A recent survey by the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) found that one in ten Australians claim their pain hindered their ability to play with their children; one in ten indicated impacts on intimate relationships; and one in 20 realised their persistent pain resulted in increased friction with their partner.

With statistics like these, it is important you are staying on top of your mobility and monitor any changes in your strength, balance and flexibility. This Mobility Month, try out these four simple exercises to discover how ‘mobile’ you are:

1. Neck Rotation: testing how far and evenly you can turn your neck on each side.
   1. Sitting down, keep your shoulders still and against a chair.
   1. Turn your head all the way to the left as if you were looking over your shoulder. How far around did you get?
   1. Repeat on the right. Was it even? Was it comfortable?
      
      
2. Trunk Side Bend: testing how far you can run your hand down each side of your body.
   1. Stand with your feet comfortably apart.
   1. Run a hand down the side of your leg so you side bend without leaning backwards or forwards.
   1. Repeat on the other side. Was it even and was it comfortable to do?
      
      
3. Sit-to-Stand: testing the ease at which you can rise from your chair with crossed arms.
   1. Sit in the middle of your chair. Cross your arms over your chest.
   1. Keeping your back straight and arms across your chest…
   1. Stand straight up and then sit back down. Did you do this easily or was it hard?
      
      
4. Single Leg Stance: testing how well you balance on each leg.
   1. In a safe environment free of trip hazards, stand upright with feet together and place hands on hips.
   1. Lift one foot off the ground. Do not allow your legs to touch. Time how long you can stand without moving.
   1. Repeat on opposite side. Are you able to stand on each leg for at least 40 seconds? (If under 60 years)

How was your flexibility, strength and balance? If you find that you are struggling with one of the exercises, not to worry. We at Cranbourne Chiropractic Centre are here to help.

For more information on Mobility Month, and to watch the test in action, visit mobilitymonth.org.au

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As part of the Australian Chiropractors Association’s Back to School campaign, Cranbourne Chiropractic Centre here in Cranbourne North is encouraging Aussie kids to adopt positive spinal health habits.

These habits include:

• Carrying a backpack correctly with both straps, adjusting it to the correct height and ensuring only the essentials are packed, with heavier items to the back of the bag to reduce weight.
• Maintaining good posture when sitting in a classroom by keeping their shoulders back and relaxed with both feet firmly on the floor.
• Trying to reduce recreation screen time to two-hours every day.
• Eating a balanced, healthy diet and staying hydrated, helping kits to keep kids active in the playground and alert in the classroom.
• Getting enough physical activity is key for a child’s wellbeing, so as a guide, kids should try and get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

Let’s help kids practise these positive spinal health habits this back to school season and all year round.

I welcome you to make an appointment for more advice and assistance on implementing these positive health habits into your child’s daily activity.

We are even able to assist with fitting your child’s backpack to suit their current level of development. Contact us at Cranbourne Chiropractic Centre to book your appointment.

For more information on these tips and the Back to School campaign, visit backtoschool.org.au  

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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

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Why it Matters:

Top researchers have found that specific movements of the spine, including the motion that happens during a chiropractic adjustment, can provide a multitude of benefits to your brain and nervous system. Adjustments activate the nerves that detect and sense motion. When those nerves are activated, it stops (or gates) the nerves that deliver pain signals. That is one of the reasons why adjustments provide pain relief. They literally “turn off” the pain sensors! Perhaps even more exciting is the emerging research that has shown adjustments can increase cortical drive. That’s a fancy way of saying researchers have found adjustments can make you stronger!  

– Your entire life is experienced through your central nervous system- every thought, memory, and action.  

– Movement of your spine can activate your central nervous system and brain

– Emerging research has shown chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain, improve function, and even increase strength!

Next Steps:

Chiropractic care has been helping people live their best life for over 100 years. Having a higher quality of life and feeling better (with less pain) are two of the most popular reasons why people seek chiropractic care. But new research into sports performance, strength, and how the adjustment can improve brain function have a lot of people excited. We would love to hear how chiropractic care has changed your life. Stop by the front desk and tell us your story today!

Science Source:

Mechanism of action of spinal manipulative therapy. Joint, Bone, Spine 2003. Neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulation. Spine Journal 2002.

