute back pain that can sometimes be debilitating.

If you’ve been involved in an accident, submit an injury claim. After submitting a claim, there are many daily activities we do that increase our risks of straining our spine and surrounding tissue. Keep reading to learn some ways to prevent spine strain and back pain.

8 Ways to Prevent Back Pain and Protect Your Spine
Keep Moving

It may seem counterintuitive to suggest that exercise will help to prevent back pain, and of course, we don’t mean exercising while you are in pain. Once the severe discomfort subsides, daily gentle exercise like walking, swimming, and stretching will help to keep lower back pain in check. Strengthening your core should be at the top of your list to help alleviate the strain of the muscles of the lower back.

Consult with Keith Clinic about the best type of exercise for you and your particular symptoms. If the pain begins to move down into your leg, you may be dealing with sciatica, which is a problem related to the spine rather than the muscles around it. Definitely talk with your physician prior to beginning any exercise program to avoid aggravating your back pain.

Be Conscious of Lifting

It doesn’t even matter how heavy an object is, you should always be conscious of the right way to lift something. Lifting and twisting simultaneously can wreak havoc on your lower back, but sometimes a simple adjustment can significantly relieve lower back pain.

Always stand as close to the object as you can and lift with your legs and knees while keeping your back straight. Bending your knees is always a good practice, but a straight back is an essential key to a proper lifting technique.

Never lift anything that seems too heavy. When in doubt, play it safe by asking someone else for help.

Good Posture Is Important to Prevent Back Pain

You remember how mom always told you to stand up straight with your shoulders back? Little did she know how important that advice would become in the modern age of computer use. If you spend a lot of time working on a laptop or computer, it’s easy to slouch and not sit properly. Over time, this unfortunately puts pressure on your back, which may cause a degenerated disc to become more painful.

Find an ergonomic chair to keep your spine in the right position. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Take breaks at least once an hour and change position fairly often. Maybe convert to a stand up desk if that option becomes available. All these tips will help you refocus on your posture and better your back!

It is also possible to avoid neck issues by using a headset if you must speak on the phone for a lengthy period of time. Never cradle a phone or cell between your chin and shoulder.

Sleeping for Health

Sleeping is intrinsic to good health. It’s best to sleep on your side to relieve any pressure on your back, and this positioning also alleviates issues associated with sleep apnea. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as this causes too much pressure on your spine.

Search for a mattress and pillow that provide support for both your body and neck. Proper alignment of your neck as you sleep will prevent you from waking up with pain right at the start of your day.

Avoid the Bending and Twisting Motion

This is a tough one for active people to remember. We don’t realize we are doing it until it’s too late. Shoveling snow, gardening, and doing routine housework are all prime opportunities to twist our bodies as we bend down to do something. Instead, try turning your whole body instead of opting for the injury-prone twist.

Lose Some Weight to Prevent Back Pain

Yes, that again. Unless your BMI is perfect, losing a few pounds will help you prevent lower back pain. Carrying extra weight, especially around your midsection, is a prime risk factor for pain in the low back since it puts added stress on the muscles and ligaments in that area. In addition to regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet will also make it much easier for you drop those excess pounds and prevent chronic back pain.

Water, Water, Water

Most of us don’t realize how vitally important staying hydrated is for our general health. Our joints need hydration to stay flexible. In particular, our spinal discs become susceptible to dehydration and shrinkage when they lose height from lack of fluid. Consequently, discs become prone to slipping out of their proper place and leading to a painful herniated disc.

Don’t Ignore Pain

Pain tells us something is wrong and needs to be corrected. If you continually take OTC medications to relieve the same pains over and over again, you are not fixing the problem. You are also certainly not treating the underlying issue, which is likely to only become worse in the near future.

Western Sydney Chiropractic Clinic Serves Suburbs – Chiropractor Near Me

Seven Hills NSW 2147

Kings Langley NSW 2147

Kings Park NSW 2148

Blacktown NSW 2148

Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Norwest NSW 2153

Castle Hill NSW 2154

Rouse Hill NSW 2155

Kellyville NSW 2155

Kellyville Ridge NSW 2155

Schofields NSW 2762

Quakers Hill NSW 2763

Marsden Park NSW 2765

Box Hill NSW 2765

Rooty Hill NSW 2766

Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

The Ponds NSW 2769

What You Should and Shouldn’t Do After a Spinal Adjustment

I am often asked, “what should I do after my adjustment?” “Can I go to the gym now?” etc. Giving  yourself a little time and space to fully experience the changes in your nervous system is the best strategy. While many people rush right back to work or back to the car or back to a hectic life there are choices we can make. Read the suggestions below in order to get the maximum benefit from your care. Keep in mind there is no magic answer.

