Why it Matters:

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it’s loaded with small sensory nerve fibers that are responsible for proprioception. Placing tape in specific areas of your body across the skin provides sensory input that gives your brain more information as you move. This additional information has been shown to help improve balance, reduce pain, and support proper movement patterns.

• Tape worn on the skin provides your brain with more information about your movement patterns and can help reduce injuries and improve rehabilitation.
• Taping has been shown to improve balance for up to 72 hours after the tape has been removed.
• Researchers have found taping can be more effective than postural exercises alone to reduce neck pain.

Next Steps:

You can think of the tape less like a brace and more like a nervous system reminder that you wear on your skin. Not only does it look cool, but it has the potential to support better movement, reduce pain, and limit injuries. Now the next time you see an athlete wearing tape, you will know it’s more than just a fashion statement!

Science Source:

Extended use of Kinesiology Tape and Balance in Participants with Chronic Ankle Instability. Journal of Athletic Training 2016

Efficacy of kinesio taping versus postural correction exercises on pain intensity and axioscapular muscles activation in mechanical neck dysfunction: a randomized blinded clinical trial. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 2017

The post Tape: All Hype or Scientifically Sound? appeared first on Cranbourne Chiropractic Blog.

Why it Matters:

As you go through life and your spinal discs go through the aging process, your facet joints end up taking on extra load. Unfortunately, this excess stress and pressure can wear down your facet joints. What results is the beginning of the degenerative process, which means you can end up with adhesions, restricted motion, bone spurs and, well…pain.

• The facet joints of your spine slide and glide as you move.
• Restrictions or adhesions in the facets can occur with age and injury.
• Chiropractic adjustments help the facet joints move freely and decrease painful restrictions in motion.  

Next Steps:

The facet joints of your spine love to move, and, in fact, movement helps them stay healthy and may even slow down the degenerative process. Chiropractic adjustments may help reduce adhesions on these joints, allowing you to move more freely and with less pain. Here at Cranbourne Chiropractic Centre, we believe that when you’re moving better, you’re feeling better, and we’re proud to be a part of the healthcare team that helps you stay active!

Science Source:

Magnetic resonance imaging zygapophyseal joint space changes (gapping) in low back pain patients following spinal manipulation and side-posture positioning: a randomized controlled mechanisms trial with blinding. JMPT 2013

The post Facet Joints: Gliding Your Way to Better Health appeared first on Cranbourne Chiropractic Blog.

Why it Matters:

Driving a car, working on the computer, and using a tablet/phone all usually result in less than ideal posture. And when you start to lean forward, it places a tremendous amount of extra pressure on the discs in your neck and spine. This can cause increased compression and lead to pain. Even just a few inches of forward head posture can double or triple the amount of stress on the spinal joints in your neck.

• The average human head weights approximately 3.6-4.5kg.
• For every 2.5cm of forward head posture, an additional 4.5kg of weight is added to your spine.
• Forward head posture may result in muscle imbalances, a high risk for spinal degeneration, reduced range of motion, and pain.

Next Steps:

Take a moment today at work and notice if your shoulders are rounding, the head has moved forward, and upper back is hunched over. If you see yourself slouching into this posture, let us know. We would love to provide you with some exercises you can do at work to help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine and combat these muscle imbalances. And remember, the more time you spend in this posture, the more likely you are to suffer head and neck pain.

Science Source(s):

The Physiology of the Joints, Volume III. 6th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2007.

Myofascial trigger points, neck mobility and forward head posture in unilateral migraine. Cephalalgia 2006

The post The Bowling Ball and the Pin: How Poor Posture Causes Neck Pain appeared first on Cranbourne Chiropractic Blog.

Our bodies are designed to be healthy – to exist in a stable state of optimal function better known as homeostasis. During the holidays, heightened stress can wreak havoc on our nervous system, and therefore our optimal function, leaving us feeling tired and worn down. The good news is, you can stay happy and healthy and feeling great this holiday season by integrating a few simple holiday stress busters into your routine, and while you can’t eliminate every source of stress in your life, a few smart decisions can help keep that added stress at bay and reduce your chances of getting sick.