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Multiple research studies have shown that chiropractic is considered one of the most safe and effective treatments to reduce pain from your neck, low back, and more. Even if you are suffering from spinal stenosis, disc herniations, or foraminal encroachment-chiropractic may be able to help.

2 REDUCE HEADACHES
The second health benefit of chiropractic care, especially important if you have struggled with chronic headaches. Researchers have discovered that chiropractic care can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

With over 20 million people suffering from headaches every day, this is a massive development in healthcare! The most common type of headaches includes; tension headaches and migraines. Tension headaches often include neck pain, muscle pain, and facial pain. Migraines are usually throbbing, can cause nausea and light sensitivity, and some even include an aura.

3 IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE
Many people don’t go to the doctor when they have pain. They go to the doctor when that pain interferes with their quality of life!

If you have a healthcare issue that is keeping you for enjoying your hobbies, hanging out with friends and family, and limit your ability to perform well at work- then you are likely going to start researching on Google and eventually call a doctor to get answers.

Fortunately, getting back to your active lifestyle, and improving your quality of life (or in science-speak, “functional ability”) is one proven benefits of chiropractic care.

4 REDUCED MEDICATION USE
Researchers have discovered that people who receive chiropractic care are 49% less likely to fill an opioid prescription. And, in my opinion, if we were able to reduce opioid use by nearly 50% just be helping people get well with chiropractic care- this world would be a different place!

Even what many people consider to be “safe” medications like NSAID’s contribute to over 100,000 hospitalizations, and over 3,000 deaths each year. Drugs should rarely be viewed as a first line treatment for spinal pain. Your body is designed to move and recover- so going to a doctor focused on movement and recovery seems like a good idea to not only reduce your medication use but to get the best results possible.

5 PERFORMANCE
Did you know that every major sports team in the USA has a chiropractor available to their athletes to help with injury prevention and sports performance?

That’s right, teams in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL all have chiropractors integrated into their healthcare team to keep their athletes performing at their top level all season long.

No one can perform their best when in pain, so chiropractors are used to keeping the athletes feeling good, but with a focus and eye towards sport-specific performance.

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Australians aged 65 and over make up 15% of the population and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that this will increase to 22% by 2065, putting additional strain on the government to provide care for older Australians.

3.7 million Australians reported back pain in 2015 alone. Back pain can have a damaging effect on a person’s quality of life by affecting their ability to participate at work, in social activities and sports.

So here at Cranbourne Chiropractic we are encouraging Australians to get Ready For Life by ensuring their posture is correct, they are living active lifestyles and seeking chiropractic care where necessary.

One way to help you be Ready for Life and improve your spinal health is to get a check-up from your local ACA chiropractor. Chiropractors can also be seen as a preventative healthcare option by offering advice and assistance in making appropriate lifestyle choices and therefore reducing the risk of spinal health issues arising in the first place.

Chiropractic care is not a one size fits all healthcare option. Chiropractors carefully assess each patient individually and tailor their care accordingly. By using a variety of non-surgical techniques, such as specific spinal adjustments, manual therapy and low-force intervention, chiropractors offer a drug-free, hands-on approach to spinal healthcare.

It is important to take preventative measures when it comes to spinal health and if you are experiencing pain, it is not advisable to ignore this. Get advice from your local ACA chiropractor as early as possible.

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Fibromyalgia is widely viewed as a pain syndrome with an unknown cause. Sufferers will tell you a common truth though: it can be debilitating, distressing, and it’s very, very real. Sadly, the issue of how to treat this pain syndrome is no more straight-forward than finding its cause. Cognitive behavioural therapy, low-dose anti-depressants and mild exercise are often prescribed but “there is no permanent change associated with this form of treatment [1].” This often leaves sufferers feeling frustrated at the apparent permanence of their predicament.

Cranbourne North chiropractor Dr Shaun Beovich shares a case study found on the Australian Spinal Research Foundation Blog. For specific advice and care, family chiropractor Dr Shaun Beovich is experienced in dealing with Fibromyalgia. Cranbourne Chiropractic Centre services the Cranbourne North, Berwick Springs, Clyde North, Narre Warren South and surrounding areas. Book online here or call 9581 2624.

Case Reports Offer Strong Indications that Chiropractic Care May Help

A recent case study and literature review posted in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation reveals some interesting observations on the matter. It reported on the structural and symptomatic improvements in a 40-year-old female who had suffered with the disorder for 8 years.