The benefits of seeing a chiropractor are substantial. But doing the right things (and avoiding certain things as well) can help you receive the most benefits from your appointment.

Should: Stay Active

Movement stimulates blood flow and prevents stiff joints. After your adjustment, stay active with light exercises like walking, jogging, or riding a bike. Don’t overexert yourself when doing these activities. The goal is to complete moderate movements that keep you active without overstimulating yourself.

Shouldn’t: Avoid Explosive Movements

Explosive exercises, such as those where you jump or move weights with plyometric force (a power clean or kettlebell swing) are also good to avoid.

Your chiropractor appointment might make these movements feel easier or remove the pain. But it’s a good idea to let your body rest and recover for a bit before you start performing athletic movements again.

After some regular treatment, this may not be as big a deal. Many athletes get chiropractic adjustments before games.

But at first, it’s a good idea to give your joints and skeletal system time to adapt. Especially if you’re being treated for neck or back pain. Loading the skeletal system with explosive force could be asking for trouble.

Should: Follow Chiropractor’s Advice

To get the most out of your treatment, follow your chiropractor’s advice. Whether it’s recommended exercises or specific stretches, your chiropractor is the best resource for spinal care. Additionally, the advice helps patients avoid future back pain and discomfort. Stick to your treatment plan and follow the best practices.

Shouldn’t: Rest Too Much

Although many people sit for several hours a day, this isn’t good for your posture or spine. Avoid prolonged sitting and resting after an adjustment. Try to move every 20 minutes to keep your body moving and spine neutral. When it’s time to rest, sit upright with your shoulders back and heels on the floor. Practicing good posture is great for your spine and future care.

Should: Hydrate

After your first chiropractor appointment, it’s important to drink a lot of water. This may seem strange, but it won’t once you consider what happens when you get an adjustment.

Chiropractors manipulate joints, muscles, and bones to provide pain relief and other health benefits. When these things are changed, there is often a release of toxins by the body.

Drinking plenty of water helps flush out these toxins, allowing your body to heal. If you don’t hydrate, those toxins could settle back in and the pain might return.

This is generally one of the first pieces of chiropractor advice you will receive when you go in. Current hydration guidelines for men are to drink 125 ounces of water each day; for women, it’s about 91 ounces.

Shouldn’t: Consume Unhealthy Meals

Giving your body the right nutrients replenishes your system and helps recovery. Unhealthy meals that are high in sodium, sugar, and fat can lead to inflammation. This may increase your pain and delay recovery. Help your body by eating a nutritional meal with lean meat, vegetables, and fiber.

After understanding what you should and shouldn’t do after a spinal adjustment, you can prepare for your next appointment.

Western Sydney Chiropractic Clinic Serves Suburbs – Chiropractor Near Me

Seven Hills NSW 2147

Kings Langley NSW 2147

Kings Park NSW 2148

Blacktown NSW 2148

Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Norwest NSW 2153

Castle Hill NSW 2154

Rouse Hill NSW 2155

Kellyville NSW 2155

Kellyville Ridge NSW 2155

Schofields NSW 2762

Quakers Hill NSW 2763

Marsden Park NSW 2765

Box Hill NSW 2765

Rooty Hill NSW 2766

Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

The Ponds NSW 2769

Benefits of chiropractic care for kids

How Postpartum Chiropractic Care Can Benefit New Mothers?

While a woman’s body goes through a lot during pregnancy, the same can be said for the period after delivery. Essentially, the body will need to reconstruct itself and readjust after the baby is born. The majority of women experience pain after they give birth, but some of this pain may not be “normal.” The pelvis and spine undergo immense changes during gestation, so it makes sense that these areas might cause problems after delivery.

Learn about some of the more common pains for new mothers, chiropractic treatments to help the ailments, and ways to prevent the pain at home.