Why it Matters:

Each year, millions of people get sick before, during, or after the holidays, and the most common culprit for all this illness is STRESS. When your body is stressed, it doesn’t recover very well, and you are more likely to become sick. Not only could you experience more aches and pains, but you may also experience mental fatigue. Luckily, you’re in the right place. New research tells us that just like eating well and getting enough sleep, Chiropractic adjustments can go a long way towards positively influencing your stress levels by reducing your muscle tension so that you can feel better both during the holiday season and into the new year.

• Many people carry their stress in their neck and shoulders.
• Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to decrease muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
• Research has shown people experience less stress after receiving Chiropractic care.

Next Steps:

By getting enough rest, exercise, and Chiropractic care, you can bust your stress levels and reduce your chance of getting sick this holiday season. You’ll feel better, more energized and experience a happier and healthier holiday, helping you do more of what you love with the people you love. That’s what it’s all about, and we’re here to help! Give us a call to schedule your next adjustment – you’ll be glad you did! Happy holidays from our family to yours! Book online at www.cranbournechiro.com.au or phone 9581 2624

Science Source:

Cerebral metabolic changes in men after chiropractic spinal manipulation for neck pain. Alternative therapies in health and medicine. November 2011

Glucose Metabolic Changes in the Brain and Muscles of Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain Treated by Spinal Manipulation Therapy. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Volume 2017

The post How to Beat Holiday Stress appeared first on Cranbourne Chiropractic Blog.

Bottom Line:

Traveling long distances on planes, trains, and automobiles is a common side-effect of the holidays, and the stress of all this holiday travel can be overwhelming. Lifting heavy suitcases, hopping in the car for a 13+ hour drive, or even getting the middle seat on an overbooked flight can lead to awkward neck positions and that all too familiar worn down feeling. It’s no surprise that many people experience increased neck pain and shoulder tension during the holidays, so what can you do about it besides turning into the Grinch and staying home? Well, new research tells us that you’ve made a smart decision in visiting our office for help.

Why it Matters:

No one should have to rely on dangerous medications to get through the holiday season. Even some of the most common over the counter medications have a laundry list of potentially harmful side effects. If you are experiencing neck pain and shoulder tension, Chiropractic care is a top alternative. Researchers have found that adjustments can drastically reduce neck pain, improve mobility,and reduce the overall levels of stress on our musculoskeletal system, which means you can feel better without having to reach for a bottle of pills.

• Chiropractic adjustments can reduce the stress response triggered by our nervous system.
• Reduced pain, improved rang eof motion, and fewer muscle spasms are often reported following Chiropractic care.

Next Steps:

For many of us, travel is a part of our yearly holiday tradition. As much as the trip can be hard on our bodies, it’s important to visit with friends and family. We want you to have the best holiday season possible, and if you plan on traveling this holiday season, let us know! We would love to show you a few simple stretches and exercises you can do to help you stay well between your adjustments. Give us a call or stop in today. Happy holidays!

Science Source:

Cerebral metabolic changes in men after chiropractic spinal manipulation for neck pain.Alternative therapies in health and medicine. November 2011

Glucose Metabolic Changes in the Brain and Muscles of Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain Treated by Spinal Manipulation Therapy. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Volume 2017

The post It’s the Holidays, Don’t Panic! appeared first on Cranbourne Chiropractic Blog.

Joining chiropractors from the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) in hosting ‘Giving Back’ Week, local chiropractor Dr Shaun Beovich asked patients to donate new, unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items or cash donations to the less fortunate in the community, in lieu of payment on Thursday 13th December.

The gifts collected were donated to the Cranbourne Salvation Army in time for Christmas to children and families in the local area, going through difficult times this festive season.

Dr Beovich would like to thank all those who donated in any manner, whether big or small. Your generosity has been felt by the community and has gone a long way in helping families this Christmas.

A community service from Cranbourne Chiropractic Centre.

The post Chiropractors Giving Back this Christmas appeared first on Cranbourne Chiropractic Blog.