Hers is a demographic group that is no stranger to this disorder. It is said to affect between 2-5% of the population of the developed world. Interestingly, the vast majority of these sufferers are young to middle-aged women [2]. The symptoms of this diagnostic enigma include significant fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, cognitive disturbances and tenderness along with many other potential symptoms. Due to the fatigue elements of the disorder, many sufferers find themselves wearing a diagnostic label of ‘chronic fatigue syndrome’ though this fails to explain all their symptoms.

In the case study the patient’s symptoms included widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, depression and headaches. The researchers used an initial SF 36 questionnaire to measure health-related quality of life, as well as checking her for structural misalignments or subluxations. The latter revealed an anterior head translation, left lateral head flexion, and a lateral cervical translation of 32.7mm when the ideal is 0mm. Significant segmental misalignments were noted at C3-C4, C4-C5 and C5-C6.

On her self-reported quality of life questionnaire (the SF 36), the patient’s highest scores were in the areas of role limitations due to emotional problems or physical health (50.9 and 47 respectively). When it came to general health, energy/fatigue, pain and physical functioning, she reported scores as low as 16.6, 3, 0 and 0 respectively. This illustrates the degree to which this disorder had impacted her life.

She received 44 sessions of chiropractic care over the course of 5 months using a combination of mirror image exercises, adjustments and traction.

Following the intervention, the patient’s films revealed significant improvements in subluxations. Her 32.7mm lateral cervical translation had dropped to 15.4mm and significant improvements were noted from C3-C6, restoring a lordosis to a spinal region in which she previously suffered kyphosis.

The interesting part of the case report was the quality of life scores post-intervention. The patient’s energy score had risen from 16.6 to 35. Her general health score lifted from 3 to 38. Pain and physical function rose from 0 to 38 and 36.7 respectively.

Fedorchuk et al point out that there are a number of case reports that look at fibromyalgia and chiropractic care. Their literature review, written into the case report, included details of ten other studies on the topic. In all instances, chiropractic care was employed as part of the care, and improvements were noted.

RCT Shows Upper Cervical Manipulative Therapy is Beneficial

Fedorchuk’s work, and the case reports that fed into the literature review, jog the memory back to a piece of work that may have escaped the eyes of many a chiropractor. Emerging from Cairo University and appearing in the journal Rheumatology International, the randomized controlled trial looked at the addition of upper cervical manipulative therapy to a multimodal program in treatment of fibromyalgia [3].

The study, authored by researchers Ibrahim Moustafa and Aliaa Diab, took a sample of 120 people with fibromyalgia and definite C1-2 joint dysfunction. These were randomly assigned to either a control group or an experimental group. Both groups benefited from a multimodal program involving exercise, education and cognitive behavioural therapy, whilst the experimental group also received upper cervical manipulative therapy.

The education aspect of the program included information about “typical symptoms, the usual course, medical conditions, potential causes of the illness, the influence of psychosocial factors on pain, current pharmacologic and non-pharmacological treatments, the benefits of regular exercise, and the typical barriers to behavioural change [3].” There were 12 sessions, delivered once a week in 2-hour blocks over the course of the intervention period. The same was true for the cognitive behavioural therapy aspect of the study, which concentrated on a combination of components including “educational, physical, cognitive and behavioural elements [3].” The exercise component of the program centred on a variety of relaxation techniques and stretches. All participants in the study took part in these three aspects.

The upper cervical manipulative therapy administered to the experimental group came in the form of a HVLA thrust described below:

“With the patient in the supine position, the therapist contacted the left posterior arch of the atlas with the lateral aspect of the proximal phalanx of the left second finger using a “cradle hold.” To localize the forces to the left C1-2 articulation, the secondary levers of extension, posterior– anterior shift, ipsilateral side-bend, and contralateral side- shift were used. While maintaining the secondary levers, the therapist applied a single HVLA thrust manipulation to the left atlantoaxial joint using the combined thrusting primary levers of right rotation in an arc toward the under- side eye and translation toward the table. This process was repeated using the same procedure but directed to the right C1-2 articulation.”

Additionally, the experimental group underwent low-velocity cervical joint mobilization techniques as described in Maitland [5].