1. Arm & Shoulder Pain

After years of being your own independent person, you will suddenly find yourself carrying a baby for multiple hours within the day. Ranging anywhere from 5.5 to 10 pounds in the newborn stage, the extra weight can take its toll after a couple of weeks. If you carry the baby with the same arm, you may notice pain and aches on a specific side.

Try to switch arms often to provide muscle rest. Additionally, a chiropractor can perform targeted treatments and focus on sore muscles. Relief from a chiropractor is often paired with a hot compress to relax the muscles. You should also try to sit more while you hold the baby. The weight distribution will not put so much weight directly on your arm.

2. Hand Pain

New parents may use their hands a lot more on a daily basis. You will nurture the baby, hold a pacifier in their mouth, and constantly change diapers. If a baby is fed with formula or pumped breast milk, then you will open bottles and wash bottles on a consistent basis. By the end of the day, you may feel hand pain that goes deep and could extend down your wrist.

Chiropractors go beyond basic massages to offer hand pain relief. Heat therapy and electrical stimulation could ease muscles in your hand. And a chiropractor may offer at-home support for your hand in the form of wrist braces. You may want to consider extra assistance at home as well, which could reduce hand pain and inflammation.

3. Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a general problem that can occur from many activities with a baby. Multiple times a day, you may lean over a crib or a car seat to retrieve your baby. You could carry the baby around for an excess amount of time. If you breastfeed, then lower back pain could occur from the positions you hold your baby in to breastfeed.

Support pillows with a focus on your lower back can provide more comfort while you sit. In some cases, a back brace will offer extra support, as you bend over often. A chiropractor may perform an X-ray or ultrasound to look at your spine and back muscles. From there, targeted treatments will focus on healing specific areas.

A weekly appointment can relieve your back of pain and provide some much-needed healing. As the baby grows bigger in size, the pains may only increase and create more damage, which is why the earlier you focus on treatment options, the better the situation can end up.

4. Hip Pain

There’s a reason parents often use the phrase attached to the hip. Once a baby can hold their head up on their own, you can adjust their position and have the baby cradle the side of your body. While the position may offer comfort at first, a lot of pressure is applied directly to your hip. Hip pain can cause a lot of inflammation and extend down through the groin and leg.

While you may think the pains are leg-based, a chiropractor can complete an exam and will often find inflammation of the hip as one of the main pain sources.

One of the main treatment options for hip pain is a hip adjustment. A chiropractor will adjust your hip back into place and reduce the inflammation you suffer from.

Often, pain relief is instant and can result in more mobility and flexibility. You may need an adjustment on one or both hips depending on the treatment method. Focused massages relieve pain associated with muscle knots as well.

5. Neck Pain

All of the positions a new mother goes through can also put a strain on your neck. For example, you may find yourself looking down at your baby a lot. The neck strain may extend from the top of the neck all the way down the spine. An initial neck treatment may include a readjustment similar to the hip. And deep tissue massages will relax muscles.

A chiropractor will teach you better posture and sitting positions to reduce neck pain. Neck exercises and movements will build flexibility and fluid motion in the neck so you can sit comfortably with a baby and look down when you need to. You may also need a neck brace, which may seem like too much, but it could limit sudden movements in some situations.

Ultimately, any new or expectant mother can benefit from seeing a chiropractor after delivery. Whether you’re struggling with incessant pain and discomfort or you simply want to improve your sleep and energy levels, chiropractic care professional can help. For more information, please contact us today.

Western Sydney Chiropractic Clinic Serves Suburbs – Chiropractor Near Me

Seven Hills NSW 2147

Kings Langley NSW 2147

Kings Park NSW 2148

Blacktown NSW 2148

Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Norwest NSW 2153

Castle Hill NSW 2154

Rouse Hill NSW 2155

Kellyville NSW 2155

Kellyville Ridge NSW 2155

Schofields NSW 2762

Quakers Hill NSW 2763

Marsden Park NSW 2765

Box Hill NSW 2765

Rooty Hill NSW 2766

Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

The Ponds NSW 2769

The Top 4 Misconceptions About Back Pain

Is Back Pain Normal As You Age?

We hear it all the time: I’m getting older, so it’s normal to have aches and pains. But is it really? Your risk of developing back pain increases as you get older, but that doesn’t mean you should accept it as a normal part of aging.

Why does your back start to hurt as you age?

Think about the rest of your body: The older you get, the more fragile you seem to get all over. The same is true for your back. As you age, your spine goes through changes that make it more delicate and susceptible to pain.

For most people, the first back pain symptoms arise between age 30 and 50, and they keep getting worse from there on out. Most of the time, age-related back pain can be attributed to general degeneration. Here’s what age may do to your back.

Age-related back problems

Just like the rest of your body, the structures that make up and support your spine change as you get older. Soft tissues like ligaments and muscles stretch and weaken, often leading to back pain.

You’re also more vulnerable to degenerative conditions that develop over the years, such as:

Herniated discs

The discs between each vertebra stabilize your spine, support spinal movement, and absorb shock when you move, whether you’re walking, running, jumping, bending, or twisting.

As you get older, wear-and-tear leads to weak areas in the disc’s outer cover. At first, the weak spot allows the inner layer of gel to bulge out from between the vertebrae. Eventually, the disc ruptures, the gel leaks out, and you have a herniated disc.

Once the disc herniates, you end up with back pain because the spine loses stability, the nerves get pinched, and inflammation develops.

Degenerative disc disease

Over the years, your spinal discs naturally lose moisture. As they dehydrate, they flatten, become less resilient, and fail to support your spine. You end up with localized back pain and compressed nerves.

Spinal arthritis

The joints that connect vertebrae, called facet joints, are just as susceptible to arthritis as the other joints in your body. In fact, osteoarthritis in the lower back affects 30% of adults over the age of 55.

You could also develop ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory form of spinal arthritis. Both types cause progressive joint damage, back pain, and limited movement.

Preventing back pain

It’s never too late to make changes that delay or prevent degenerative back problems. The same healthy habits also relieve back pain caused by an existing or future condition.

Our top preventive recommendations include:

Maintain a healthy body weight

Excess weight adds tremendous pressure to your lower back. For each pound you gain, you add 4 pounds of pressure to your spine when walking and 8 pounds when running. The extra pressure accelerates disc and facet joint degeneration and forces muscles to work harder.

Get regular exercise

Exercise strengthens the core muscles supporting your spine. Maintaining muscle strength and flexibility is one of the best ways to avoid painful back problems.

Getting regular exercise is important for easing the pain of any existing back condition, but it’s especially beneficial if you have arthritis. In addition to alleviating the pain, exercise slows down joint damage, reduces swelling, and improves movement.

While it’s hard to exercise when you’re in pain, we can help. We create a regimen of gentle exercises that fit your overall health, teach you about when to rest to protect your back, and give you tips for modifying daily activities that may cause back pain.

Watch your posture and ergonomics

Poor posture creates uneven pressure on your spine, forcing some muscles to work harder (causing muscle strain) and pushing vertebrae out of alignment. Bad posture alone causes back pain. It also magnifies the pain of degenerative back conditions.

Ergonomics include good posture but also involve the way you move your body. For example, lifting the wrong way is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. Slumping over when you sit also stresses your spine.

When you need help with back pain, we routinely evaluate your posture and recommend exercises or create a physical therapy plan to restore natural posture that supports your spine.

Western Sydney Chiropractic Clinic Serves Suburbs – Chiropractor Near Me

Seven Hills NSW 2147

Kings Langley NSW 2147

Kings Park NSW 2148

Blacktown NSW 2148

Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Norwest NSW 2153

Castle Hill NSW 2154

Rouse Hill NSW 2155

Kellyville NSW 2155

Kellyville Ridge NSW 2155

Schofields NSW 2762

Quakers Hill NSW 2763

Marsden Park NSW 2765

Box Hill NSW 2765

Rooty Hill NSW 2766

Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

The Ponds NSW 2769

The Health Effects of Poor Posture

Didn’t listen when your mom nagged you to sit or stand up straight? You should have. If you’re a serial sloucher, you can probably trace your neck and shoulder pain, stiffness and aching back right back to your posture.

Ignoring advice on good posture can affect your overall health and set you up for neck and shoulder strain, back pain and even joint damage. You may dismiss the discomfort for a while, but it’s your body’s way of getting your attention.

Here, we explain the effects of poor posture on your body.