The researchers used a number of outcome measures to report on baseline data and results. Outcome measures were taken after the 12-week intervention, and at 6 months and 1 year post-intervention respectively. Among the outcome measures were:

• A fibromyalgia impact questionnaire
• Rasterstereographic posture analysis
• A pain catastrophizing scale
• Algometric score
• Sleep quality
• The Beck Anxiety Inventory
• The Beck Depression Inventory

This is where it gets interesting: the results didn’t differ significantly between groups at the 12-week mark. In fact, the fibromyalgia management outcomes indicated that both of the programs were equally successful. Both groups saw some level of improvement in their symptoms, and this supported a meta-analysis showing that multicomponent treatment was effective for improving key symptoms of fibromyalgia.

However, at the one-year follow-up from this, there were “statistically significant changes that indicated that the FMS management outcomes of the experimental group exhibited continued improvement and that the control subjects’ scores regressed back toward the baseline values (i.e., the scores worsened) [3].”

The study’s authors went on to remark that, “the normalization of the afferent input of the upper cervical spine seems to offer an explanation for these one-year improved outcomes in the experimental group.” There are a number of possible explanations for the difference witnessed at the one-year mark. Among them is the possibility that the long-term effects of poor or flexed posture, or continuous asymmetrical loading and muscle imbalance may have a role – a hypothesis supported by previous research [7, cited in 3].

For a randomised controlled trial, the sample size may appear small. Given 20 of 120 people dropped out of the one-year follow up, this could appear more limiting. However, the authors indicated that this still gave them enough data for a statistically relevant change. Though not without its limitations, the results of the Cairo [fibromyalgia] study left its authors confident enough to state their belief that the results of the study should be used to introduce new guidelines for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Although the intervention in the study was not directed specifically at subluxations, it does demonstrate the importance of a properly functioning nervous system.

How this changes the game

Up until the publication of the Cairo study, the most comprehensive literature on the matter was possibly the systemic review by Schneider et al, which was published in 2009. The lack of a comprehensive RCT left the authors of that study with the following evidence for the management of fibromyalgia: “Strong evidence supports aerobic exercise and cognitive behavioural therapy. Moderate evidence supports massage, muscle strength training, acupuncture, and spa therapy (balneotherapy). Limited evidence supports spinal manipulation, movement/body awareness, vitamins, herbs, and dietary modification [5].”

Later on, in 2011, another systemic review looked at complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Again, the lack of larger clinical trials left them with little evidence for spinal manipulation and other therapies like massage [6].

Moustafa and Diab’s work offers us the reliability of a clinical trial and, for the first time, statistically significant indications that the addition of upper cervical manipulative therapy can have a role. Although as with all things research-related cautious optimism is the order of the day, this study does offer a unique and valuable contribution to the evidence surrounding this condition.  We look forward to seeing further research of the impact of the subluxation on the health of those with fibromyalgia.

Read the full article at https://spinalresearch.com.au/fibromyalgia-case-study-shows-improvement-symptoms-cervical-alignments-quality-life/

References:

[1] Fedorchuk, C, Lightstone, D, Moser, J (2017), “Improvements in Symptoms, Cervical Alignment and Quality of Life in a 40-Year-Old Female with Fibromyalgia Following Chiropractic BioPhysics® Technigue: A Case Study and Selective Review of Literature,” Annals of Vertebral Subluxation

[2] Gumer, E, Littlejohn, G (2013), “Diagnostic Challenges, Fibromyalgia’ Australian Family Physician, Volume 42, No. 10, October 2013, pp 690-694, http://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2013/october/fibromylagia/

[3] Moustafa I, Diab A (2015), “The addition of upper cervical manipulative therapy in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial,” Journal Rheumatology International,  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00296-015-3248-7

[4] Maitland GD, Hengeveld E, Banks K et al (2000) Maitland’s vertebral manipulation, 6th edn. Butterworth, London

[5] Schneider M, Vernon H, Ko G, Lawson G and Perera, J (2009), “Chiropractic management of fibromyalgia syndrome: a systematic review of the literature,” JMPT Vol 32, Issue 1, January 2009, pp. 25-40, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.08.012

[6] Terhost L, Schneider M, Kim K Goozdich L and Stilley C (2011), “Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Treatment of Pain in Fibromyalgia: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials,” JMPT Vol 34, Issue 7, September 2011, pp. 483-496, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0161475411000959