Bones become misaligned

Good posture (called the neutral position) holds your bones in a precise alignment that balances your body and supports healthy movement. Every time you move, especially when walking or running, your bones sustain a tremendous amount of shock and stress.

Proper body alignment (good posture) distributes the pressure among multiple structures. This prevents injuries by ensuring one bone, muscle, or joint doesn’t take on more stress than it can handle.

Every time your posture leaves the neutral position (poor posture), your body compensates by placing more pressure on one structure. The imbalance that poor posture causes leads to injuries and other problems that limit your ability to stay active.

Back and neck pain begin

Your spine’s natural curves distribute your weight, add flexibility, and absorb shock caused by movement. If your vertebrae were stacked straight up and down, they would sustain excessive stress, making your spine vulnerable to injuries and degeneration.

Prolonged sitting, standing, bending, and slouching due to poor posture flatten your spinal curves. As a result, you’re at risk of disc damage, slipped vertebrae, pinched nerves, and other problems that cause chronic back and neck pain.

Another posture problem occurs if you spend too much time looking down to use your smartphone or other electronics. Bending your head places the equivalent of 50 pounds of stress on your neck. As a result, you end up with the pain and stiffness of a strained neck.

Joint damage escalates

Your joints experience a lot of pressure as they repeat the same movement, support your weight, and transfer pressure from one bone to the next.

As poor posture puts your body out of alignment, the joints are forced to manage more stress and shock than they can handle. The extra wear-and-tear causes joint injuries and accelerates degenerative changes leading to arthritis.

Soft tissues tear

Your muscles, ligaments, and tendons can’t function properly if you have bad posture. Like your bones and joints, all of these supporting soft tissues are designed to share stress, with one muscle absorbing some and passing the rest on to other tissues.

When this well-designed system is disrupted by changes in your posture, some muscles bear more stress than others, causing injuries ranging from muscle fatigue and cramps, to stress fractures and painful tears.

Lungs struggle to breathe

Poor posture causes problems beyond your musculoskeletal system. When your posture bends the spine, it also contracts your rib cage. This reduces the space around your lungs, affects your diaphragm, and makes it hard to take a deep breath.

Body loses balance

Most people take balance for granted, but it requires extensive coordination among bones, joints, muscles, and your sensory system.

Movements like twisting, turning, bending, or a sudden response to catch a falling object rely on your body’s ability to adjust its posture to maintain balance. Chronically poor posture throws this system off, causing balance problems that make it hard to move.

The good news is that chiropractic care can retrain your body and restore optimal posture. If you have ongoing pain without an obvious cause, it may be time to schedule a posture assessment.

Movements like twisting, turning, bending, or a sudden response to catch a falling object rely on your body’s ability to adjust its posture to maintain balance. Chronically poor posture throws this system off, causing balance problems that make it hard to move.

The good news is that chiropractic care can retrain your body and restore optimal posture. If you have ongoing pain without an obvious cause, it may be time to schedule a posture assessment. 

Western Sydney Chiropractic Clinic Serves Suburbs – Chiropractor Near Me

Seven Hills NSW 2147

Kings Langley NSW 2147

Kings Park NSW 2148

Blacktown NSW 2148

Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Norwest NSW 2153

Castle Hill NSW 2154

Rouse Hill NSW 2155

Kellyville NSW 2155

Kellyville Ridge NSW 2155

Schofields NSW 2762

Quakers Hill NSW 2763

Marsden Park NSW 2765

Box Hill NSW 2765

Rooty Hill NSW 2766

Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

The Ponds NSW 2769

9 Myths About Massage Therapy

How Often Should You Get a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Chiropractic care is a treatment that manipulates the spine to align it with healthy, normal curves. The goal is to restore mobility and relieve pain so patients can live life fully without limitations. If you have back or neck pain, going to the chiropractic clinic may be the best way to manage the situation. But how frequently should you go for chiropractic adjustments? 

Why should I visit a chiropractor?

Various physical conditions will send you to the chiropractic clinic. The main ones are:

– Neck and back pain

– Strained or torn muscle

– Pinched nerves, especially if a nerve has been compressed for a long time and at the same location

– Arthritis, which causes joint pain in your body, including in the spine

However, there’s a lot more that you can get from a chiropractic adjustment other than pain relief from the conditions mentioned above. Most professionals will try to identify the root cause of the pain or the situation that triggered it. The chiropractor will then create a plan to help you eliminate these issues for good. You can also get valuable information about maintaining your body to keep these conditions from recurring.

The answer to the question “how often should you go to the chiropractor” is not an easy one.

Every person, condition, and body is different. Every chiropractor is different, too. The shortest and most direct answer to this question is that this depends on many factors and so it will differ.

Minor Pain

If you are experiencing relatively minor pain, your doctor may ask you to come in once or twice in quick succession during the first week or two, and then reduce visits to weekly after that. When a patient’s pain is not that intense or long-term, a few visits may be enough to make a major difference.

Intense Or Chronic Pain

If you’re in serious pain, your chiropractor will, at first, have you visit fairly frequently for a while. In time, and as your condition improves, he or she will ask you to continue to come on a regular basis, but not as often as in the beginning.

If you experience intense lower back pain, for example, or chronic pain that returns time and time again, your chiropractor will likely schedule follow-up appointments with you several times a week for the first month. These visits will help him or her to get to the root of the problem, and will help alleviate some pain that you experience.

In most cases, you will experience some relief after a week or two of regular visits. If your pain does not subside, your chiropractor will encourage you to stick with it. They will ask you to come on a consistent basis a bit longer.

In time, your pain will decrease and the frequency of your visits will reduce. You can continue to enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care, but you will still need to visit your doctor on an ongoing basis, but you won’t have to go as often.

Chiropractic Care Can Change Your Life

It all starts with your first visit. During that visit, you will find out how to alleviate your pain, and you’ll discover the answer to how often you should go to the chiropractor. After that, you can begin to enjoy your life free of pain and increased wellness.

But remember, chiropractic maintenance care is important if you want to experience the best results. Prevention can go a long way, too, to maintain your well-being.

Western Sydney Chiropractic Clinic Serves Suburbs – Chiropractor Near Me

Seven Hills NSW 2147

Kings Langley NSW 2147

Kings Park NSW 2148

Blacktown NSW 2148

Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Norwest NSW 2153

Castle Hill NSW 2154

Rouse Hill NSW 2155

Kellyville NSW 2155

Kellyville Ridge NSW 2155

Schofields NSW 2762

Quakers Hill NSW 2763

Marsden Park NSW 2765

Box Hill NSW 2765

Rooty Hill NSW 2766

Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

The Ponds NSW 2769

Chiropractic Adjustment Helps to Relieve Stress

How Chiropractic Adjustment Helps to Relieve Stress

Stress is a prevalent component in today’s fast-paced world which can negatively impact on an individual’s health and well-being. Massage therapy has been shown to be a means by which stress can be reduced significantly on physical and psychological levels. 

Can Stress Make You Ill?

Can stress make you sick? Can stress go so far as to kill you? The short answer is yes. Research shows that chronic stress can lead to life-threatening and chronic disease 4. Many experts theorize this is due to increased inflammation that arises in the body due to stress, as well as the body’s lack of resources and energy put toward immunity. Surprisingly, inflammation is a major marker in many chronic diseases, such as heart disease. And when it comes down to it, these diseases can lead to death. This is why it’s vitally important for each person to learn how to manage and prevent chronic stress from occurring. Here are the stress-relieving benefits from visiting a chiropractor.

Benefit 1: Controlling Your Body’s Response To Stress

Your body has a natural response to stress by releasing cortisol. This ancient physical response is what saved people from wild animals and other dangers, but today, humans experience stress at work or home instead. At a chiropractor’s office, you can have spinal adjustments that will release the tension in your body’s nerves so that your glands stop producing as much adrenaline. With less adrenaline production, you will feel calmer, leading to a reduction in stress.

Benefit 2: Sleeping Better At Night

If you are not sleeping through the night, then you will experience more stress. While you are sleeping, your body produces beneficial chemicals that will soothe your mind, leading to additional relaxation. With more sleep at night, you are able to cope with the stresses at work and home to avoid the health complications associated with anxiety. With chiropractic treatment, your body will relax at night so that you can sleep soundly in order to have less anxiety the next day.