[7] Mueller A, Hartmann M, Eich W (2000) Inanspruchnahme medizinischer Versorgungsleistungen. Untersuchung bei Patienten mit Fibromyalgiesyndrom (FMS) [Health care utiliza- tion in patients with bromyalgia syndrome (FMS)]. Schmerz 14:77–83 (German)

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24 years of chiropractic experience tells me though that the body often needs time to heal. We live in a fast paced society where we expect quick turnarounds in most things. We don’t like waiting. Unfortunately the body is one thing that can’t be rushed. Yes you can cover up the symptoms but true healing, true health takes time. The longer a problem has been there, the older you are, previous trauma, how fit you are, how much you sit, how stressed you are etc may all impact on the time taken to heal, especially when it comes to your spine.

So can I strongly recommend we work together. It starts with having realistic expectations on the time it takes to recover from your back or neck pain. Follow the advice given, do your stretches, ice/heat etc, get enough rest/sleep, keep moving as much as possible and keep your chiropractic appointments. Allow time for your body to recover, to heal. And as we get you out of pain we want to move towards a state of wellness. Where your spine, and in particular your nervous system is functioning to its peak.

If you are in pain now then give chiropractic a try. Family chiropractor Dr Shaun Beovich is experienced in dealing with many of your aches and pains. Cranbourne Chiropractic Centre services the Cranbourne North, Berwick Springs, Clyde North, Narre Warren South and surrounding areas. Book online here or call 9581 2624.

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Prevent back Pain – Love Your Spine. Every year, people from around the world come together on World Spine Day (an initiative of the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health) to raise awareness about spinal disorders and empower others to take charge of their spinal health.

Our increasingly sedentary lifestyle is having a profound negative impact on our health and especially our spines. Back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders are on the rise and Australians of all ages are suffering. The good news is that it is possible to prevent such spinal health issues without the need for drastic measures.

The theme for World Spine Day this year is ‘Love your Spine’, emphasising the importance of looking after your spine and taking steps to prevent spinal disorders. Regular physical activity, good posture, lifting safely, healthy working conditions and lifestyle adjustments can improve spinal health and overall wellbeing.

Staying active helps spinal tissues and muscles stay healthy and eases the pressure on the spine. Whether it’s walking, running, swimming or taking regular breaks from sitting, Australians are encouraged to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. Good posture also plays an integral role in optimal spinal health, as it allows the spine to be correctly aligned and reduces the amount of strain on the body.

Ways to ‘Love Your Spine’ this World Spine Day:

• Be mindful of your posture
• Practise responsible lifting
• Get moving and stay active
• Download the Straighten Up app

The Australian Chiropractors Association has developed the Straighten Up Australia app to help you stay active, improve your posture and enhance spinal health. The app has posture reminders, a daily exercise program, and other helpful resources to assist Australians in taking control of their health.

Most people underestimate the positive effects that simple lifestyle changes can have on spinal health. World Spine Day is a great opportunity to assess your activity levels, posture and other lifestyle choices, and make adjustments accordingly.

To book an appointment with us, https://www.cranbournechiro.com.au

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Here are some studies that show that sitting is not just bad for your back:

• British Journal of Sports Medicine – those who sit for prolonged periods have a higher risk of disease than those who move a muscle every now and then, such as walking up the stairs to grab a cup of coffee.
• American Cancer Society – if you exercise nearly every day, health benefits are undone if you spend the rest of your time sitting.
• University of Missouri – sitting shuts off the circulation of a fat-absorbing enzyme called lipase.
• American Journal of Epidemiology – sitting more than six hours a day, can make someone at least 18% more likely to die from diabetes, heart disease and obesity than those sitting less than three hours a day.
• Pennington Biomedical Research Center – 17,000 men and women over 13 years -people who sit for most of the day are 54% more likely to die of heart attacks.

But what about my back? Sitting for prolonged periods is definitely bad for your back and may lead to forward head posture, neck pain, headaches and low back pain. There are some strategies to use to combat the aches associated with prolonged sitting and alternatives to sitting like standing but more importantly MOVEMENT!

For more information on posture keep checking upcoming blogs or get a digital postural analysis at Cranbourne Chiropractic Centre. You can easily book online here or phone 9581 2624. Serving the Cranbourne North, Berwick Springs and Narre Warren South areas.

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