Benefit 3: Preventing Lifelong Health Problems

With regular chiropractic care Idaho Falls treatments, you can prevent lifelong health problems such as cardiovascular disease, chronic headaches or arthritic conditions. Researchers know that stress can lead to health issues because your body is bombarded constantly by a high level of detrimental hormones. When you feel stress, your body tends to become tenser, leading to muscular aches and joint pain, but spinal adjustments will release this tension.

Benefit 4: Improving Your Posture and Body Movement

If you are feeling stress, you might slump in your chair at work or you may walk stiffly while at home. This is because stress makes your muscles contract, making it difficult to move and sit normally. A chiropractor can provide expert spinal adjustments to release the tension in your back so that you have better posture and body movement. By walking and sitting correctly, you will place less stress on your body’s internal organs and joints, improving the way that you feel each day.

Benefit 5: Creating a Clearer Mind

Daily stress affects your mind, and your problems at work or home can make it difficult to think clearly. Fortunately, treatments from a chiropractor can eliminate your stressful thoughts, leading to more mental clarity. Eliminating the anxiety from your mind also helps to reduce the detrimental stress-related problems from your body. 

Western Sydney Chiropractic Clinic Serves Suburbs – Chiropractor Near Me

Seven Hills NSW 2147

Kings Langley NSW 2147

Kings Park NSW 2148

Blacktown NSW 2148

Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Norwest NSW 2153

Castle Hill NSW 2154

Rouse Hill NSW 2155

Kellyville NSW 2155

Kellyville Ridge NSW 2155

Schofields NSW 2762

Quakers Hill NSW 2763

Marsden Park NSW 2765

Box Hill NSW 2765

Rooty Hill NSW 2766

Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

The Ponds NSW 2769

Can wearing a backpack cause spine problems?

What is one common problem that children across the globe face from school? The answer is chronic back pain that comes from lugging a heavy backpack around all day long – aka backpack pain. Too many kids have multiple books, folders, binders, and importantly, a heavy computer, weighing them down as they walk from class to class or from home to school. It is unhealthy for anyone to have that much weight on their back, in fact, it is recommended to have a maximum of 5-10% of the student’s body weight in their backpack. This recommendation tends to be unrealistic when it comes to the demands of an average school day; especially, with children wearing their backpacks in unconventional ways (one strap on their shoulder etc.). So, what is the fix to prevent back pain from backpacks? Although people might not initially consider it for a child, chiropractic care can help with this issue.

A simple way to know if the backpack is too heavy is if your child is struggling to put the backpack on! Also, a sign that the bag is too heavy is if they are no longer walking upright, but instead lean their torso forward to attempt to counterbalance the load.  Remember to clean out the backpack often as clutter leads to unnecessary weight. Try to have them minimize what they are bringing to and from school.

What you could do as a parent to help?

As a parent you should ensure that the weight of your child’s backpack should not exceed 10-15% of his or her body weight. Apart from this you should provide your child with bags that have multiple components. You must also consider bags with tightened, padded straps worn on both shoulders. This will ensure better distribution of the overall weight. As a student your child may also have to be seated at the desk over prolonged periods. Thus you must encourage him or her to sit with the right posture. Otherwise in case if your child is prone to slouching, rounding the shoulders, or protruding the head forward may experience further pain as a result. 

Consulting an experienced chiropractor for lower back pain

While drugs/medication/opioids can help reduce the pain by turning off the pain receptors, it doesn’t actually solve the problem; it just masks it.

Your body is a great machine that can actually heal itself in a lot of cases given the opportunity.

Chiropractic Care is one of the ways you can increase your internal healing power by ensuring the brain/body connection is free and clear of obstructions.

If your spine is out of alignment and cannot clearly talk with your brain then your problems will continue.

Western Sydney Chiropractic Clinic Serves Suburbs – Chiropractor Near Me

Seven Hills NSW 2147

Kings Langley NSW 2147

Kings Park NSW 2148

Blacktown NSW 2148

Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Norwest NSW 2153

Castle Hill NSW 2154

Rouse Hill NSW 2155

Kellyville NSW 2155

Kellyville Ridge NSW 2155

Schofields NSW 2762

Quakers Hill NSW 2763

Marsden Park NSW 2765

Box Hill NSW 2765

Rooty Hill NSW 2766

Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

The Ponds NSW 2769